Black is Beautiful
Black History Month celebrates the countless contributions of the Black Community that have enriched the lives of every American, telling a story that elevates Black voices all year long. As we prepare to honor Black History Month at Kohl’s, we are continuing to expand our partnerships with Black-owned businesses, amplify the voices of our Black associates and expand our relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities to magnify Black joy and pay tribute to Black trailblazers across the country.
Kohl’s Celebrate and Elevate Spotlight Collection
Black History Month starts with our Black associates and designers behind Kohl’s exclusive Sonoma Community product assortment. Our “Celebrate and Elevate” spotlight collection concept was brought to life by our Black Diversity Design Council (DDC) captains, with art created by our Black DDC members, to develop authentic products that resonate with our Black customers. The collection, available online at Kohls.com and in 600 stores nationwide, features an assortment of graphic tops, plush throws, pillows, candles, and more. In addition to Kohl’s Sonoma Community collection, we collaborated with All Across Africa to create hand woven home products created by artisans in Rwanda.
Along with these products, Kohl’s understands all parts of the customer journey matter, so we made sure all of our Black History Month marketing artwork was 100% Black-designed.
“Black History Month allows us to pause, reflect and celebrate the cultural influence, contributions and accomplishments of the Black community,” said Michelle A. Banks, Kohl’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. “I’m so grateful for the strong voices of our Black team members across the business that have helped bring this cultural moment to life and look forward to celebrating throughout our communities nationwide.”
Behind the Scenes: Meet Jessica Alexander, Kohl’s Black History Month Artist
Jessica Alexander, Human Resources Analyst
She/her
Jessica Alexander is a passionate designer, artist and human resources analyst at Kohl's who creates with an eye for industry trends—without sacrificing her true self. She's deeply inspired by fashion for its ability to tell Black stories while enhancing their representation. We caught up with Jessica to learn more about her experience designing Kohl’s marketing and collection artwork:
What was your inspiration for the artwork?
My inspiration behind Kohl’s Black History Month marketing design were the bold prints and vibrant colors I’ve seen in African textiles.
What story would you like your art to tell?
I want my artwork to celebrate Black women and the beauty of natural curly and kinky hair.
What does this moment mean to you personally?
This moment is a dream come true for me and my family, who have seen me drawing and working on my passion for a very long time.
How will you celebrate it, and why is Black History Month important and relevant to everyone?
I will be spending Black History Month by taking the time with family and friends to learn facts about my culture. When I was younger my mom actually made games, and even created her own board game filled with historical information she wanted us to know and remember.
What do you like most about working at Kohl's as a designer/artist?
I appreciate being given the opportunity to use my own creativity with no filters, as I work towards a career in design.
Shop Black-Owned and Founded at Kohl’s
Check out some of the Black-owned and founded brands available now online and in-store, including:
- Aya Paper Co - Aya Paper Co. is a sustainable stationery brand that creates greeting cards and gifts to celebrate the people and moments that matter most.
- Glow by Daye - Glow by Daye is a hair care and accessories brand founded to give women with textured hair high quality and stylish accessories that are often not found in mass retailers
- Mixed Chicks - Mixed Chicks makes hair care for everyone with curly or wavy hair.
- Pretty Please Teethers - Pretty Please Teethers' mission is to provide parents and teething little ones some much-needed relief while maintaining a natural, modern and minimalist style.
Celebrating Black Communities
This Black History Month, Kohl's is proud to support the National Urban League through an investment of $100,000 to support its mission to promote economic empowerment, access to health care, educational, job and housing opportunities and the guarantee of civil rights for the underserved in America.
Since 2020, Kohl’s has donated $300,000 to the National Urban League. This year’s donation supports the company’s broader commitment to donate $20 million in support of diverse communities by 2025.
Celebrating Together
In the coming weeks, our Black Professionals Business Resource Group will host interactive events for our associates. The group will kick off the month with a corporate office menu takeover to educate all associates on select Black cuisine. The BRG will also participate in other experiences such as panel discussions, movie screenings and community volunteer events. In the meantime, tune in to Life at Kohl’s Instagram for more throughout Black History Month and all year long.