Read a book about the history of Black people in the U.S. The history of Black people in the United States dates back to 1619 when the first enslaved Africans were brought by European colonists to the New World. Following this, Africans and African-Americans have been a major part of every period of U.S. history. During Black History Month, make a point of filling the gaps in your knowledge about Black history by choosing a Black history book and reading it throughout the month. Some popular books on the topic include: Life Upon These Shores: Looking at African American History, 1513-2008 by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. DuBois, and Incident in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Ann Jacobs. During Black History Month, your local library or bookstore will probably have a section devoted to Black history, and you can choose a book from there. If not, an employee can help you find one that fits your interests. Read a biography of a lesser-known Black historical figure. You’ve probably heard of the most famous, revolutionary Black figures (like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama), but there are many unsung heroes as well. Browse

the internet and your local library for sites and books about these lesser-known figures to broaden your perspective and appreciation Once you've found a person whose life interests you, head to a library or bookstore to pick up a biography about them.[1] X Research source Consider learning about figures like the 18th century poet Phillis Wheatley; Madam C.J. Walker, the first female American self-made millionaire; and Lewis Howard Latimer, inventor of the carbon filament light bulb.[2] X Research source If you’d like to pursue an interest in a well-known Black figure, look for biographies that delve deeper than what’s commonly known. Learn about current issues faced by the African American community. Black activists and others continue to push for solutions to current problems plaguing the African American community and the country as a whole. Try to read about these topics from a variety or viewpoints, and keep an open mind as you do so. Some issues to read up about include criminal justice reform, racial bias, and income inequality. Remember that not everyone has the same opinion, and that approaching the issues from all sides will help you make informed, empathetic

decisions. Continue learning about Black history and culture throughout the year. As many have pointed out, it’s not enough to celebrate African American culture and history once a year. Use Black History Month as the spark that leads you to actively seek out and explore African American culture and history all year round. For example, you could make a goal to stay informed by reading news and opinion pieces about the Black community and the issues facing it. See which films are coming out this year that feature Black actors or stories about Black people. Mark their release dates on your calendar so you don’t miss them. Always challenge yourself to question what stories are highlighted in the history you know. Ask yourself who might be left out and actively seek out their stories. Call out racism and prejudice whenever you see it. One of the results of learning about the history of Black people in the world is noticing instances of racism still occur today. Whenever you see prejudicial actions being taken against someone, you have a responsibility to speak out on their behalf if you can do so safely. Oftentimes, dealing with racism is as simple as asking someone why they said

or did something and getting them to question their own motives. For example, if someone makes a joke based on a racist stereotype, you can ask them why they think it's funny. The other side of calling out racism is making sure that the people affected by it are okay and safe. If you can't get through to the person making the comments or doing the action, help the victim get out of the situation and calm down. Read Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. At the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered this speech, which focuses on the inequalities between the races in America and Dr. King’s hope for a united, peaceful future. The speech marked a pivotal moment of the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring people to take action against racism—which it still does today. As you read, think about the truth of his words, for both the time he was speaking and today, and ask yourself what you can do to help make his dream a reality. Look up the speech online for a free version that you can read. There are also many videos of the speech that you can watch online to see Dr. King, who was a talented public speaker, deliver the

speech. Read books or poems written by Black writers. The triumphs and struggles of the Black communities in America have been explored by Black writers throughout history and in many different forms. Make a goal to read at least 1 work by a Black writer this month, or challenge yourself with 1 book a week.[3] X Research source You can enjoy classic works by W.E.B. DuBois, Zora Neale Hurston, Ralph Ellison, Richard Wright, and poet Langston Hughes. For more modern Black authors, check out books by Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Octavia Butler, and Alice Walker. For modern poetry, read the works of celebrated African American poets like Maya Angelou and Gwendolyn Brooks.[4] X Research source Listen to music made by Black artists throughout the month. You can focus on one genre or period of African American music, or go on a historical tour. Start with spiritual music sung by slaves, then check out ragtime, the blues, and jazz. Play some gospel and rap and notice the way the different genres contrast and play off of each other.[5] X Research source Music made by black artists has had an enormous influence on music in the US and across the globe. Challenge yourself to listen for the

elements of rap, hip-hop, and jazz that are often intertwined into other genres as well. Listen to revolutionary Black performers from the 20th century, such as Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong. Check out influential contemporary artists as well, like Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, and Alicia Keys. For contemporary gospel, listen to Alexis Spight, Geoffrey Golden, and Jekalyn Carr.[6] X Research source Read essays and watch online talks about Black history. You don’t have to read full books to engage with African American artists. Go online and look up “TED talks with black speakers” to watch short, enlightening videos by Black thinkers. Explore major newspapers and magazines and look for articles by prominent Black writers.[7] X Research source TED Talks offer straightforward opinions and analyses from thinkers all over the globe. Check out their channel on YouTube or on their website to watch talks by Black speakers. Read essays on race, culture and life by celebrated contemporary Black writers like Zadie Smith and Ta-Nehisi Coates. You can also listen to influential speeches from Black leaders, or read transcripts of them. Check out and appreciate

