Number 1: SOUL DAY
Observed every year on March 21β22, Soul Day is when Black America gathers to remember its ancestors and celebrate the continuity of the spirit through light and rhythm.
It belongs to Black Americans.
We will mark the night with glowing paint, candles, body art, etc to symbolize the ancestral presence. It is observed by having a cookout and leaving one plate empty and an empty glass for those who came before.
During the day, one will wear neutral colored cloths that will have the glow designs so at night the souls come to life. Thereβs spirals, circles, lines etc that represent the ancestors.
Groups/Fanilies will form what is called Soul Circles and Souls Trains. The Soul Circle is the unit holding hands putting the youngest members (including pregnant women and even family pets) of the family in the middle of the circles and the oldest members leading the unit in prayer. The youngest member will then release a single Soul Ballon (or bubbles) (along confetti fireworks etc) with into the air. The Soul Circle then turns into a Soul Train where the oldest members lead and the youngest follow. Music and celebration is performed. Thereβs a call and response element as one screams βWHO STILL SHINES?β And the collective response is βWE STILO SHINE!β The oldest member and the youngest then share from the Soul Plate and drink water from the Soul Cup
More details on the We Remember Document.
Number 2: PANTHERβS DAY
Held on February 17, Pantherβs Day honors the spirit of protection, self-discipline, and organized strength that has safeguarded Black life from the civil rights era to the present. It is observed by those who see defense, vigilance, and love of the people as sacred duties.
Communities wear all black to express unity and power and it is suggested to open the day with affirmations. One can dress up with panther ears or not but it is observed to wear three panther claw marks on oneβs face. One is encouraged to exchange gifts that symbolize wisdom or knowledge. Letters and small sayings. As evening falls, candles are lit for those who fought for our freedom.
The Panther Roar is played at 7pm to symbolize our power itβs where BAs raise their fist in silence.
These are other suggestions.
Number 3: BLACK AMERICA NATIONAL COOKOUT REUNION
Each summer, on the last weekend of the Summer, Black America turns an ordinary weekend into a national reunion, where families and friends gather at parks, homes, and community spaces to eat, laugh, and remember. Before eating, families raise a toast to their ancestors and future descendants, repeating the dayβs refrain: βOne table, one people.β Parades and parties are suggested to celebrate BA heritage culture lineage etc
Turning the metaphorical cookout to a community cookout
Number 4: BLACK LOVE DAY
βAll Ways, Always.β
Celebrated on April 4th, Black Love Day centers on love as action rather than display. It is a day for couples, families, and individuals to express affection through service, art, and sincerity instead of consumerism.
People write letters, exchange affirmations, cook for one another, or create art that honors care, loyalty, and growth. Itβs a day to express and celebrate Black Love in every form. Your Black Love Matters
