Celebrating Black Love Day!

Every year on February 13th, communities across the United States observe Black Love Day—a powerful, intentional celebration of love that goes far beyond romantic expression. Created in 1993 by Ayo Handy-Kendi, affectionately known as “Mama Ayo,” this day emerges from a deep yearning for peace, self-worth, unity, and resilience within the Black community.

The origin of Black Love Day is rooted in a deeply personal and spiritual moment. After learning of Malcolm X's tragic murder at the hands of other African Americans, Handy-Kendi was moved by a vision to counter violence and internal strife with a greater force: love. On a bus ride home, she felt compelled by what she later described as a message from the Creator calling for more Black love. The result was the first Black Love Day in Washington, D.C. in February 1993. The founding principle was simple yet profound—dedicate 24 hours to love in action: forgiving others and ourselves, broadening our capacity for compassion, and reaffirming the dignity of Black lives.

While many might think of Black Love Day as analogous to Valentine’s Day, its focus is much broader. It centers holistic love: for the Creator, for self, for family, for community, and for Black people as a whole. These are known as the five tenets of Black Love Day—pillars that ground the celebration in identity, culture, and collective flourishing.

Black Love Day isn’t just a date—it’s a lived practice. Here are ways people observe it:

• Atone and forgive. Use the day as a chance to reconcile past hurts and offer forgiveness.

• Practice radical self-love. Affirm your own worth beyond societal expectations or stereotypes.

• Cultivate community care. Reach out to family, neighbors, and community members with acts of kindness and presence.

• Embrace cultural symbols. Some participants use the akoma (a heart symbol in West African traditions) and greet one another with “Nya Akoma,” meaning “get a heart” or “be patient.”

• Raise awareness and connection online. The hashtag #BlackLoveDay amplifies stories of love, resilience, and community care on social platforms.

At its core, Black Love Day is a reminder that love is not just an emotion—it’s a transformative force. It calls people to act with intentional care, challenge internalized oppression, heal from trauma, and strengthen cultural ties. This echoes through the observance of atonement and reconciliation as much as through celebration and affirmation.

While Black Love Day centers on the power of love within and across Black lives, AMPLIFY! works year-round to uplift Black communities through wellness, empowerment, and collective care. AMPLIFY!—The African American Coordinating Center (AACC)—focuses on culturally relevant support, leadership development, community engagement, capacity building, and health advocacy to foster physical, mental, and spiritual wellness across Black communities in California.

Both Black Love Day and AMPLIFY! share a foundation in love as action:

• Collective care over individualism. Black Love Day emphasizes community love and shared healing. AMPLIFY! works to strengthen communities through resources, support networks, and programs that empower people to thrive.

• Health and wellness as liberation. Black Love Day encourages self-love and spiritual wellness. AMPLIFY! tackles physical and mental health disparities—especially those stemming from tobacco use—so Black lives can flourish.

• Cultural affirmation and empowerment. Both movements push back against narratives that diminish Black worth by uplifting culture, history, and self-determination.

By combining the intentional love of Black Love Day with the dedicated community support of AMPLIFY!, we see a fuller picture of what collective healing and empowerment look like—where love inspires action, and action builds healthier, stronger, and more connected communities.