5 ways to celebrate Black History Month

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As we near the end of February, this post is about spreading awareness about Black History Month celebrated in February in US and Canada, and in October in Europe. I am an educator and I believe with all my heart that younger generations should be taught about the rich histories of different cultures in this melting pot of USA. Read on to learn five ways to celebrate Black History Month.

History

Black History Month, also called African-American History Month, celebrations began in 1926. According to History.com, the story of Black History Month started in 1915 when the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) was founded in the month of September. Known today as the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History (ASALH), the group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederik Douglass. For more information please read here.

5 ways to celebrate Black History Month

Below is my list of 5 ways to celebrate Black History Month:

1. Read books

Reading and learning about different races and cultures is an excellent way to gain awareness. Books are wonderful resources available to kids and adults alike, and they open up our eyes to new information and knowledge.

2. Watch movies and shows

In today’s world, with technology all around us and entertainment industry booming, watch movies and/or shows that shed light on Black History. We get glimpse as well as details about their values, beliefs and culture.

3. Support artists

Artists representing specific cultures bring with them strengths, background and history. If possible, try to learn more about them, follow them and show your support by spreading information to others who are interested.

4. Learn about and support local businesses

Supporting local businesses are always beneficial as the proceeds go to a specific family or community. It is always a good idea to search for national organizations and find if they are connected to any local ones in your own state or city.

5. Donate to local organizations

Showing support through volunteering and donations are always helpful and can make a huge difference in your local community or you can reach a wider community. Research, learn more and pick the ones you resonate and connect with the most!

Books recommendations

• Between The World and Me

• Stamped From the Beginning

• White Fragility

• How To be an Antiracist

• Can We Talk about Race?

• White Rage

• Zami: A New Spelling of My Name

• The Color Purple

• Black Like Me

• Conversations in Black

Movies and Shows

• Get Out (2017)

• Black Panther (2018)

• Selma (2014)

• Moonlight (2016)

• 12 Years a Slave (2013)

• Parriah (2011)

• Bessie (2015)

• I am not your Negro (2016)

• Tangerine (2015)

• The Skinny (2012)

• Paris Is Burning (1990)

• Kiki (2016)

• BlackBird (2014)

• The Watermelon Woman (1996)

• Tongues United (1989)

• Brother To Brother (2004)

• How to Get Away With Murder

• Orange Is The New Black

• Black-ish

• Sense8

Support Black Artists

• Frank Ocean

• Janelle Monae

• Lex Allen

• Kevin Abstract

• Rupaul

• Tyler, The Creator

• Mnek

• Lil Nas X

• Todrick Hall

• Big Freddie

• Shea Diamond

• Kehlani

• Kodie Shane

• Jonathan Lyndon Chase

• Nikita Gale

• Mickalene Thomas

Find and support local restaurants

These are just few of the Black-owned restaurants in Houston Texas:

• Jersey Bagels

• Dream Wings

• Kulture Restaurant

• Bee Fit Foods

• Mikki’s Cafe

• Reggae Hut

• Lucille’s

• Turkey Leg Hut

• Green Seed Vegan

• Victory Eatery

• Crumbville Texas

• Onion Creek Cafe

• Burn’s BBQ

You are welcome to find and learn about local Black businesses and support your local restaurants and other small businesses.

Learn about and Support black organizations

• NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)

• NUL (National urban leagues)

• BIG (Blacks in Government)

• NBCC (National Black Chamber of Commerce)

Find more about local organizations and support them. Here is the list of few local organizations in the Houston/Texas area- Restoring Justice, Organize Texas, Texas Civil Rights Project, Hands Up Act, etc.

Wrap up

There are multiple ways to celebrate Black History Month. In this post I wrote about 5 ways to get aware, support and celebrate Black History Month. We can read books, watch movies and shows, support artists and local businesses and donate to organizations. Remember, every month is Black History Month!

Dear readers, would love to hear from you. Do share how you celebrate the month of February by supporting Black History Month. We would love to add your tips to our list. You may comment below or send an email to nishtha@dawnandhope.com.

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