29 Days of Blackness
Images of Black beauty, Black strength, and Black greatness.

This series was created by designer Matthew Green (marsxdesign) in celebration of Black History Month, February 2020.

One. “February One”
————————————————
On February 1, 1960, in Greensboro, North Carolina, four students from North Carolina A&T State University sat down at the lunch counter inside the Woolworth store. They asked to be served and when they were denied service, they didn’t leave. They repeated the action the next day and the next, bringing more students with them each day. This act of protest became the most influential and significant sit-in of the civil rights movement, kicking off a series of nationwide protests. February One illustrates the Greensboro 4 and the chairs the students sat in.

Two. “I Am a Man”
——————————————————-
“I AM A MAN” was a saying depicted on posters during the Memphis Sanitation Strike in 1968, when workers protested terrible working conditions and low wages. The sanitation strike was also the reason for Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence in Memphis, where he was assassinated.
“I Am a Man” is a declaration of civil rights, often used as a personal statement and as a declaration of independence against oppression.

Three. “All the Power”
——————————————————-
This image depicts some members of the Black Panthers Party during protest.
Dr. Huey P. Newton (February 17, 1942 – August 22, 1989), co-founder and leader of the Black Panther Party, wrote in his autobiography:
As far as I am concerned, if men are responsible beings, they ought to be responsible to each other. And so, when we say ‘All Power to the People,’ we mean to convey a sense of deep respect and love for the people, and the idea that the people deserve complete truth and honesty. The judgment of history is the judgment of the people. That is the motivating and controlling idea of our very existence.” (Revolutionary Suicide, Chapter 22)
“All The Power to the People” became a phrase commonly associated with the Panthers and seen often on graphics and protest signs.

Four. “Historic”
———————————————————
This ode to the history of marching bands at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) pictures a drum major from North Carolina A&T State University’s Blue and Gold Marching Machine. HBCUs are a cornerstone of Black culture and play an integral part in the development of Black young adults. From the Union to the halftime marching band performances, they offer students a unique experience they couldn’t have elsewhere. Matthew, a graduate of North Carolina A&T, shouts out the Aggies and describes how “homecoming actually feels like you are coming home.”

Five. “Iconic”
———————————————————
This graphic features Kobe Bryant (August 23, 1978 – January 26, 2020), a beloved American basketball player with the Los Angeles Lakers. Nicknamed “Black Mamba,” his talent, hard work, philanthropy, and “Mamba Mentality” inspired many. His tragic death in a helicopter accident, which also killed his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others, was felt across the country and the world. He will continue to leave an impression on all that come after him. In Matthew’s tribute he writes:
“Widely known and acknowledged, especially for distinctive excellence” is Merriam-Webster’s definition for “iconic”. I would just put the name “Kobe Bryant”. Kids will learn about you in more than one history book for years and years. Thank you for sharing your greatness with us. Rest in Power Kobe and Gigi. RIPMAMBA.

Six. “Authentic”
——————————————————-
This graphic features Lena Waithe, an actress, writer, and producer, and one of the most promising talents in the entertainment industry. Uniquely herself and unapologetically Black, Lena Waithe is a trailblazer for our generation, creating spaces for LGBTQ+ and Black communities in the industry. She continues to level up on each project she works on while also putting more and more of her peers and up-and-coming Black talent on the big screen. For Matthew, she inspires the goal to “Be true to yourself and flourish.”

Seven. “Black Fridays”
———————————————————
In 2019, Matthew started a “Black Fridays” series on Instagram to promote Black-owned businesses and artists. The goal was to encourage people to buy from Black-owned businesses on Fridays. This particular illustration highlights Orijin Culture, which makes luxury leather bags and accessories in the shape of Africa. Orijin Culture describes itself as “a unique fashion brand + magazine inspiring our modern LifeSTYLE through African Inspired culture...”

Eight. “Cam”
——————————————————-
Also inspired by the “Black Fridays” series, this graphic highlights one of Matthew’s favorite brands, Tradition Ever Since. It depicts the moment when Cam Newton, NFL quarterback for the New England Patriots, was photographed wearing Howard University shorts made by this HBCU apparel brand. Tradition describes itself as a collegiate and lifestyle brand that “strives to awaken and strengthen a sense of pride by carefully designing tailor-made apparel that evokes the richness and uniqueness of each college's history.” Through its licensing agreements, it provides a portion of proceeds from every sale to the specific college or university represented.

