Black History Month is a time for celebration, reflection, and education. It is the perfect opportunity to explore the history and contributions of African-Americans to the world. From Harriet Tubman to Barack Obama, many have made an impact and left a lasting legacy. As we honor these individuals and their influence, it is important to teach the next generation about the importance of Black History Month.
One of the best ways to learn about Black History Month is to engage in activities that bring it to life. Here are 10 Black History Month activities that can help you and your family unlock the power of history and create an enriching experience.
1. Read African American history books
As February comes to a close, it’s important to celebrate and honor Black history and culture. One of the best ways to do this is to read books about African American history. During Black History Month, why not take some time to visit your local library or bookshop and find some great titles about the history, culture, and experiences of the African American community?
There are a variety of books available, from biographies and memoirs to fiction and non-fiction. Authors like Ta-Nehisi Coates, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison have all written extensively about African American history, culture, and experiences. Coates’ “Between the World and Me” is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the African American experience in the United States. In addition to his work, Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” is an essential piece of literature that explores the struggles and triumphs of the African American community. Similarly, Baldwin’s “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and Morrison’s “Beloved” are both powerful books that will give readers an insight into the African American experience.
These are just a few of the many books written by authors of color that explore African American history, culture, and experiences. There is a wealth of knowledge available for readers to explore this Black History Month. So, get to your local library or bookshop and start reading!
>> Read more: Discover Your Cultural Heritage Through These Essential 15 Black History Month Books
2. Go to a museum
As we celebrate Black History Month, one of the best ways to pay tribute to our African American culture is to visit a museum dedicated to it. From the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC to the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago, there are a variety of museums throughout the country dedicated to African American history, art, and culture.
Visiting a museum dedicated to African American history can be a profoundly moving experience. It can provide an opportunity to learn about the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history, as well as the unique contributions they have made to our nation. Whether you discover the stories of enslaved African Americans in the American South or explore the history of the civil rights movement and the artists and activists who made it happen, there is so much to learn from these museums.
When visiting a museum dedicated to African American history, be sure to take the time to really explore the exhibits and read about the stories and experiences of African Americans throughout history. Consider going on a guided tour or participating in a special event to get the most out of your visit. Ask questions and engage with the museum staff to gain a better understanding of the history being presented.
Visiting a museum dedicated to African American history is a great way to honor and learn about the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout our nation’s history. Make a point to visit one of these museums this Black History Month and gain a deeper appreciation for African American culture.
3. View Black History Month films
Black History Month is an important time to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and reflect on the struggles they have faced throughout the centuries. One way to commemorate this special time is to watch movies that explore the African American experience.
The list of movies to choose from is seemingly endless. From blockbusters like Malcolm X and 12 Years a Slave to indies like Moonlight and Hidden Figures, there is a movie for every taste. Each of these films offers a unique perspective on the African American experience, from the struggles of slavery to the fight for civil rights in the United States.
Malcolm X is a biopic of the African American leader’s life, from his childhood to his assassination in 1965. The movie stars Denzel Washington in an electrifying performance and is an essential watch for anyone interested in the civil rights movement in the US.
12 Years a Slave is a powerful drama based on the memoir of the same name by Solomon Northup. The film follows Northup’s journey as a free man living in the North who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the deep South. It is an unflinching look into the horrors of slavery and won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2013.
Moonlight is a coming-of-age drama set in Miami, Florida. It follows the story of Chiron, a young African American boy struggling to find himself amidst a world of drugs, violence, and homophobia. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017 and is a must-watch for anyone interested in the struggles of growing up as an African American.
Hidden Figures tells the true story of three African American women who worked at NASA during the Space Race in the early 1960s. The film stars Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer and is an inspiring story of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
These are just a few of the many amazing movies available to watch during Black History Month. From classics to modern masterpieces, there is a movie for everyone. So take some time to celebrate the African American experience and rent or stream a few of these films.
4. Try a dish from the African diaspora
As we celebrate Black History Month, it is a great opportunity to explore some of the many delicious foods of the African diaspora. From traditional dishes like Jollof rice, Fufu, and plantains to more modern creations like jerk chicken, there’s plenty of culinary treats to explore.
The African diaspora is a term used to describe the movement of people of African descent to various parts of the world due to the slave trade. This movement of people has had a tremendous impact on the global culinary landscape. Taking your taste buds on a journey to explore some of the delicious foods of the African diaspora is a great way to celebrate the month.
Jollof rice is a popular West African dish consisting of rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices. It is commonly served with fried plantains or cooked vegetables. Fufu is a traditional dish from Ghana and is a type of porridge or dumpling made from cassava or yam flour. Finally, plantains are a type of starchy green banana that can be boiled, fried, or grilled, and is often served as a side dish.
Jerk chicken is a modern dish with African influences. It was created in Jamaica in the 1950s and is made by marinating chicken in spicy jerk sauce. This dish is usually served with white rice, beans, and fried plantains.
5. Play African-American music
Listening to African American music is a great way to celebrate Black History Month. It’s a way to honor the immense influence black music has had on American culture and the world. You can explore songs from different eras and genres and find a new appreciation for the contributions of African Americans to the music world.
Start by exploring some of the most influential eras and genres of African American music. Take a journey through the birth of jazz in the early twentieth century, then move on to Motown and soul music of the 1960s. Follow those with the funk of the 1970s and the birth of hip-hop in the 1980s. This is an amazing way to get a taste of the incredible diversity of African American music and its influence on American culture.
If you’re looking for something more modern, try turning on a local hip-hop station, or check out some of the most popular African American musicians of today. You can listen to Kendrick Lamar, Janelle Monae, Chance the Rapper, and many more. There are countless incredible African American artists making music right now that have a profound influence on our culture.
