February is Black History Month, a month dedicated to celebrating and rejoicing in the incredible impact that African Americans have had on our society. Even though I celebrate black culture every day, the month of February is about honoring the legacies that came before us who struggled for basic human rights. Because of them, I, like many others, have the ability to strive for our dreams and are allowed to take control of our lives wherever it may go. Without them, I wouldn’t have the ability to become a pharmacist with a doctorate degree.
Take full advantage of this month to celebrate, learn, and to honor black history (or to become educated for my non-African American readers)! Have no idea how to celebrate and honor Black History Month this year? Have no fear because I’ve put together a list of 10 unique ways that you can celebrate your black heritage and become more educated during this special time of the year.
1. Go to an African American Museum
Spend a few hours this month visiting an African American exhibit or an event in your local museum. Most of the local ones will have special exhibits for the month and are a great way to learn more about black history with a different perspective. If you’re willing to travel, I highly recommend making a trip to Washington DC to visit the Natural Museum of African American History and Culture. It’s an entire museum dedicated to black history and it’s impressive!
2. Support Black Businesses
There are a ton of black-owned business that are sure to have anything and everything that you are looking for. Make sure this month to support a black business owner in their endeavors. We can’t create generational wealth unless we support the people in our very own community. It can be your friend, family member, or someone you don’t even know. Just support, support, and support!
Some of my favorites are:
- ShetheCollection
- Jade and Fox
- Posh Candle Co.
- D’IYANU
- Legendary Rootz
- Grace Eleyae
- The Lip Bar
- Beauty Bakerie
3. Have a Black Movie Marathon
Black movies and films need our support too! To celebrate Black History month, turn on your DVD player, Hulu system, or whatever you use and have a movie marathon filled with some classic black stories. If you want to watch something new, then check out Queen & Slim, Get Out, Us, Don’t Let Go, and Juanita. Or if you’re looking for a throwback, then I recommend watching Friday, Boyz in the Hood, Love and Basketball, Set It Off, and Baby Boy.
This t-shirt is from Legendary Rootz!
4. Become a Mentor to a Black Student
If you’re looking to get more involved in your community, then consider becoming a mentor to a black child in your community. Many black children grow up in communities that are low on resources and aren’t given a fair chance at living a fulfilling life. Take an hour or two out of your week to become a mentor to a black student. It could be general mentorship or it could be very specific in terms of career goals. Whatever route that you choose, just know that you’re bringing so much joy and hope to a child’s life when you become a mentor.
5. Learn about a Specific Historical Figure
Every year it feels like we read and learn about the same classic heroes, like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr, and Malcom X. This year change things up and learn about a different hero that had a significant impact in Black history that you might not have heard about before. Rebecca Lee Crumpler (the first black physician in the US), Frederick Jones (an incredible inventor), and Maggie Walker (a leader in the finance world) are just a few people that you should dig into.
6. Donate to an HBCU
An HBCU is a historical black college or university. With the racial injustice that plaques African American communities, it’s so important to support and donate to the colleges that are dedicated to serving African American students. These schools provide a safe space for black students to learn, grow, and to build a strong foundation in who they are. Without our support, the HBCUs schools struggle to stay relevant and to stay open to the public. This month take time to donate to a HBCU school. You don’t have to be an alumnus to donate!
7. Wear your hair out in its natural form
The African American community is constantly being plaque with hair discrimination in schools and in the work force. If you’ve been hiding way your beautiful kinks and curls away, utilize this month to become free from those restraints and wear your hair out in its natural form. Twist it out, do a wash n go, or braid it up – whatever makes you happy girl! Or maybe you’re the gal that wants to shave it off and start all over. I’ve done the big chop twice and it was the best decision I’ve ever made!
8. Donate to or Join a Black Organization
Black nonprofit organizations work tirelessly all year long fighting for equal treatment of African Americans all over the nation. Instead of sitting back and watching them do all of the work, get involved in an organization that you believe in and be a part of the change. Black Lives Matter, NAACP, Black Girls Code, and Blackout for Human Rights are all great organizations to start with.
9. Decorate your home with Black Art
Art in black communities seems to get “lost” and aren’t as celebrated as our white counterparts. Instead of buying artwork from big labels or department stores, buy from a black artist, online or in your city, and deck your home with the magic. It can be as simple piece or an elaborate custom work. Just like I mentioned earlier, supporting black businesses is super important, and this is the perfect month to do just that!
10. Register to Vote
Not too long ago (less than 60 years), African Americans were given the right to vote. Our ancestors worked so hard to allow us this opportunity to make our voices heard. It’s only right that you register to vote and actually go to the ballets! It honestly doesn’t take long at all and you get the chance to decide what’s going to happen in your community.
Celebrating Black History Month doesn’t have to be an elaborate plan or an expensive celebration. This month is more about supporting black entrepreneurs, learning about black history, and celebrating what it means to be black. It can be whatever you want it to be!
