Snapchat has made plans to celebrate Black History Month which will include themed Spotlight challenges, new AR filters, and other measures to ensure representation for all across its features.
The platform will be launching a new set of Black History Month Spotlight Challenges, in which over $40,000 will be awarded to creators for participating in the event. These Black History Month challenges will be updated weekly throughout the month of February, and include several themes:
- February 1 – 7 – Share what #BlackExcellence means to you
- February 8 – 14 – Show us what a day in the life at your HBCU looks like with #LifeAtMyHBCU!
- February 15- 21 – Use a location tag for your favorite local #BlackOwnedBusiness and tell us why you support them!
- February 18-24 – Educate Spotlight on the most interesting #BlackHistoryMonthFacts
Snapchat is also launching themed Lenses created by Black artists:
“Today, Snapchatters can express themselves with a collection of augmented reality Lenses created by Black AR creators like Enoch, Masharzi McCann, Kathryn Hicks and more. On February 15, Snapchatters will be able to explore a new collection of Black History Month Lenses created by a group of seven Black AR creators.”
The themed Lenses will focus on three elements:
- Rare and untold stories – Sharing overlooked facts about the Black experience and history.
- Revisiting history and the promise of tomorrow – Recognizing how far we’ve come by spotlighting significant accomplishments and ideals for the future.
- Diaspora – Discussing Black history as it applies to the diaspora, celebrating our differences and coming together in shared lineage.
Lastly, Snapchat is teaming up with the Beauty in Inclusivity Association (BIIA) to analyze and optimize representation and diversity across the app.
“BIIA is a new brand auditing and certification system that will work with corporations as a training resource to develop actionable goals and standards for business leaders to better prioritize diversity and representation across all areas of the beauty business. Snapchat will host a dedicated profile for BIIA-curated content to amplify BIPOC and allied creator voices as they share their unique stories.”
Props to Snapchat for looking to contribute to the conversations surrounding Black History Month. Hopefully these themed concepts will be a good way to celebrate and engage within the app.
