Photo Credit: https://inclusion.uoregon.edu/bhm
Black History Month elevates the generations of African Americans who fought for ultimate freedom and equality in the United States. Throughout February, we celebrate the achievements and contributions African Americans have made to our society, while still recognizing that the battle for true equality continues today.
There are many ways to celebrate Black History Month, even if there is a global pandemic going on. Many events are going to be displayed virtually, allowing everyone to join in on the celebration. Here is a list of activities you can participate in from the comfort of your home to show your appreciation for the African American culture.
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Enhance your knowledge of the African American culture and significant figures.
Take the time out to learn about the significant contributions that many African Americans made to get where we are today! You can visit websites such as www.BlackPast.org and www.Africanamericanregistry.org to bring you into the world of black history and culture.
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Support a Black-owned business.
There are 2.6 million black-owned businesses in the United States of America. However, 8 out of 10 businesses do not survive after 18 months. What better way to show your appreciation than to support a black-owned business! Not only will you show your appreciation, but you will also be contributing to creating more jobs and opportunities, closing the racial wealth gap, and encouraging black entrepreneurship in America. You can get started by visiting www.supportblackowned.com, where you will find a black-owned business directory filled with a variety of categories and options to suit your interests.
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Virtual Museum Lectures and Tours
February 11, 2021 – The National Museum of African-American History and Culture is hosting a free online social justice lecture. The lecture will feature educators from the National Portrait Gallery.
Throughout the month, Museum of Fine Arts Boston will have a free online exhibit of collections by Black artists.
Good Arts and Culture is offering online exhibits and virtual tours, which include more than 200 curated digital stories. They will be offering more than 10,000 images and 500 videos as well relating to Black history, arts, and culture. All will be free of charge.
You can find more information by visiting www.blackmuseums.org.
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Attend a movie screening / Watch Black History Month Documentaries, TV Shows and Films
February 11, 2021 – The New York City’s Parks Foundation is hosting a screening of Spike Lee’s 2017 film Rodney King. Following the screening there will be a virtual discussion as well.
February 27, 2021 – The Los Angeles Aquarium of the Pacifics is hosting The Virtual African-American Festival, honoring African and African American traditions.
PBS is offering a full month lineup of Black History Month documentaries. A common favorite that they will be showing is the documentary Vel Philips: Dream Big Dream, which is a look into the life of Wisconsin civil rights activist Vel Philips, the first woman in the United States to hold executive office in state government.
