Black History Month has been celebrated in America since 1970. In February 1969, educators and students involved in the Black United Student Organization at Kent State University proposed for an entire month dedicated to celebrating Black history in America. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State a year later, from January 2 to February 28, 1970. No matter your race, you should take time to observe and celebrate Black History Month. It is not only important that we, as Americans, celebrate our African-American children this month, but also educate our children of all races on why we celebrate this month.
Below are just a few examples of ways we can honor Black History not only this month, but every month.
Educate Yourself on the Black History in Your Community
We as humans were created to learn. Learning about not only our own culture, but the cultures of others is extremely important so we can also educate our children. There are many websites, books, podcasts and videos that teach us the history of African-American people. The Many Ways to Learn Black History has excellent resources to begin learning about Black history.
Visit a Black or African-American History Museum
Museums are great ways to honor Black history. Almost every state in the U.S. has a Black history museum or African-American heritage site. There are so many amazing opportunities to learn about black history in your area, not only by visiting the museums but also by partaking in their virtual tours as well. If a museum or heritage site is not available in your area, visit the Black History Mobile Museum, which traverses the country all of February and through the summer.
Learn about Black Music History
Black music changed the American music culture centuries ago. From spiritual blues to the rise of jazz, hip-hop and R&B. Black music has had a tremendous impact on the music most of us listen to today, which is why it is so important that we recognize and educate ourselves on where it all started. There are so many ways to listen to and experience the power of Black music history online. A great site to visit is Exploring the History of Black Music, which explains the history in depth. Another great resource is the Black Music History Library.
Read Books Written by Black Authors
Another very beneficial way you can honor Black history is by supporting Black authors. Reading is an excellent way to open our eyes to other realities and also find perspectives that relate to our own. Oprah Magazine’s 30 Best Books by Black Authors offers some examples of amazing books written by Black authors.
Watch Films or Videos by Black Creators
Another very beneficial way you can honor Black history is by supporting Black authors. Reading is an excellent way to open our eyes to other realities and also find perspectives that relate to our own. Oprah Magazine’s 30 Best Books by Black Authors offers some examples of amazing books written by Black authors.
Support Black-owned Businesses
It is so important to be intentional about supporting the Black-owned businesses in your community. Some of the ways you can do so are by patronizing, recommending, and sharing reviews of Black-owned businesses and restaurants, supporting and investing in Black- owned banks, stores, etc. There are so many ways to support Black-owned businesses and doing these things can make a huge difference in the community
Support Influential Black-led Nonprofits
Nonprofits are funded year-round by people like you. Whether it’s by donating money, time, or resources; it all makes a difference. There are racial justice activists who work tirelessly to advocate for the equal treatment of Black people. We often underestimate the power of us coming together to make a difference through the promotion of Black-led nonprofits in our communities. It is time to start getting involved and making a difference. 20 Black-led nonprofit organizations offer some amazing organizations to choose from.
Organize a Diversity and Inclusion Event
Creating an environment of diversity and inclusion is something that can be life changing to people in our community. Organizing a diversity and inclusion event in your area is a great way to make a difference. https://www.banzai.io/blog/produce-inclusive-events provides valuable information so you can begin planning an event in your area. Perhaps you might want to reach out to local organizations to help with your function.
Although these are all ways we can honor Black History Month, these are also great things to implement in our day-to-day life throughout the year. It is important to remember that Black history is something we should choose to honor no matter the month. Black history is American history and has made our country into what it is today.
Lanni Jackson, Contributor