February is Black History Month
This month, we celebrate Black History Month and the legacy of African Americans. It’s a time to celebrate Black Culture and honor the important contributions of African Americans and their journey through Black resistance.
The theme for this year, Black resistance, speaks to the perseverance and determination of Black people—past and present—who have fought and continue to fight to overcome oppression, racial injustice, and institutional racism. Sharing the whole experience of African Americans—rather than simply what is comfortable—is the point of Black History Month. It gives us a gritty and extraordinary point of view from those who lived and died from this past and present existence.
Black resistance has led to many powerful victories for African Americans, including the end of slavery and segregation, the passage of the Civil Rights Act, more Black representation in political offices, and more Black representation in media. And the list of successes goes on and on.
How can I support Black History Month and Black communities throughout the year?
- Read 38 Ways To Intentionally Celebrate Black History Month (2023).
- Support and shop at Black-owned businesses.
- Learn about significant Black figures who helped change and shape our country (Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., Maya Angelou, and John Lewis are just a few).
- Donate to charities or volunteer your time for causes that support pro equity and anti-racism.
- Purchase, read, and share books by Black authors.
- Read books about Black history and Black experiences, written by Black authors.
- Watch movies, shows, and documentaries about non-fictional (true) Black history and experiences.
- Listen to music by Black musicians or composers.
- Talk with your children or the children in your life about Black history.
- Listen to 1619, a podcast hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones that examines American slavery.
- Participate in virtual or in-person events or celebrations.
- Try a new recipe inspired by African American cuisine.