February represents Black History Month, an annual celebration of the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans and their pivotal role in shaping global history. It’s a time to honor the rich heritage, achievements, and experiences of Black individuals as well as recognize the continued struggle for racial justice and equality.
Established in 1926 by Harvard historian Carter G. Woodson, – the “Father of Black History Month” and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH) – Black History Month emphasized African American narratives and initially occurred during the second week of February, intentionally coinciding with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. By the 1960s, many colleges and universities such as Kent State started advocating for the proper education of Black history, holding celebrations of Black culture and protests against racism and discrimination, fueling the ongoing civil rights movement. It wasn’t until 1976 that President Gerald Ford expanded the week into a month, officially designating it as a Federal event observed by the U.S. and other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom.
This year’s theme, Black Health and Wellness, commemorates the instrumental work of medical scholars and health care professionals and “considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.” Given the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on minorities and ethnic, low-income communities, the theme is especially apt, presenting the nation with the opportunity to reflect and heal from the current racial climate and instill progressive change.
Despite taking place during the shortest month, the monumental contributions of African Americans help shape and define society year-round. Here are several activities that individuals can do to honor Black lives and history this month and every month.
visit an african american history or civil rights museum
One of the best ways to get engaged and learn more is to visit an African American History Museum, civil rights center, or Black heritage site. These places offer extensive knowledge and documentation, interactive encounters, and first-hand accounts of African American experiences.
Consider visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to “exploring, documenting, and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history” in Washington, D.C. Also, you could visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, which features a collection of Martin Luther King Jr. artifacts.
support black-owned businesses and establishments
According to Forbes, Covid-19 has disproportionately impacted black-owned businesses by more than 40% between February and April 2020, the sharpest decline across any ethnic group. Supporting locally-owned restaurants, shops, and individuals celebrates Black excellence and empowers African Americans, advancing representation and diversity within one’s community.
Here are seven local Athens businesses that offer delicious food and pleasant environments.
- Dawg Gone Good BBQ
- Kelly’s Jamaican Foods
- Rashe’s Cuisine
- Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods
- Food for the Soul
- Mannaweenta
- Lil Ice Cream Dude’s Cool World
Additionally, use directories and tools such as Shop Black Owned, Support Black Owned, We Buy Black, Black Business Green Book, EatOkra, and Official Black Wall Street to locate and discover black-owned establishments.
donate to black organizations, non-profits, and charities
Donating money to verified non-profit organizations and charities demonstrates one’s support of a movement or group, directly influencing society. From combatting discrimination and injustice to supporting challenges faced by Black communities, here are several non-profit organizations to consider:
- NAACP
- The Black Youth Project
- Black Lives Matter
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund
- Black Girls Code
- The Sentencing Project
support black artists, authors, and creators
With an array of streaming services, it’s easy to find movies and documentaries starring Black talent and focusing on diverse content, as most platforms curate Black-center/created sections. Check out “Summer of Soul”(Disney +), “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (Netflix), “Just Mercy” (HBO Max), and other prominent films highlighting the Black experience.
Moreover, celebrate black literature and art by reading works by Black authors such as Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou, listening to Black artists such as Lizzo, Beyonce, and Willow, as well as podcasts and talk shows like NPR’s Code Switch or the Tamron Hall Show, and supporting Black beauty/fashion brands such as Fenty Beauty and Black creatives on affordable art sites such as Society 6, Minted, and Etsy.
learn more about the unsung heroes of black history through online resources
Dive deeper into Black history by taking time to research and learn about lesser-known significant figures such as Audre Lorde, a Black lesbian, writer, feminist, and civil rights activist, and Daisy Bates, who organized the Little Rock Nine desegregation strategy.
Visit educational and governmental websites such as Black Past, a reference center dedicated to providing information on African American history, and the African American History: American Memory from the Library of Congress, the National Archives, the National Museum of African American History & Culture’s Black History Month Collection, which contain vast collections of articles, videos, and learning materials recounting Black heritage.