The Marsha P. Johnson Institute (MPJI) announces several activities to commemorate Pride month, including a groundbreaking collaboration with a major beauty and personal care brand.
SheaMoisture is lending its social media platform to MPJI throughout the month of June to connect Black beauty to the work of defending and protecting the human rights of Black transgender people.
Throughout the campaign, the brand will share powerful stories relevant to the journeys of Black transgender people, grouped by themes of Reclamation and Resistance, Resources and Protection, Self Love, Collaborative Solidarity, and MPJI’s story. The collaboration marks the first time SheaMoisture has used its social platforms for the LGBTQ+ community.
“At SheaMoisture we celebrate and strive to enrich the lives of Black people all over the world,” said Cara Sabin, CEO of SheaMoisture. “We are a company that is Black-led, with Black people in the highest levels of leadership throughout the company. Moreover, we represent the full spectrum of the Black experience; we are LGBTQ+, women, men, immigrants, foreign nationals, and human beings who unapologetically support the human rights of all LGBTQ+ individuals.”
“This month, we hope to educate and enlighten, but also do our due diligence in uplifting Black voices from different walks of life united in their shared experiences and commonalities, as we reclaim Black beauty, reframe our stories and redefine our futures, together,” Sabin added. “We are honored to celebrate Marsha’s legacy, and support Black trans lives by uplifting their stories: Stories of pride, joy, celebration, and reclamation.”
“We are honored to be chosen by SheaMoisture to be elevated through their social platforms. By collaborating with us, SheaMoisture is increasing the opportunities for Black transgender people to be supported, the challenges we face to be heard, and the beauty of our lived experiences shared with dignity,” said MPJI Founder and Executive Director Elle Moxley. “Additionally, SheaMoisture is affirming its stance on important cultural issues, something customers increasingly value in the brands they choose.”
In addition to the SheaMoisture collaboration, MPJI will host four online discussions to further the visibility of Black trans experiences and the urgent need for policy changes and life-saving resources. MPJI will also continue its Black Pride Fridays discussions, as it did in 2020, with Moxley having conversations with Black trans leaders who yield their voice to empower and guide the movement closer to the goal of liberation. Additional details and registration information can be found at marshap.org/blackpride365/