Since the 1970’s, Americans have set aside the month of February to celebrate the achievements of African Americans by observing Black History Month. What started as “Negro History Week” all the way back in 1915 eventually became the month long celebration we know today when U.S. president Gerald Ford extended the event to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
You may be wondering how to observe Black History Month, especially if it’s not something you’ve stopped to consider very often. Here are 28 actions to take in the month of February to honor this wonderful tradition and the contributions of African Americans throughout our country’s history. Credit to the NAACP for their original list–it’s been adapted here to make it clear how these apply to Blacks and allies alike.
28 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month
- Support a Black business
- Visit a Black History or Civil Rights Museum or Historic Space in your local community
- Donate to a Black organization
- Host a Black film marathon
- Wear your hair out in its natural form to school, work, or social (or consciously embrace natural hairstyles when you encounter them in your school, work, or social settings).
- Become a member of a Black organization, even as an ally
- Trace your family history (you might be surprised at what you find!)
- Spend time with a Black elder in your community. Listen to them. Learn from them.
- Read a book by a Black author.
- Cook a soul food meal.
- Sign up to mentor a Black child in your community.
- Donate to an HBCU.
- Attend a Black culture event in your community.
- Everyone knows about MLK–Instead, learn about an unsung hero of Black history.
- Support a Black creative (artist, poet, local musician, etc.)
- Study the African Diaspora
- Explore Black Music
- Call out racism and prejudice in your community
- Sign up to receive news from a Black organization
- Allies: Read essays or blogs from Black media outlet; Blacks: consider contributing your voice to essays or blogs from Black media outlets
- Support the black media na dblack press
- Engage in healthy conversation about Black history on social media
- Learn the lyrics to Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing (Allies: Did you know there’s a Black National Anthem? Learn it; it’s beautiful).
- Read Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream Speech”
- Decorate your home with Black art
- Read a biography of an influential Black figure
- Read a Black children’s book with your family
- Frequent Black-owned bookstores