Nine. “SPGBK”
———————————————————
Also inspired by the “Black Fridays” series, this graphic highlights Springbreak Watches, a Black-owned business created by a fellow Aggie. SPGBK describes itself as “the world’s most creative and culturally-inspired watch company, inspired by diversity, inclusion, and unprecedented consumer loyalty.” Their bold watches aim to be more affordable, more sustainable, and more ethically inspired.

Ten. “Kings”
———————————————————
Kings remembered in time. The two men depicted—Bahamian-American actor Sidney Poitier and Jamaican-American singer, songwriter, and actor Harry Belafonte—helped redefine the role of Black actors at a time when Black leads were nonexistent. Each winning multiple awards, they not only helped pave the way for many Black actors after them but also played significant roles during the civil rights movement.

Eleven. “Queen”
———————————————————
Activist, academic, author, and philosopher, Dr. Angela Davis is the epitome of a Black Queen. Fearless and iconic in every right, she is a powerful figure. As a civil rights activist, author of nine books, and lecturer and professor, she continues to inspire those fighting for social and racial justice today.

Twelve. “Ali”
———————————————————
This image celebrates Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016), one of the greatest boxers of all time and most renowned sports figures of the 20th century. A three-time world heavyweight boxing champion and Olympic gold medalist, he was also an influential activist and philanthropist.
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
– Muhammad Ali

Thirteen. “Black Love”
———————————————————
This particular series, under the theme “Black Love,” pays homage to Black love in the entertainment industry. The illustration plays on the cover art of the classic film "Love & Basketball.”

Fourteen. “Computer Love”
———————————————————
Another under the theme of “Black Love,” this illustration is a depiction of the 1985 classic song “Computer Love” by Zapp & Roger.
Shooby doo bop shoo doo bop I want to love you
Shooby doo bop my computer love.
- Zapp & Roger 1985

Fifteen. “Nip & Lauren”
———————————————————
Another under the theme of “Black Love,” this illustration was inspired by the February 2019 issue of GQ magazine that featured Nipsey Hussle and Lauren London. Nipsey Hussle (born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, August 15, 1985 – March 31, 2019) was a Grammy Award-winning rapper, activist, and entrepreneur. He also dedicated himself to initiatives supporting youth and the Black community, especially in South Los Angeles, where he grew up. He married actress Lauren London in 2013.

Sixteen. “Black Lives Matter”
———————————————————
This series, under the theme “Black Lives Matter,” takes its reference picture from Devin Allen’s photo book, A Beautiful Ghetto. Published in 2017, the book is a collection of 100 black-and-white photos from the Baltimore Black Lives Matter protests for Freddie Gray. Reflecting on the image, Matthew writes, “It’s crazy how it’s 2020 and it still feels like we are walking around with targets on our heads.”

Seventeen. “Rumors of War”
———————————————————
Another under the theme of “Black Lives Matter,” this image depicts the Rumors of War statue by Kehinde Wiley. According to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), Rumors of War is a “a direct response to the Confederate statues that line Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia. Wiley conceived the idea for Rumors of War when he visited the city in 2016 […] Rumors of War takes its inspiration from the statue of Confederate Army General James Ewell Brown “J.E.B.” Stuart created by Frederick Moynihan in 1907. As with the original sculpture, the rider strikes a heroic pose while sitting upon a muscular horse. However, in Wiley’s sculpture, the figure is a young African American dressed in urban streetwear. Proudly mounted on its large stone pedestal, the bronze sculpture commemorates African American youth lost to the social and political battles being waged throughout our nation.” Matthew writes, “Take down the damn Confederate statues!”

Eighteen. “Kap”
———————————————————
Another under the theme of “Black Lives Matter,” this image depicts Colin Kaepernick in the simple act of protest that made him a face of the modern civil rights movement. In 2016, while a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, he sought to draw attention to the oppression of Black people and people of color in the United States. First sitting and then kneeling during the pre-game playing of the U.S. national anthem, his actions spurred a national conversation and broader movement protesting police brutality and racial inequality.
Although Kaepernick’s actions were harshly criticized by many people of opposing beliefs and negatively affected his NFL career, he refused to back down. Matthew notes that police brutality against Black people and broader systemic racism remain entirely relevant and hugely problematic in America in 2020. He writes, “I’m with Kap. Believe in something.”

