While you read about the myriad of ways Apple will be placing a spotlight on Black creators, talent, developers, entrepreneurs, and legends throughout Black History Month, I invite you to set the mood with the For Us, By Us playlist on Apple Music:
All About Apple + Black History Month:
Each year, through the REJI (Racial Equity and Justice Initiative), Apple supports organizations committed to providing economic, educational, and creative opportunities in communities of color.
Throughout February, Apple will amplify Black History, culture, and voices with exclusive, featured, and curated content on Apple Music (hopefully your jammin’ out to the playlist), Apple Books, Apple TV, Apple Maps, Apple Podcasts, The App Store, and Apple News.
Black Unity Collection
This year’s theme is inspired by the process of mosaic art and pays homage to the Pan-African flag by weaving together red, black, and green.
What do the colors represent? Red for the blood that unites the African Diaspora and was shed for their liberation, black for those whose existence is affirmed by the flag, and green for the vibrant natural wealth of Africa, the Motherland.
The Black Unity Mosaic designs are seen in the Unity Watch Sport Loop, Unity Mosaic Watch Face, and Unity wallpaper for iPhone Lock Screen.
Apple Maps
Curated by the Smithsonian, users can explore the map to learn more about events and landmarks that have shaped the struggle for Civil Rights over the years.
Apple TV App
One of the best ways to learn about people is through series and film. Dr. Jelani Cobb, dean of the Columbia University School of Journalism and a staff writer at The New Yorker curates “The Matter of Black Lives,” collection to illustrate a three-pillar theme of series and films—“Freedom in Black,” “Love in Spite Of,” and “The Mosaic.”
Apple Fitness+
Time to Walk—an audio experience for walkers led by inspiring people—features singing legend Patti LaBelle for it’s next episode. Time to Run—an audio running experience with playlists and coaches—features Fitness+ trainer Cory Wharton-Malcolm, who will take you on a run through South LA to a soundtrack of artists who helped put West Coast hip-hop on the map.
Apple News
Black-led newsrooms will shine in February on The Apple News App, featuring top journalists’ perspective and analysis. Expect curated content in the form of interviews, articles, and audio stories to amplify voices of Black America.
Apple Podcasts
You’ll see special podcasts recommendations curated by Black disruptors and visionaries, and Apple will spotlist podcasts that embody the omnipresence of Blackness—creators such as Bridget Todd, Bob the Drag Queen, Monét X Change, and Apple Music’s Ebro Darden.
The App Store
“Forging creative solutions for Black communities” is the intention behind the apps selection that will be highlighted in the app store—finanacial education apps (Goalsetter, Altro, and CapWay) and an award-winning app called Dot’s Home, which educates people about housing disparities.
In addition, many apps will be selected to celebrate 50 years of hip hop culture through video, audio, and other educational resources.
Apple Books
The Read More Black Authors collection, connects readers and listeners with books and audiobooks across different genres to gain to different perspective and points of view through storytelling.
Summary
We hope you all the great Black History Month content Apple has to offer in 2023. Please leave a comment to tell us about your favorite show, podcast, article, or song.
