Five Ways to Celebrate Black History Month
February 03, 2022“Life is very short. What we have to do must be done in the now.” – Audre Lorde
Audre Lorde was an author, writer, feminist, and civil rights activist. A self-described “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet.”
Where and when did Black History Month originate:
According to NPR’s article, Here’s the story behind Black History Month — and why it’s celebrated in February, “It was Carter G. Woodson, the “father of Black history,” who first set out in 1926 to designate a time to promote and educate people about Black history and culture, according to W. Marvin Dulaney. Woodson envisioned a weeklong celebration to encourage the coordinated teaching of Black history in public schools. He designated the second week of February as Negro History Week and galvanized fellow historians through the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which he founded in 1915. (ASNLH later became ASALH.)”
In honor of Black History Month, here are five ways to celebrate:
1. Support Black-owned business
Many Black-owned businesses face structural racism which may lead to their closure. According to a CBS News article written in 2020, “An estimated 40% of black-owned businesses closed between February and April 2020”. Supporting these businesses not only in the month of February but throughout the year, could help this number decline. Don’t know where to start? Head to Miirya, an online marketplace that showcases Black-owned businesses in a range of categories, to find a business to support. In addition, here are a few places where you can start:
- California: African American Expressions (Gift and greeting cards), Marcus Books, Minnie Bell’s (Restaurant)
- New York: Cafe Con Libros (coffee & books), Brother Vellies (Fashion), Joloff Restaurant
- Texas: Word of Mouth Bakery, The Dock Bookshop, Berry Best BBQ
- DC: Mahogany books, All Very Goods (Apparel and greeting cards), Oh So Good Organics (Organic products)
- Illinois: Ain’t She Sweet Cafe, Afriware Books, Virtue Restaurant
2. Learn about Noteworthy Black figures and their contributions
Oftentimes during Black History Month, we celebrate well-known figures like civil rights leaders, but there are so many more people to know and learn about. Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected for congress. Hannibal Caesar Carter was the second Black American to serve as Secretary of State in Mississippi. And Lieutenant Colonel Charity Edna Adams Earley was the first Black American woman officer of the Women’s Auxiliary Corps.
3. Donate to charities that support anti-racism equity and equality
Many charities and organizations that support anti-racism equity are always seeking donors and supporters for their work towards justice for the Black community. That being said, consider donating to the Black Youth Project, Loveland Therapy Fund, Amistad Law Project, as well as grassroots organizations.
4. Purchase, read, and share books by Black authors
To learn more about Black history, Black stories, and the struggle and the celebrations, add Black authors to your reading list. Make sure you buy these books from Black-owned bookstores. Here are some of our suggestions:
- Audre Lorde – Sister Outsider Essays and Speeches
- Claudia Rankine – Citizen – an American Lyric
- Ta-Nehisi Coates – Between the World and Me
- Colsen Whitehead – The Nickel Boys
5. And finally support and learn about Black women
Women throughout history have been mistreated and stripped of their rights, especially women of color. Therefore, it is important to learn more about the struggle and accomplishments of black women in history. Sojourner Truth once said, “And ain’t I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman? I could work as much and as much as a man — when I could get it — and bear the lash as well! And ain’t I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman?”
Our work in honoring and celebrating Black History Month does not, and should not stop at the end of the month, but rather continue throughout the year. Uplift Black voices and stand hand-in-hand with the Black community. Let their legacies live on!