BLK dating app is honoring the strength and resilience Black couples have exhibited for generations by commissioning four talented artists to illustrate the history of Black Love.

The bond between Black couples has endured, despite centuries of enslavement in the U.S. that made marriage illegal, and continues to shape our community today. To celebrate this, BLK commissioned Davian Chester, Sabine Quetant, Halimah Smith, and Asaad Thorne to create a timeline of artwork that depicts Black Love from 900 B.C.E. through the digital age. The dating app for Black singles provided each artist with historical facts about Black Love and they, in turn, reimagined a period of time through their chosen medium. The resulting art pieces are as diverse and varied as the four artists, but they also share a common thread of depth and richness that speaks to our history, identity, and culture. 

According to press materials, “Davian Chester‘s artistry offers a poignant portrayal of traditional African marriage customs, including the betrothal ceremony and the exchange of a bride price, which serves as a symbol of the bond between two families. Through his masterful works, Chester also highlights the devastating impact of the transatlantic slave trade on familial ties and the remarkable resilience of Black communities in forging new connections and support systems.”

Davian Chester’s Celebration of Black Love for BLK

“Asaad Thorne‘s art,” according to press materials, “celebrates the symbolism of the ‘Jumping the Broom’ tradition in Black weddings as a representation of unbreakable bonds between newlyweds, paying homage to African-American cultural heritage. Through his visuals, Thorne showcases the resilience of Black couples and their strength in building and sustaining loving relationships in the face of systemic adversity.”

Asaad Thorne’s Celebration of Black Love for BLK

According to press materials, “Sabine Quetant’s powerful artwork celebrates the pivotal role of women in revolutionary movements and the transformative impact of groundbreaking works like The Color Purple and Beloved, while also highlighting the cultural shifts that challenged stereotypes and expanded the understanding of Black Love and relationships in popular media.”

Sabine Quetant’s Celebration of Black Love for BLK

“Halimah Smith‘s artwork depicts the many facets of present-day Black Love, from the celebration of Black Marriage Day and the embodiment of #BlackLoveGoals in President Barack and Michelle Obama, to the landmark decision of Obergefell v. Hodges and the ever-evolving world of online dating,” according to press materials. “Through her art, she highlights the resilience, strength, and beauty of Black love, as well as the challenges and progress in the ongoing quest for equality and inclusivity.”

Halimah Smith’s Celebration of Black Love for BLK

This aesthetically pleasing timeline of art, which BLK is sharing on Instagram, is a testament to the rich and complex history of Black Love in a world that often overlooks or forgets our stories.