Six Ways to Honor Black History Month

February is Black History Month. As Black culture is woven throughout American history in music, art, literature, food, politics, and more, it is important to find new ways to honor Black history both this month, and always.

Since 1976, February has been nationally recognized as a month that marks the contributions of Black people and “celebrates the history and culture of the Black experience in America” (Butler, 2022).

Here are some ways you and your friends can celebrate it this month, and quite frankly, every month:

Visit a Black or African American history museum– nearly every state in the US has a black history museum or African American heritage site– visit one in person or even online and get a virtual tour to enhance your knowledge of a crucial part of American history.

Support local Black-owned businesses and restaurants– becoming a customer of local Black businesses helps create economic opportunity and supports the efforts of Black entrepreneurs. Official Black Wall Street is a great resource that lists businesses owned by members of the Black community.

Donate to Black organizations and charities– donating money, while not the only way,  is an important way of showing your support for a movement or group, and promoting equity.

Additionally, as nonprofit organizations require year-round funding, consider becoming a monthly donor, instead of donating a lump sum all at once. Even if your donation may seem small, any amount helps.

Here are some great non-profit organizations that advocate for the advancement of Black rights, equal justice, and supporting Black youth:

• Black Lives Matter
• NAACP
• Color of Change
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund
• Black Girls Code
• The Black Youth Project

Watch Black History documentaries and movies– In addition to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, which all have special collections of streaming movies and shows for Black History Month, the CNET staff has also compiled a selection of feature films and documentaries for Black History Month 2022 (Butler, 2022).

Read books by Black authors– this not only broadens your knowledge and support of Black literature, but can also make dialogues about race and learning Black history ongoing parts of life.

Here are some great Black authors to know about and read:

• Ta-Nehisi Coates
• Toni Morrison
• Octavia E. Butler
• Colston Whitehead
• Paul Beatty

Listen to a podcast– podcasts are a great way to engage in new information and knowledge in an easy way.

There are a number of great, accessible podcasts surrounding topics of the Black experience, lesser known history of racism in America, and racial disparities (Pennington, 2021). Furthermore, educating yourself is a crucial part of becoming anti-racist.

Podcasts like “1619,” “Code Switch,”  “The Diversity Gap,” and other podcasts about race you need to hear.

These are just a few of the many places to begin your celebration of Black History Month, both this month and for the whole year. Get your friends and family involved to spread the education and awareness!