February is the month for love, Black history, and teen dating violence awareness. What if we brought all those elements together to take action for teens and Black lives? What if we really listened to young people and followed their lead?
We envision a world where all people can live and love freely without fear. As the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence said in October 2020 for Domestic Violence Action Month, “Now is the time to boldly pivot our work to dismantle white supremacy, to center the needs and experiences of Black survivors…and to engage in ‘conversations around what actually keeps us safe, what actually allows survivors and communities to heal and thrive, and what will actually end violence.’”
Uplifting the voices and needs of young people must be part of that work! February is Teen Dating Violence ACTION Month (TDVAM) and Black History Month. Let’s honor the legacies of Black women, support the leadership of Black-led organizations dedicated to ending violence and creating justice, and build a more loving and equitable world.
Throughout February, we’ll highlight youth activists who are showing the kind of fierce love for communities that it takes to end teen dating violence and oppression. And remember, you can always take action for healthy relationships by supporting friends and family, aspiring to love like this, and asking how’s your relationship?
Let’s follow their lead! #TDVAM #BlackHistoryMonth
Show all kinds of love. Let’s celebrate all kinds of love this month! Love for our sweeties, our besties, our aunties, our communities, the land, and of course, ourselves! Get in the mood and celebrate Black love with this playlist and send your friend or boo a valentine with our readymade valentines. Lift up the fierce love of these young activists by giving them a follow or donation and read about west-coast climate justice activism. Take ten minutes out of your day (right now if you can!) to rest and restore with community healing practitioner Rebeka Ndosi’s powerful Heart Breath Meditation.
Talk about it. Let’s uplift and amplify the voices of youth activists at loveisrespect.org. Their theme for TDVAM 2022 is Talk About It. Every young person has their own valuable and unique story. Talk About It is a call to action for young people and those who support them to engage in meaningful conversations about healthy relationships and navigate behaviors that may be unhealthy or even abusive. Follow love is respect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about what the love is respect Youth Council does!
Love our histories, take action for our futures. Let’s remember our history, celebrate our present, and take action for our future. Check out and share Movement for Black Lives’ Afrofuturist film that imagines a world where all Black people will be free and learn more about Black Futures Month. Look to Mutual Aid Books for inspiration on how to read with purpose and follow them on Instagram to see their youth activism take shape!
How will you take action this month? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! #TDVAM #BlackHistoryMonth