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9 Great Ways To Celebrate Black History Month This February

9 Great Ways To Celebrate Black History Month This February

ways-to-celebrate-black-history-month-2023

The month of February, which is Black History Month, is the perfect opportunity to make an extra effort to celebrate the history of a people who have been able to remain strong and proud despite all we have gone through while fighting for racial equality and justice. Although February is the official month of celebration, Black history should be promoted and celebrated every day.

Black History Month was first proposed by black educators and the Black United Students at Kent State University in February 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State one year later. Six years later, it was being celebrated all over the United States, following recognition by President Gerald Ford. Also known as African-American History Month, it has received official recognition from governments in Canada, and more recently, has been observed in places like Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. However, it is celebrated in October in European countries.

For 2023, the Black History Month theme, “Resistance” explores how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression—in many forms—from America’s earliest days into the 21st century. From Black businesses like barber shops to works of literature by Black writers and even Black music, the 2023 theme considers celebrates the tenacity of African Americans to stay focused and excel in spite of the odds. 

Photo: @black.excellence.page/Instagram 

Over the past three years alone, there have been extreme highs and lows, especially for Black Americans and this makes celebrating Black History Month this year even more important than ever. The reality remains that Black people continue to face many systemic challenges and oppression and for change to occur, everyone must play a part in the fight for a truly equal society.

Starting this Black history month, you can join in the honor of the Black experience by learning and educating yourself on the history of Black people––starting from slavery till date–and supporting causes focused on the fight for racial justice and equality. These are just a few of the many ways you too can get involved now and always.

Here are 9 ways you can be a part of Black History Month in 2023…

#1. Learn about noteworthy Black figures and their contributions

LOS ANGELES – DECEMBER 1996: Cultural icon Maya Angelou poses for a photo in December 1996 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images)

History is peppered with iconic Black figures that have pushed the bar to achieve unexpected greatness. These individuals, like Richard Allen, Mohamad Ali, Maya Angelou, and even Beyoncé, offer plenty of things to learn and accomplishments you will be grateful for. And once you discover these figures, take the time to celebrate them for the contributions they have made. 

#2. Learn about Black music history by listening online

Photo: Rahul Pandit/Pexels

If you’re someone with a knack for music, you’ll certainly love this! Music is one thing that brings us all together regardless of our differences. Take the time this month of February to enjoy music by Black talents — both classical and contemporary stars. At Style Rave, we celebrate the unique sound of Afrobeats with our Friday Trending Songs curation. You can begin with this. 

#3. Read books about Black history and books by Black authors in general

cover of the new Jim Crow black history month 2021

If you want to fully understand what’s going on, you have to read! Read about Black history in books by Black authors and you can take it a step further by shopping for these books from Black-owned book stores, as much as possible.

#4. Watch movies and documentaries on Black History

black-movies-ways-to-celebrate-black-history-month-2021

Don’t stop with books. Watch movies and documentaries on Black history and Black culture. Here are a few suggestions: Django Unchained, If Beale Street Could Talk, Southside With You, American Son, The Black Godfather, When They See UsMa Rainey’s Black Bottom, Becoming, InsecureBlack-ish, Grown-ish, Dear White People, The Help, amongst others.

#5. Support Black-owned businesses

 

From your neighborhood to the stores and even online, there are tons of black-owned businesses that cater to every aspect of our daily lives. Show them love and support their businesses as they face the biggest hurdles in building and sustaining their businesses.

#6. Educate your children on Black history and racism

 

Now that you know better, it is time to teach the young ones and most importantly, they learn from your behavior the most. If you are not sure about how you can educate them, there are tons of books for kids on racism that will guide you and them. Read books such as A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory, White Water by Michael S. Brandy and Eric Stein, All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes, Blended by Sharon M. Draper, Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison, Anti Racist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi, amongst others.

#7. Listen to podcasts and audio series

ways-to-celebrate-black-history-month-2021
Photo: Vanity Fair

We must continue to educate ourselves about the past and use that knowledge to shape our mindset and plan impactful actions for the future. Listen to podcasts and audio series on Google, Spotify, and Apple to learn about race and understand the many ways racism remains prevalent in America and across the world.

Listen to podcasts such as Code Switch, The Nod, The Stoop, Identity Politics, Latinos Who Lunch, Long Distance, All My Relations, Still Processing, Yo, Is This Racist?, Invisibilia, Scene on Radio, The Brownpoint with Cari Champion, 1619, Pod Save The People, among others. You can also explore this Vanity Fair curated list of eight podcasts to deepen your knowledge of Black history.

#8. Plan family events

A woman passes a display depicting the Mexico Olympic protest at the National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (KEVIN LAMARQUE / REUTERS via The Atlantic)

You can attend events that empower you and your kids with knowledge and power, either in-person or virtually. Visit places like the Black History Museum and National Museum of African American History and Culture as such places will shed light on the Black experience, including slavery, civil rights, literature, music, fashion and so much more. Also, you can research Black history as a family event and read from only credible sources online.

#9. Fight and donate towards equality and justice for Black lives

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Hammed’s Art (@hammedix_art)

Black lives are consistently in danger so speak up for a Black person whenever you can. Continue showing up and donating to organizations like NAACP, Real Justice, Until Freedom, and many more––that support and fight for Black lives and justice.

Do your bit, no matter how small, to your make society a better place.

Featured image: @yourstrulyvall via @aamuseumdallas/Instagram


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