Nineteen. “Black in Plants”
———————————————————
Falling under the theme “Creating Spaces for Black culture,” this image is of Hilton Carter—plant stylist, plant doctor, father earth, interior designer, and overall plant guy. The piece was inspired by a Hulu Black creator series called “Your Attention Please”.
Matthew has followed Hilton for a few years and even made a trip to his home jungle by the falls in Baltimore. He writes, “This is for all the young people out here inserting Black faces into different spaces and making it dope. We are out here watching and continually inspired to do the same.” He also credits Hulu for the amazing job they did highlighting and creating content for Black History Month.

Twenty. “Run Dem”
———————————————————
Another under the theme “Creating Spaces for Black culture,” this graphic depicts Charlie Dark, a visionary, mentor, founder of Run Dem Crew, yoga instructor, DJ, and so much more. Charlie Dark has changed the lives of many in London and around the world. He has created spaces for Black people and people of color in the running community with Run Dem Crew and now in the yoga space as a global ambassador with Lululemon. Matthew, himself a co-founder of the run crew District Running Collective in Washington, D.C., writes, “Keep the people moving, Charlie.”

Twenty-one. “Insecure”
——————————————————-
Another under the theme “Creating Spaces for Black culture,” this image is of Issa Rae, an actress, writer, and producer. Issa Rae is creating spaces for Black people on the big and small screens, proving that the every-day Black experience is something people want to watch and that will sell out movie theaters. Matthew writes, “We are all grateful for her work and vision.”

Twenty-two. “Childish”
——————————————————-
Donald Glover, known by his stage name “Childish Gambino,” is an actor, comedian, songwriter, writer, producer, director, rapper, and DJ. He is a multidimensional artist and is not afraid to switch up his work and take big risks. Matthew writes, “He is one of our generation’s gems in how he tells Black stories.”

Twenty-three. “Do the Right Thing”
———————————————————
This illustration features Spike Lee from his 1989 hit movie, Do The Right Thing. This Spike Lee Joint is a classic that sheds light on the problems of police brutality and racial injustice. Set in a Brooklyn neighborhood on one hot day, it depicts racial tensions coming to a head when a Black character is killed by police. Spike Lee is an award-winning film director, producer, screenwriter, actor, and professor celebrated for his powerful films dealing with controversial social and political issues.

Twenty-four. “Monáe”
———————————————————
Janelle Monáe is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, and producer. In Matthew’s words, she is “a multidimensional artist paving the way on her own terms. Janelle continues to push her artistry to the next level on everything she touches—and is the queen of putting up-and-coming artists on the scene.”

Twenty-five. “KDot”
———————————————————
This illustration features Kendrick Lamar, one of the most influential artists and greatest rappers of our generation. An award-winning rapper, songwriter, and producer from Compton, California, Matthew credits him for never being afraid to experiment with the sound of his music and for putting on for his city as much as possible.

Twenty-six. “X”
———————————————————
This illustration features Malcom X (born Malcolm Little, May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965), a minister and radical activist for human and civil rights and racial justice. Both controversial and widely celebrated, he was one of the most influential activists of his time and continues to be a source of inspiration to leaders fighting for the civil rights of Black people today.
“By any means necessary.” – Malcom X

Twenty-seven. “O”
———————————————————
This graphic depicts Oprah Winfrey, a billionaire talk show host, actress, television producer, media executive, and philanthropist. She is best known for her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, which was the highest-rated TV program of its kind in history, running for 25 years from 1986-2011. A universally recognized icon, Matthew simply writes, “It’s Oprah. Need I say more? Thank you for showing us what’s possible.”

Twenty-eight. “Black is Beautiful”
———————————————————
Kings and Queens. Africa. In Matthew’s words, “Blackness is the epitome of dopeness and beauty. Those of us from the African Diaspora must continue to know the essence of where we come from and the beauty of the continent. Though some of us may not know our historical ties, we do know in our soul and our melanin where we come from.”

Twenty-nine. “The Big Picture”
———————————————————
This is the last of the “29 Days of Blackness” series. It is a collage piece of every image in the series. 29 Days of Blackness—complete.