Apple to Spotlight Black Voices During Black History Month

Photo Courtesy Apple

It is nearly that time of year again when corporate America momentarily does anything within its power to align itself with Black interest and causes. 

Black History Month is on the horizon, so it should come as no surprise that the most valuable company in the world is ready to ramp up its cultural diversity this February.

What does the first company to reach a $3 trillion market value valuation have in mind to put a spotlight on Black voices?

Well, the house that Steve Jobs built announced it is celebrating Black History Month with the release of a special edition Apple Watch Black Unity Braided Solo Loop and matching Unity Lights watch face inspired by Afrofuturism.

A release accompanying the announcement by Apple describes how the project came to fruition and what it represents in the company’s eyes to the Black community.

Designed by members and allies of the Black creative community at Apple to celebrate Black history and culture, the Apple Watch Black Unity Braided Solo Loop and matching Unity Lights watch face honors generations of Black people across the African diaspora. This design symbolizes a communal belief in the necessity for a more equitable world. The vibrant red and green colors of the Pan-African flag appear like speckled light across the black band.

That’s a lot of pressure for a $99 phone accessory for one of the most expensive phones on the market and a downloadable watch fact. Fortunately for Apple, it is not the only initiative the company is taking to spotlight Black history. 

The company says it will be “amplifying Black voices with a variety of exclusive content and curated collections” throughout February. This includes special episodes of “The Message” podcast on Apple Music 1 discussing the contributions of Black creators, whatever “workouts that honor Black History Month” are on Apple Fitness+ and much more. 

Read the full press release here to discover everything Apple has in store for Black History Month.

If you want to get a head start on the celebration and have an Apple watch or like to collect bands, the Black Unity Braided Solo Loop is available now on Apple's website.