Black History Month is over for another year, so what now?

Each year as Black History Month comes to a close, speculation inevitably arises that the fashion industry will return to its white-centric status quo, its conscience clear for another year. As comedian Chris Rock said in 2015, “Black History Month is in the shortest month of the year, and the coldest—just in case we want to have a parade.” In this case February’s brevity is unfortunate given the extent of the task, honoring the historical contributions of Black and Brown people to American culture and industry and promoting contemporary BIPOC-owned businesses. But the origins of Black History Month should be acknowledged.