Don’t forget to listen to some of the greats, too. Spend some time checking out Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, and so many more. Each of these artists has left their mark on music and culture, and listening to their music is a great way to honor their legacy.
So this Black History Month, take the time to explore the incredible diversity of African American music and its profound influence on American culture. From jazz to hip-hop and everything in between, it’s a great way to pay homage to the incredible contributions African Americans have made to our music and society.
6. Attend an African American theater performance
This Black History Month, take a trip to your local theater and experience a performance by an African American company or performer. African American theatre companies have been producing plays that explore the African American experience since the early 1800s, so it’s a great way to learn about the culture and history of African Americans.
At an African American theater performance, you can expect to see a variety of pieces, from classical to contemporary. You may find plays about the struggles of African Americans throughout history, or about African American culture today. Plays may also be about the contributions of African Americans in the arts, literature, and politics. You’ll also find plays that celebrate African American culture, such as musicals and comedies.
When attending an African American theater performance, you can expect to be welcomed into a diverse, inclusive, and safe environment. Theatre companies often have a range of performers, directors, and audience members, so you’ll be sure to find something to enjoy regardless of your background and experience.
If you’re looking for a Black History Month activity to do with friends, why not take a group to a theater performance? You can make an evening out of it, and add a little culture to your get-together. You can even make a night of it by checking out a local restaurant before or after the performance or catching a late-night show.
Attending an African American theater performance is an excellent way to experience the richness of African American culture and history. You’ll be sure to learn something new about African Americans and enjoy a great evening of entertainment. So why not check out an African American theater performance this Black History Month?
7. Discover some African American dances
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the many contributions of African Americans to our culture. One of the best ways to honor this heritage is to learn some of the dances that African Americans have been practicing for centuries. Taking a dance class is a great way to learn some African American dance styles, as well as to get some exercise and have fun.
When it comes to African American dance, there are many classic styles to explore. The Juba is a traditional African-American dance style that is characterized by vigorous, fast-paced movements, and often includes clapping and stomping. The Charleston is a popular jazz-inspired dance that was popularized in the early 20th century by African American dancers. It is characterized by fast, syncopated steps and rhythmic arm movements. The Lindy Hop is a swing dance that originated in the 1920s and is characterized by energetic movement and acrobatic lifts.
In addition to classic African American dances, there are many more modern styles to explore. Hip-hop is a form of urban dance that has become popularized in the United States in recent decades. It typically involves improvisational movement to hip-hop music and is often accompanied by spoken word. Krump is a form of dance that originated in Los Angeles in the early 2000s. It involves intense, aggressive movement and is often used as a form of physical expression.
8. Participate in an African American festival or event
Black History Month is an important time to recognize, celebrate, and learn about African American culture and history. One of the best ways to experience this celebration is to attend a festival or event dedicated to African American culture and history.
These events are typically held in many cities throughout the month of February and will have a variety of activities to partake in. You can expect to find live music, vendors, and special presentations that focus on African American history and culture. These events also typically provide a space for the community to come together to celebrate, learn, and share their experiences.
When attending such an event, it is important to remember the importance of the event and to respect the event organizers and their mission. It is also important to be mindful of cultural sensitivities and to be respectful of each other’s experiences.
Attending an African American festival or event is a great way to honor and celebrate the history, culture, and accomplishments of African Americans throughout history. Be sure to take advantage of these events as a way to learn, experience, and celebrate Black History Month.
9. Join a Black History Month reading challenge
Black History Month is an important time to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans to our society and culture. To commemorate this special time, why not participate in a Black History Month Reading Challenge?
This challenge presents a great opportunity to explore the works of African American authors and to learn more about African American history and culture. With so many inspiring and thought-provoking books to choose from, you can find something for every reader. From novels to biographies, you can select a book that speaks to you and your interests.
To get started, you can begin by selecting a book or two that you’d like to read. You can find books on a variety of topics, such as civil rights, African American literature, and African American history. You can also choose to read books that explore other cultures and experiences, such as books set in Africa or the Caribbean. Additionally, you can challenge yourself with books written by African American authors, or books that address African American issues.
Once you have selected your books, you can begin your reading challenge. Make sure to set yourself a realistic goal, such as a certain number of books per month or week, depending on your schedule and reading speed. You can also join a book club or challenge group to help keep you on track.
Lastly, make sure to document your progress and experience with your chosen books. You can keep a journal, take notes, or even make a list of your favorite passages. Writing about your experience will not only help you remember all that you read, but it will also be a great way to reflect on the importance of Black History Month.
10. Honor African American leaders
As Black History Month approaches, it is an excellent opportunity to take some time to celebrate African American figures who have made an impact on the world. Whether it is a figure from history like Harriet Tubman, an artist like Michael Jackson, or an athlete like Serena Williams, there is no shortage of inspiring individuals to learn about.
One great way to celebrate Black History Month is to read biographies or autobiographies of some of these influential African American figures. There is a wealth of information available on the lives of these individuals, both in print and online. Learning about their remarkable lives and accomplishments will help to remind us of their incredible contributions to society.
Another way to celebrate Black History Month is to watch documentaries about African American figures. There are many documentaries available on Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services, as well as on DVD. Watching these documentaries will provide more insight into the impact that these individuals have had on the world.
Finally, listening to the music of some of the most influential African American musicians is a great way to celebrate Black History Month. From jazz to hip hop, to blues, and R&B, listening to the music of these influential African American figures will remind us of the cultural impact that they have had on the world.
These activities are a great way to get your family involved in celebrating Black History Month. Not only will they help to educate the next generation, but they will also help to create lasting memories. So, unlock the power of history this Black History Month and engage in these activities.
