7 Unconventional Holidays Black People Can Celebrate Throughout the Year
They say today is a holiday... *shrug* Ok?
But since most a lot of us don’t rock with Columbus Day or days commemorating people, organizations, or events that have historically been harmful to Black people, I thought it’d be a good idea to highlight some alternative dates to consider. Beyond historical observances, there are several lighthearted, cultural, and joy-focused novelty holidays that celebrate Black culture, entrepreneurship, and empowerment.
Here are 7 fun and engaging national days tailored to Black culture:
National Black Girl Magic Day
Date: February 15
Began:
Vibe: Fun and empowering
Origin: Founded by Tanika Salmon and popularized across social media to empower and inspire girls ages 2-15 with confidence, creativity, and community. Black Girl Magic is a concept and movement that was popularized by CaShawn Thompson in 2013. The concept was born as a way to “celebrate the beauty, power and resilience of black women”, as described by Julee Wilson from HuffPost, and to congratulate black women on their accomplishments. National Black Girl Magic Day celebrates this concept.
How to Celebrate:
Host a Black Girl Magic inspired event for girls/young ladies in your community
Mothers, bring your daughters to work.
Volunteer and support local organizations centering Black girls.
Send a surprise cash gift to magical Black girls in your life.
National Soul Food Month
Date: All of June
Began: 2001
Vibe: Festive & Culinary
Origin: Established in 2001 by culinary consultant Charla Draper to celebrate the history, traditions, and recipes of Black American soul food, from collards and cornbread to mac and cheese, and everything soulful in between.
How to Celebrate:
Gather loved ones to prepare, share, and document generations-old family recipes, from classic fried chicken and macaroni and cheese to slow-cooked collard greens.
Make a conscious effort to dine out or order takeout from local, independent, Black-owned soul food restaurants and diners all month long.
Read cookbooks or watch documentaries exploring the deep West African, Indigenous, and Southern roots that shaped traditional soul food cuisine.
Hip Hop Day
Date: August 11
Began: 1973
Vibe: Party and music culture
Origin: Commemorates when DJ Kool Herc and his sister Cindy Campbell hosted a back-to-school block party in the Bronx, NY, widely recognized as the birthplace of hip-hop culture.
How to Celebrate:
Build and share a music playlist that traces hip-hop history from 1973 block parties through 90s golden-era classics to modern trap and regional anthems.
Attend a local breakdancing showcase, live DJ set, or poetry/spoken word open mic night that honors the foundational elements of hip-hop.
Stream a documentary chronicling the pioneers, fashion, and cultural global impact of the hip-hop movement.
National Black Family Business Day
Date: August 26
Began: 2022
Vibe: Entrepreneurial and community
Origin: Founded by entrepreneur Dana Frank to recognize and support Black family-owned enterprises, restaurants, and local neighborhood businesses during Black Business Month.
How to Celebrate:
Audit your regular shopping habits and commit to swapping out at least three everyday household purchases for items from Black family-owned brands.
Share shoutouts, reviews, and photos of your favorite local Black-owned family businesses online to help drive traffic and visibility.
Visit local Black business pop-up markets, trade expos, or community fairs to network and buy directly from entrepreneurs.
Afro Day (World Afro Day)
Date: September 15
Began: 2017
Vibe: Pride and self-expression
Origin: Founded in 2017 by Michelle De Leon. Endorsed internationally to celebrate natural hair, afro textures, and hair identity while building confidence in Black youth worldwide.
How to Celebrate:
Gather with friends or family to share styling tips, favorite moisture products, and techniques for embracing coils, locs, twists, and afros.
Buy products from independent, Black-owned hair care lines that formulate specifically for natural textures.
Read books or watch films celebrating natural hair with children to build early confidence and positive self-image.
National HBCU Week
Date: Mid-September - varies annually
Began: 1980
Vibe: Spirited and collegiate
Origin: Designated federally under President Jimmy Carter to honor Historically Black Colleges and Universities, celebrated with homecomings, battle-of-the-bands, and alumni pride.
How to Celebrate:
Wear apparel, hats, or hoodies representing your favorite Historically Black Colleges and Universities, whether you are an alumnus or an ally.
Contribute to an HBCU endowment fund, student emergency fund, or local alumni chapter scholarship drive.
Go out to support a local HBCU athletic event, watch a high-energy Battle of the Bands, or stream a classic homecoming game.
National Crown Day
Date: July 3
Began: 2019
Vibe: Fun & empowering
Origin: Created to mark the passage of the inaugural CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) in California on July 3, 2019. It celebrates natural Black hair textures, braids, locs, and twists while advocating against hair discrimination in schools and workplaces.
How to Celebrate:
Style your natural hair, braids, locs, or twists proudly and share your look or journey using related community tags.
Take time to read about the legislative progress of the CROWN Act and share updates with your network to advocate against hair discrimination.
Treat yourself to a deep conditioning wash day or visit a professional natural hair stylist to celebrate the health and versatility of your hair.
Whether you are looking to level up your next family gathering, honor rich cultural traditions, or simply celebrate community joy, keeping these connections alive brings people together all year round. Embrace these moments of reflection and festivity to deepen your appreciation for Black history and culture. Keep the good energy flowing long after the calendar page turns by sharing laughter, pride, and unforgettable experiences with the people you love.
Download the limited issue companion, Unconventional Holidays Tracker, to keep up on upcoming dates to celebrate and use code PRNTPROMO for a surprise discount.
Ready to bring even more fun and friendly competition to your next get-together? Head over to our Parlor to get yourself a copy of Hillman the Game, and celebrate collegiate nostalgia and legacy at your next game night!
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