Celebrating Black History All Year Round: Alamy’s Black History Campaign 

In honour of Black History Month in October, we want to introduce our enduring campaign, ‘Celebrating Black History All Year Round: Alamy’s Black History Campaign.‘ This initiative represents a commitment that extends beyond a single month, embarking on a year-round journey of celebrating and showcasing Black content, contributors, creators, and storytelling. Through captivating archival storytelling, inspiring NSE moments, and more, we aim to make a meaningful impact in 2023/24 by highlighting and amplifying the voices and talents of the Black community. This initiative aligns with our mission for equity, diversity, and inclusion, sending a powerful message of genuine support.  

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Stocktrek Images, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo

2KCD8CJ // A procession of Black women and men carrying signs for equal rights, 1963 // Stocktrek Images, Inc

Alamy’s Commitment to ‘Saluting Our Sisters’ in Black History Month 2023

At Alamy, we proudly champion the theme ‘Saluting Our Sisters’ in Black History Month 2023 as part of the #WEMATTER movement. This theme serves as a poignant reminder of the historical injustices that Black women have endured, their invaluable but often overlooked contributions, and the need to rectify this erasure. Our commitment to this theme goes beyond words; it’s embedded in our campaign, ‘Celebrating Black History All Year Round: Alamy’s Black History Campaign.’

Through our campaign, we are dedicated to highlighting the incredible resilience and achievements of Black women across history, celebrating their indelible marks, pioneering spirit, and sacrifices made. We believe in creating a platform that actively promotes inclusivity and diversity. We actively seek, feature, and celebrate the content created by Black women, including photographers and content creators, enabling them to share their stories, insights, and thoughts with passion and eloquence, much like the celebrated contributors in the Black History Month magazine.

Recognising the various challenges faced by Black women, from healthcare disparities to workplace bias, we are committed to raising awareness around these issues. In doing so, we strive to foster a deeper understanding of the multifaceted experiences and struggles that Black women navigate.

Introducing our ‘Saluting Our Sisters’ Lightbox: a tribute to the strength, resilience, and indomitable spirit of Black women. We proudly present a collection that shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions and accomplishments of Black women throughout history. From trailblazing activists and groundbreaking artists to powerful leaders and everyday heroes, this carefully curated selection of images and photographs is a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on our world.

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GL Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

PGHCAW // Bessie Coleman (1892 – 1926) American civil aviator, the first woman of African-American descent and the first of Native American descent, to hold a pilot license // GL Archive

Archival Storytelling: Unveiling a Tapestry of Heritage 

Our campaign begins by delving into the rich tapestry of Black history through compelling archival storytelling. We will explore various facets of this heritage, including profiles of influential Black figures, the majestic African kingdoms and empires, the somber history of slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the resilience of the Civil Rights Movement, the dispersion and cultural influence of the African Diaspora, the profound connection between Black history, art, and photography, and the powerful contributions of Black women. We will also celebrate the innovations and inventions born from the Black community and the enduring influence of Black history in music, sports, education, film, and television. 

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Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

2RFP6TE //  Vigil to memorialise O'Shae Sibley on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York // Associated Press

Inspiring Editorial Moments: Celebrating Resilience and Achievement 

As an integral part of our campaign, we are committed to shining a radiant spotlight on the myriad of inspiring news, sports, and entertainment moments involving Black individuals from every corner of the globe. Our aim is to celebrate the remarkable achievements, resilience, and creativity of Black people worldwide. From breakthroughs in various fields to outstanding sporting achievements and awe-inspiring moments in entertainment, we will share stories that illuminate the profound impact Black individuals have had on our world. Through these narratives, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse talents and contributions that continue to enrich our global society every day. 

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Andrew Shurtleff / Alamy Stock Photo

BY0CYW // Andrew Shurtleff

Marketing Campaign Advice: Empowering Authentic Content 

We are dedicated to fostering a sense of true inclusion and authenticity among our creative audiences. To empower individuals and organisations embarking on their own Black History Campaigns, we offer a series of marketing tips and advice tailored to this purpose. Through these insights, we aim to equip our creative community with the tools to celebrate Black history authentically and meaningfully. By amplifying their voices and efforts, we hope to encourage a broader and more accurate representation of Black heritage and legacy in the media and beyond, ensuring that the spirit of inclusion and authenticity resonates in every aspect of their storytelling and outreach. 

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Charlie J Ercilla / Alamy Stock Photo

2K9CDGT // The New Black Vanguard:Photography between Art and Fashion, a ground breaking exhibition featuring 15 international Black photographers // Charlie J Ercilla

Celebrating Black Contributors: Elevating Voices and Perspectives 

An integral component of our campaign is promoting and showcasing the exceptional talents of Black contributors within the Alamy community. Through our dedication to diversity and inclusion, we aim to elevate the voices, perspectives, and creative contributions of Black photographers, artists, and content creators. Their unique vision and storytelling enrich our platform and offer fresh perspectives that resonate with our global audience. By actively spotlighting Black contributors and their work, we aspire to not only celebrate their artistic prowess but also foster a more equitable and representative presence within our creative community. 

Ruth Jagannath

Meet Ruth Jagannath, the Head of Marketing at Alamy, a passionate and customer-focused senior marketer with over a decade of experience across diverse industries. Throughout her career, she has worked with renowned brands such as the BBC, Butlin's, Haven Holidays, Mothercare, and Technicolor. Ruth continues to lead Alamy to new heights, setting standards in the world of stock photography and empowering creative professionals worldwide.

Read more from Ruth