art made by Black artists from all eras of art history. Black visual artists have been making waves in the art world for years, with many using their medium to make striking statements about race or history. Search online for Black artists past and present and spend a few minutes each day looking at different works. Ask yourself what messages you see being portrayed, and why the artist made certain stylistic choices. For an even deeper look into what drives the artist, Google them and read a quick biography. Check out contemporary works by Hank Willis Thomas, Kara Walker, Kehinde Wiley, Jennifer Packer, and Nina Chanel Abney.[8] X Research source You can also look at artists from past decades, including Lois Mailou Jones, Edmonia Lewis, and Edward Mitchell Bannister. Tune in to African American history specials on TV. Channels like TV One, BET, PBS and the History Channel often celebrate Black History Month by showing documentaries, shows, and movies about various aspects of Black culture and history. You can search for “Black History Month TV specials” online to get a general list of things to watch. For more detailed schedules, go to the channel’s website look at their

monthly schedule. Host a Black movie marathon to watch films directed by and starring Black people. Black people have always been part of the film industry, from being included in early films through racist caricatures to starring as complex and beloved leads in contemporary movies. Get together with some of your friends, make some popcorn, and queue up a few movies to watch. Afterward, discuss what you think about the representation of Black people and how this has changed (or not changed) over time.[9] X Research source Some must-see movies to put on your list are The Wiz (1978), Nothing But a Man (1964), Daughters of the Dust (1991), If Beale Street Could Talk (2018), Hidden Figures (2016), and Show Boat (1936). Watch the movies with a critical eye. Ask yourself if the characters are represented uniquely and truthfully, and see whether the movies fall back on stereotypes or push against them. Appreciate Black cooking traditions by making a traditional soul food meal. Soul food is a classic in the American southeast and is majorly inspired by the recipes of enslaved Africans and Black people. While you make and enjoy this meal, you should also make an effort to understand the

history that is behind the foods themselves.[10] X Research source Foods, like collard greens, sweet potatoes, and cornbread all have their own unique histories that can help you to understand the history of Black people in the country. Popular soul foods include fried chicken, black eyed peas, and okra. A big part of soul food is the seasoning, so don’t forget to add different herbs and spices to make sure all of your flavors are coming out! Garlic, onion, chili powder, salt, and pepper are all necessary ingredients for any dish. Support Black-owned businesses by purchasing from them and using their services. One of the most direct ways to have an impact on Black communities today is by supporting their work. Across the country, there are many businesses owned and managed by Black people. By shopping at these stores and choosing to use their services, you support local economies, help close the racial wealth gap, and foster stronger communities in your area.[11] X Research source You can use an app like Official Black Wall Street to locate Black-owned businesses near you. Try out a new restaurant, retailer, or other business this month. Donate money to non-profit organizations

that work to support Black communities. A great way to recognize the struggles, triumphs, and history of Black people in the U.S. is to donate to an organization that works to promote the success of Black communities, fight racism and inequality, and educate the public about issues that Black people faced throughout history and continue to face today. Any amount you give, no matter how small it seems to you, is helpful in furthering an organization’s mission.[12] X Research source There are many, many different organizations to choose from: The National Civil Rights Museum, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Black Lives Matter, and the National Urban League. You can also donate to money to organizations that work for specific causes within the Black community, like the Audre Lorde Project (LGBTQ+ issues), Black Girls Code (getting Black women into computer programming), and #Cut50 (reducing incarceration). Think of whatever causes you’re already invested in and then see what Black organizations are, too. Head to a museum or gallery exhibit about African American history. Museums across America celebrate African American History Month with

special exhibits on different aspects of Black history and art. Seeing historical objects or artworks in person is a hands-on way to learn about African American heritage and culture.[13] X Research source Choose a local museum to see how African Americans have contributed to your community. You can also go to a local art gallery or museum that’s featuring work by African American artists. If you have the funds and time to plan, consider traveling to Washington, D.C., to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture as well as the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial.[14] X Research source Attend lectures on Black culture if you can. Local universities and museums often celebrate Black History Month by inviting prominent speakers to talk about African American culture and history. To find a talk near you, search online for “Black history month local lectures.”[15] X Research source Do a bit of background research into the speaker before going to a lecture. Get an idea of what they’ll talk about, then listen closely as they speak. At the end, ask the speaker about something that puzzled or interested you. Talks might also be hosted by local African American

groups. These talks and lectures are typically free and open to the public. Look for local events to celebrate the month with others. Most big cities host events for Black History Month, including film screenings, parades, performances, and conferences. Search “local Black History Month events” online to see what celebrations are being held near you.[16] X Research source Atlanta, for example, has hosted a Black History Month Parade every year since 2012. New York City typically holds conferences on many topics, including Black Lives Matter and Black sexuality and gender. Look for events that push your boundaries and teach you something new. Go in with an open, curious mindset and delve into your own feelings and reactions to the things you hear.[17] X Research source Organize your own event if your area doesn’t have one. If you don’t have much time to plan, simply host a small get-together at your home. If you’re planning a few months in advance, reach out to your local college, library, or city government to plan a larger celebration, like a parade, lecture, or film screening.[18] X Research source If you’re celebrating at your house, you could show a film that speaks

about African American history. Make time to talk about the movie afterwards, and the issues it brings up. You could also host a book club. Have everyone read a short book by an African American author, then get together to talk about it one night over food and drinks. Participate in Black History Month activities at school. If you’re in school, ask your teachers or administrators what activities or assignments are planned for Black History Month. Ask how you can get more involved or if you can even plan an activity yourself. You might ask if you can show a film, invite a speaker to your school, or even give an in-class presentation of your own on some aspect of Black history or culture. If you’re a parent, you can encourage your child to get involved, or ask the school if you can volunteer to help run different events.