The Origins Of National Melanin Day
Founded by, Tahir Coleman Register October 1st 2019, National Melanin Day was created to celebrate Black skin, but also combat and bring awareness to colourism. In 2019, Tahir noticed a slew of National Days dedicated to all sorts of things. Much conversation, and subtle confrontation around what it means to be Black started to arise, and a solution was birthed. Instead of confusion, or random celebration of who we are, why not create a national day about it and let the entire country know how we feel about ourselves proudly and unapologetically?!
Many have stated, February, Black History Month, the shortest month of the year, is not enough, and not the only time we celebrate our history. So, Tahir strategically chose to place National Melanin day far enough, but close enough to February as a reminder that we are here all year! Fall is Tahir’s favorite time of year, and October is his favorite month, so Tahir chose October 1st of every year to be the day we let the nation, and the world know, we love every piece of us you claim to hate, but secretly love too.
Self-love in our community is a long process, and it starts with acknowledgement, so why not have a day to do just that?
National Melanin Day 2019-2020
The first year Tahir, through his company, TheBLACKMedia reach over 20,000 people with this idea. He planned a photoshoot and video shoot, and released images, positive reinforcements showing beauty through different shades of skin. In 2020, he did the same thing, but offered free photoshoots to over 30 people and had them post their images with the hashtag; #NationalMelaninDay to bring awareness about the day to others, and to show self love for each participant.
Even though the 2nd year not as many people were reached, it was still impactful. (see photos below)
How To Observe National Melanin Day
Every October 1st, post a photo or video of yourself via social media with the hashtag; #NationalMelaninDay and show off that beautiful Christ-like Skin! Share with your friends and family your “Melanin Journey” of self-love, and help bring awareness to colourism and how we can stop its negative effects on our community.
What Is Colourism?
Colourism is prejudice or discrimination against people with darker skin tones (darker than white) typically amongst the same ethnic or racial group brought on by racist white systems put in place to make People of Colour hate themselves.
To combat this, National Melanin Day will bring up topics, and talk openly about colourism, while also sharing and celebrating our skin. When you provide images of self love and beauty that goes against a white system of “standard beauty”, you can slowly eradicate that idea and help coming generations and present generations with self love.
