It began on Tumblr and spilled over onto Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and beyond: #BlackOutDay, a day to showcase black beauty in all of its manifestations.
T’von came up with the concept in an effort to showcase a non-European standard of beauty. “Black History Month is always excellent, but one month isn’t enough to celebrate our heritage and our beauty,” he wrote on his Tumblr, expect-the-greatest. “No matter what your skin tone is, you’re beautiful.”
#BlackOutDay co-creator nukirk created promotional materials to help spread awareness:
http://whatwhiteswillneverknow.com/post/112640373232/official-blackoutday-masterpost-welcome-this-is
T’von, who is hoping to make #BlackOutDay a monthly event, has been reposting selfies and GIFs all day. By Friday afternoon, #BlackOutDay had jumped to the top of Twitter’s trending topics in the United States, with participants posting countless images.
#BlackOutDay LOVE THE SKIN IM IN pic.twitter.com/y7W9b44Cvv
— Kayla Reed (@iKaylaReed) March 6, 2015
It took me a LONG time to actually love myself. Never apologize for your selfies and good lighting. #BlackOutDay pic.twitter.com/kEMXLOGnbE
— ✨Super Sailor D.J.✨ (@OhHeyDJ) March 6, 2015
#BlackOutDay my girls are Black Excellence pic.twitter.com/iLJ65rpIOP
— Bitch, I’m me. (@blackgirl3000) March 6, 2015
#BlackOutDay Black Is Beautiful! pic.twitter.com/Ga0b2yMFWT
— RJ Free (@IAmRJFree) March 6, 2015
Tweeters also wrote about what the day meant to them and why it was important.
Why do we need #BlackOutDay? When I typed in 'Beautiful women' this is what I got. Most women are not White. pic.twitter.com/STAflDkyAf
— Bougie Black Girl (@BougieBlackGurl) March 6, 2015