Whenever I watched videos by Black makeup artists, I began to notice how often they had to mix foundations to find their perfect shade. Often, the foundation brands they used were not brands I had ever seen in my local drugstore or makeup store. Scrolling through their comments, I saw other Black women sharing their own experiences and frustrations surrounding finding products that worked for them. Why weren’t accessible brands making foundations with them in mind? It wasn’t until I was in high school that the makeup industry started to address its inclusivity shortcomings, primarily thanks to one woman: Rihanna.

In February, Herd Strategies celebrates Black History Month by amplifying Black artists, poets and musicians. We seek to highlight creatives who are voices of the Black community today and share the stories of Black artists in history whose work paved the way for future generations. Rebecca Robinson, an Indianapolis-based mixed media artist, uses her art to share the Black experience and speak out against racial injustice.

One day while walking through a local bookstore, I noticed something that immediately brought a wave of emotions over me. I remember trying to recall all the books I read when I was a little girl that came close to what I was staring at, but the only books jogging my memory at the time were “The Baby-Sitters Club” series and “Charlotte's Web.” I remember feeling disappointed yet excited – although I didn't have what my kids will now have, I was excited for them to experience this revolutionary time in literature that would hopefully spark a passion for reading and boost their self-esteem.