Black History Month – featuring Samantha Gomez (Full-Time Content Creator)
This Black History Month, I am so happy to feature full-time Content Creator Samantha Gomez.
Sam and I met on this little social media app called Instagram years back. We are both twin mamas and we just clicked. She is so genuine; has great energy and really lifts others up. I had to do a deep dive into our DM convos and it was years back in March 2018 when we connected, chatted over the phone here and there and the family finally got to meet last April 2022. Our hubbies hit it off, we went in for a hug and it was just so nice to connect in person.
Below Sam shares more about herself and what Black History Month means to her.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Samantha Gomez and I am a full time content creator. I’ve been married to my amazing husband for 12 years and we have 6-year-old identical twin girls. I create family/ lifestyle content on social media and absolutely love what I do. I was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario by my Tobagian born mother and Grenadian born Father.
When I’m not working, you can find me breaking a sweat on my peloton, playing board games with my family or enjoying a good book.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
For me, Black History Month is a month to celebrate all the amazing black people who have paved the way for our generation. It’s a month to amplify and recognize these names and the many achievements that African/Canadian Americans have made for our country. It’s also a month to look at our own community and put a spotlight on Black Owned Businesses as well as black people who are presently making a change.
How does you/your family celebrate Black History Month?
We make sure to purchase and read books with our children by black authors, we support Black Owned Businesses and I always share Instagram stories and/or posts highlighting noteworthy Black figures. We also do our best to participate in local Black History events and festivities that are available.
Books recommended by Samantha:
Is there a specific black woman from history who inspires you? What about a black woman from today?
I’ve always been inspired by Rosa Parks. She’s known as the, “Mother of the Modern Day Civil Rights Movement,” and I love that her nonviolent stance made such an impactful change. I’m so inspired by her resilience, fearless decision to not give up her seat to white passenger on that bus. It’s one of the most memorable stories in Black History that has unarguably contributed to so much change.
A Black woman from today would most definitely be Michelle Obama – the first African American to serve as First Lady. She’s an amazing role model for women and she truly helped to create the most inclusive White House in History.
What can others do to celebrate Black History Month and beyond?
Here are a few great ways – Support local Black businesses by purchasing their products and share these businesses with others. Word of mouth is such an underrated form of marketing. Buy books that highlight noteworthy Black figures. Always be a student, be open to always learning. Also, make sure to read these stories to your children. It’s so important that we teach our youth the importance of celebrating this month.
Small local Black-Owned businesses recommended by Sam:
Black Owned Toronto – an online platform dedicated to highlighting black owned businesses. Often times it is very difficult to find black owned businesses in the city. This is a one stop shop for all shopping/service needs. This is also a great way to buy locally and support the city’s economy! In-person store location Scarborough Town Centre and Square One Mississauga
Kids Swag – we are devoted to becoming a premier one stop destination for premium children products inspired by black girls and boys from around the world.
So, where can readers get more information and find more about you?
You can find me on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Facebook. My handle is the same across the board – @ImSamanthaGomez
Thank you so much Samantha Gomez for letting me feature you. As you know, representation matters and I’m happy to support the work you do and ensure that your voice is heard. I am so glad we’re connected beyond just an app. I really enjoy the stories and the content that you share with your community.
Until the next feature,
Shine Lily XO
