Celebrating Black History Month

PUBLISHED:

February 12, 2025

Celebrating Black History Month

In 1976, during the U.S. Bicentennial, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, urging Americans to honor the contributions of Black individuals. Since then, it has been celebrated annually in February in the U.S., while other countries like Canada (February) and the United Kingdom (October) have adopted their own observances. 

Black History Month began as Negro History Week in 1926, founded by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) (now ASALH). Woodson chose the second week of February to align with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, both significant figures in Black history. 


The week aimed to educate the public about Black achievements, counter racist narratives, and promote pride in African American heritage. Over the decades, schools and communities expanded the celebration, and by the late 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement fueled a push for broader recognition. 


This month CIAM recognizes and celebrates the contributions, achievements, and the resilience of Black individuals. Their contributions have impacted and shaped our country and the world. Black History Month informs and remembers both the challenges and accomplishments to inspire all future generations. Happy Black History Month!"  


How we can celebrate Black History Month 

  1. Learn About Black History and Culture: 
  • Read books, watch documentaries, or listen to podcasts that highlight the history, achievements, and contributions of Black people. Some classic books to consider are The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois, Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, or The Color Purple by Alice Walker. 
  • Explore works from Black authors, artists, and musicians. Look into genres of music like jazz, hip-hop, and blues, which were shaped by Black artists. 
  1. Support Black-Owned Businesses: 
  • Try to support local and national Black-owned businesses. This could mean shopping, dining, or booking services that are owned and operated by Black entrepreneurs. 
  1. Attend Cultural Events: 
  • Many communities hold events, festivals, or talks during Black History Month. These can include film screenings, art exhibitions, musical performances, or guest speakers who share their expertise on Black culture and history. 
  1. Volunteer or Donate to Organizations: 
  • Volunteer time or resources to organizations that support the Black community, such as local youth centers, advocacy groups, or nonprofits focused on racial justice, education, or economic empowerment. 
  1. Amplify Black Voices: 
  • Share stories, music, poetry, or art created by Black individuals. Whether it’s on social media or in conversations with friends and family, amplifying Black voices and achievements helps to raise awareness and celebrate their contributions. 
  1. Educate Yourself and Others About Racial Injustice: 
  • Use this time to explore the ongoing challenges facing Black communities, including systemic racism, voting rights, healthcare disparities, and more. Reflect on how you can contribute to fighting injustice year-round. 
  1. Support Black History Month Initiatives: 
  • Participate in events or initiatives at schools, workplaces, or other organizations. Many places host educational seminars, workshops, or even artistic performances to celebrate the month. 
  1. Engage with Black History Through Art and Literature: 
  • Create or engage in artistic expressions that reflect Black history and culture. You can attend poetry readings, art exhibits, or participate in writing or art projects that focus on African American history. 
  1. Reflect and Have Conversations: 
  • Take time for personal reflection about how you can support racial equality. Have open discussions with family and friends about Black history and the importance of recognizing it beyond February. 
  1. Watch Films and Documentaries: 
  • There are many powerful films and documentaries that depict pivotal moments in Black history, such as 13th (directed by Ava DuVernay), Selma, Malcolm X, or The Black Panther Party. These can provide insight into the struggles, triumphs, and ongoing issues within the Black community. 

 

More Films: 

  • Eyes on the Prize 
  • The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution 
  • Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America 
  • I Am Not Your Negro 
  • The Souls of Black Folk 
  • Tupac: Resurrection 
  • Black Power: A British Story of Resistance 
  • The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross 
  • Won’t You Be My Neighbor 


Non-Fiction Books:  

  • The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B Du Bois 
  • Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates 
  • The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley 
  • The Warmth of Other Suns 
  • How We Fight for Our Lives by Saeed Jones 
  • The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander 
  • Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington 
  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou 
  • Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi 
  • The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein 


Fictional Books:  

  • Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston 
  • Beloved by Toni Morrison 
  • Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison 
  • Native Son by Richard Wright 
  • The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead 
  • Sula by Toni Morrison 
  • The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead 
  • The Street by Ann Petry 
  • Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin 
  • The Sellout by Paul Beatty 


Events in SoCal to Celebrate Black History:  


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