Let’s retrace our steps to 2020, or 2021 if you were lucky. In those months following George Floyd’s murder, the world seemed to crack open. His death didn’t just spark protests; it ignited a global reckoning, with millions pouring into the streets to demand justice and an end to the systemic racism that has plagued Black lives for generations. Black Lives Matter became more than a movement; it became a rallying cry echoing across cities, continents, and screens. And amid this global unrest, something changed about Black History Month, too. For a brief moment, it felt like brands were genuinely committed to amplifying Black voices—our voices, stories, and experiences. Opportunities that once felt distant or impossible came pouring in. I was invited to speak on panels, create content, and write for major publications, all without the usual struggle of pitching or begging for a chance. But as the months, and years slipped by, that spark of interest began to fade, leaving me wondering if Black History Month was just another trend that had already lost its shine.