17 Black History Month Activities for February and Beyond
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honor the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black people throughout history. It is an opportunity to educate ourselves and promote inclusivity. If you’re looking for meaningful activities to commemorate this important month and continue the conversation beyond February, we’ve got you covered. Here are 17 engaging activities that you can participate in:
1. Virtual Museum Tours: Explore online exhibits and virtual tours of museums dedicated to Black history, such as the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
2. Film Screenings: Organize film screenings of powerful movies that highlight Black history, such as “Selma,” “Hidden Figures,” or “12 Years a Slave.”
3. Book Club: Start a book club focused on literature written by Black authors. Choose titles like “Beloved” by Toni Morrison, “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker, or “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
4. Panel Discussions: Arrange panel discussions featuring influential Black figures from various fields to share their experiences and insights.
5. Community Outreach: Volunteer your time at local organizations that support Black communities, providing assistance or mentoring opportunities.
6. Black History Trivia Night: Host a virtual or in-person trivia night with questions focused on Black history and culture. This can be a fun and educational activity for all ages.
7. Art Exhibitions: Attend or host art exhibitions that showcase the works of Black artists, highlighting their creativity and contributions to the art world.
8. Poetry Readings: Organize poetry readings featuring works written by Black poets, both contemporary and historical, to celebrate their lyrical expressions.
9. Cooking Classes: Try your hand at cooking traditional Black recipes, exploring the rich flavors and cultural significance of dishes like gumbo, jerk chicken, or jollof rice.
10. Film Festivals: Support and promote film festivals that feature Black filmmakers and their works, helping to amplify diverse voices in the film industry.
11. Lectures and Talks: Attend or organize lectures and talks on topics related to Black history, social justice, racial equality, and activism.
12. Music and Dance Performances: Showcase the talents of Black musicians, dancers, and performers by hosting virtual or live music and dance events.
13. Community Discussions: Foster productive conversations and dialogues within your community about racial issues, aiming to promote understanding and allyship.
14. Podcast Recommendations: Share and discuss podcasts that explore Black history, culture, and experiences, encouraging others to listen and engage.
15. Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs that connect Black youth with professionals from their fields of interest, providing guidance and support.
16. Historical Site Visits: Visit historical sites and landmarks significant to Black history, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site or the Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
17. Donation Drives: Organize drives to collect essential items for organizations supporting Black communities, such as schools, shelters, or community centers.
Remember that these activities are not limited to just Black History Month; they can be implemented and continued throughout the year. Let’s embrace the opportunity to celebrate Black history, learn from it, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.