This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Visit the Shelley House of Shelley v. Kraemer. 20. From sharing facts during everyday conversation to encouraging my friends to visit Black history museums, I've come to realize celebrating Black History Month is as much about learning about Black History as much as it is teaching it to others who don't have this information, too. This annual celebration recognizes the achievements of members of the African-American community, both past and present, and the central role they played in our nation’s history. Whitehead sets his story during the 1800s in the American South. But it is important to note that not all black people in the US are African Americans. Copeland was discovered as a child prodigy and was dancing professionally within one year of her first ballet lesson. By going to a museum, you're not only learning about this important history, but you're supporting the people and institutions who make these archives possible for future generations — support that museums often need. Find out about many famous firsts in black history on Biography. It follows heroine Janie Crawford’s harrowing love life but transcends simple melodrama and heartache. 35- The Power of Affirmations and Gratitude. Stephanie Keith/Getty Images News/Getty Images, PBS's new documentary about Lorraine Hansberry, National Museum of African American History & Culture, organizations that are led by Black women, provide products to under-served communities. Watch Documentaries About Important People or Moments In Black History, Support An Organization Led By Black Women, Attend A Lecture By A Black Thought Leader, Discuss Black History With Family And Friends. Keep in mind too that this is your opportunity to have honest exchanges with people. The letter is considered a key document in the Civil Rights Movement, but it’s also a great work of literature. 11. Black people aren't a monolith, so there are a lot of different areas of Black History you can focus on. King and other musicians. If you think you can handle it graciously, consider meeting with employees and talking about diversity in the company. You can’t see it and remain unmoved. 17. “There wasn’t much work for black people,” Dillard, 67, said in a company blogpost. By showing love to Black businesses, you'll be supporting entrepreneurs who have a long legacy of helping their community. Tour the Griot Museum of Black History and learn about the role St. Louis had in the Dred Scott Case at the Field House Museum. Check out more bizarre marriage laws you might be breaking. In this current political environment, it’s more important than ever to support Black women. Guest Speakers. Who we are on a personal level is not supposed to be super important. Here are the strongest female literary characters of all time. His letter is all the more powerful because it’s written from a jail cell—King had been arrested during a peaceful protest against segregation. These women are in the process of creating Black history for future generations and you could be an important part of their legacy. Who was the first African American woman elected to U.S. Congress? Here are more inspiring movies that celebrate women. 28. B. Of course, you can (and should) support them year-round, but Black History Month is a good time to start this practice. It’s based on one of writer Jame’s Baldwin’s unfinished manuscripts, but it shines a light on the racism throughout America’s history. Don’t know where to find Black-owned businesses? Celebrate Black History Month with these twenty-eight ideas, one for each day of February, that recognize the heritage, accomplishments, and culture of African Americans in the United States. Everything is just how you’d expect, only skewed weird and slightly different. Enter an art show and let the world see your work. Send out a survey with a just a few questions and let people express themselves. 24. Michele Alexander’s acclaimed bestseller examines the ways that discrimination persists in new forms in our contemporary time. You can admire a Basquiat painting, or jam out to Beyonce’s “Freedom.” Learn about Kerry James Marshall's work, or visit a local Black-owned gallery. There are many people who identify with their Caribbean or other heritage and do not use the term that is now considered politically correct to describe American blacks of African descent. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae shine as the science and math whizzes who play key roles in America’s space race. Celebrate Black History Month with these twenty-eight ideas, one for each day of February, that recognize the heritage, accomplishments, and culture of African Americans in the United States. movies that let you revisit the heroes of the Civil Rights era. You’ll see their amazing contributions from within a culture of discrimination and inequality. Years from now, people could be celebrating you, too. 12. Your email address will not be published. There’s always an opportunity to learn something insightful when you listen to a new perspective. From unconscious bias training to volunteering to an old-fashioned lecture from an expert, there are lots of ways to recognize Black History Month. You could also plan a trip to visit the National Museum of African American History & Culture in D.C., which celebrates the breadth of African American history throughout the entire country. Today, soul food is used to gather family and friends for graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, and more. No matter what your taste in art is like, there's a Black artist that makes work you'll enjoy. Amplify Black voices. 2. If you have a bucket list for every state in the United States, add a visit to this museum in Washington DC. Just be conscious of how little consciousness many Americans have of a parallel culture that exists in this country. Search, celebrate the great achievements of African Americans, celebrate the contributions of African Americans to US History, Race Discrimination: US Supereme Court Cases. Watch this oral history of legendary bluesman Bobby Rush, King of the Chitlin’ Circuit during the Jim Crow laws era. There are tons of documentaries about Black history out there. 22. For the most part at work, we put our personal selves aside and handle assignments. Whitehead’s riveting, can’t-put-it-down novel won the National Book Award, the Man Booker Prize, and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. In addition to bringing in Black field experts to speak to your organization, you … Some workplaces invite guest speakers to speak during a Black History Month event, usually a luncheon type of affair. Most states have a civil rights or Black history museum. Check out Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s favorite books—Baldwin made the list! You’ll see life-size wax figures of Harriet Tubman, Billie Holiday, and many other historical figures who bring history to life in an environment that inspires. A word to the wise: we have a Black History Month to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to US History. Many businesses and organizations around the U.S. view February as a chance to celebrate diversity Well, no. 5. It’s just that good. Watch Christopher Paul Curtis, a winner of the Newbery Medal, give advice to young authors. A popular one is definitely the American Civil Rights Movement, but you can also learn about and celebrate Reconstruction, important inventions, entertainment, and much more. 25. Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is celebrated in February. You’ll see art and artifacts that span our nation’s history. Share excerpts of contemporary novelist Zadie Smith’s On Beauty with students and, using the reading guide, have a discussion about her portrayal of white and black middle-class kids in America. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. As part of the Smithsonian, it’s filled with collections and exhibits that will move and inspire you. 09:00 | Educate.Today: STEM in the Real World, 10:00 | Educate.Today: Explore for Elementary Students, Learn How the Blues Moved the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream”, importance of journalism as well as its limitations, Watch student-made digital stories on important African Americans, Read about Frankie Freeman, Civil Rights icon, “A Pledge to Rescue Our Youth” by poet Maya Angelou, the battle to end apartheid in South Africa. There’s always more to learn about Black history. Baldwin lived and wrote during the Civil Rights era, and the film explores his experience with friends and allies such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Medgar Evers. Watch student-made digital stories on important African Americans. Have your students choreograph their own dance. 7. Ruth Negga was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her performance. Learn about the history of hip-hop music, a genre that emerged in the Bronx, New York City, in 1970. This is a searing and chilling must-read portrait of American history.