Uncover the Inspiring History of Black Excellence with These 10 Black History Month Activities
Black History Month is a time for us to recognize and celebrate the achievements, struggles, and stories of the African American community. And it’s also a time to reflect on the history and legacy of the African American experience. As part of this, it’s important to engage in Black History Month Activities that help us to learn and appreciate the culture and history of the African American community.
Here are 10 activities you can do to unlock the power of history during Black History Month:
1. Read books about African American history
Celebrating Black History Month is an important way to honor the accomplishments of African Americans, recognize the struggles of the past, and foster a sense of community. One of the best ways to participate in Black History Month is to read books about African American history.
At your local library or bookshop, you can find a wide selection of books that explore the history, culture, and experiences of the African American community. Whether you’re looking for biographies, histories, novels, or poetry, you’ll be able to find something that interests you.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider looking into books by authors like Ta-Nehisi Coates, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison. These authors have written extensively about African American history and the African American experience. Coates’s Between the World and Me and We Were Eight Years in Power are both excellent choices for exploring the African American experience and the consequences of racism. Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is an autobiographical account of her life, filled with powerful stories of resilience and courage. Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain is a semi-autobiographical novel, which explores the racial tensions present in the United States during the 1940s. And finally, Morrison’s Beloved is a powerful novel about slavery and the strength of family.
These are just a few of the many books that are available to explore African American history and culture. By reading these books and others, you can gain a better understanding of the African American experience and recognize the many contributions of African Americans to our nation.
>> Read more: Unlock The Riches Of History: 15 Must-Read Black History Month Books
2. Visit a museum
Spending some time exploring a museum dedicated to African American culture and history is one of the best ways to celebrate Black History Month. Many major cities across the United States have museums dedicated solely to African American history, offering a unique insight into both past and present African American achievements and struggles.
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC is an excellent place to start. This museum offers an interactive experience and contains thousands of artifacts, photographs, documents, and other media that trace the African American experience from the 1500s to the present day. Visitors can explore the museum’s many exhibits, take part in educational events, and learn about the accomplishments of African Americans throughout history.
The DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago is another excellent place to visit. Located in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood, the DuSable Museum houses a vast array of artifacts, documents, photographs, and other media depicting the African American experience. Visitors can partake in special education programs and events, as well as explore the museum’s many exhibits, including a permanent exhibit on Africana studies.
These are just a few of the many African American history museums that are available to visit during Black History Month. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of African American history or simply looking to better appreciate its present and past, visiting a museum dedicated to African American culture and history is an excellent way to do it.
3. Watch Black History Month movies
Black History Month is a great opportunity to reflect on the unique and important contributions that African Americans have made to the history and culture of our nation. Celebrating this month can be done in many ways, but one of the best is to watch movies that explore African American history and culture.
There are a variety of movies that explore the African American experience, from biopics to dramas to comedies. Movies like “Malcolm X,” “12 Years a Slave,” “Moonlight,” and “Hidden Figures” are especially powerful for understanding the African American experience in the United States. These movies can be rented or streamed, making them easily accessible for anyone who wants to watch them.
Watching these movies is a great way to learn more about African American history, while also being entertained. They provide a unique window into the African American experience, as well as a way to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of African Americans over the years. Not only will these movies provide you with a greater understanding of African American history, but they can also give you a greater appreciation for African American culture and the unique contributions African Americans have made.
You can also take advantage of other Black History Month activities. You can attend lectures, seminars, and workshops that focus on African American history, watch documentaries or visit museums and libraries to learn more. You can also participate in community events such as parades and festivals, or volunteer at a local African American organization.
4. Try food of the African diaspora
During Black History Month, why not take your taste buds on a journey and explore some of the many delicious foods of the African diaspora? From jollof rice to jerk chicken and plantains, there is a wide variety of flavorful and delectable dishes to explore.
For a truly authentic experience, try some traditional dishes like jollof rice. This popular West African dish is made with rice, tomatoes, onion, and a variety of spices. It is usually served with a variety of meats, such as chicken or beef, and vegetables. Jollof rice is a great way to experience the flavors of the African diaspora.
If you’re looking for something a bit spicier, jerk chicken is a great option. This Jamaican specialty is made with a flavorful blend of spices, including allspice, nutmeg, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers. It’s served with rice and peas, a traditional Caribbean side dish.
Finally, for a sweet treat, try some plantains. These starchy fruits are a staple in many parts of West Africa and the Caribbean. They are typically fried or boiled and are served as a side dish or snack. Plantains are often served with a variety of savory sauces and can be made sweet for dessert.
5. Listen to African American music
Celebrating Black History Month is a great way to recognize the cultural contributions that African Americans have made to American culture. As part of this celebration, why not spend some time listening to African American music? From jazz to the blues to hip-hop, African American music has had an immense influence on American culture, and listening to it is a great way to honor and celebrate the contributions of African Americans-to music and American culture in general.
Start your Black History Month festivities by listening to some of the earliest African American music. Jazz has its roots in the African American experience and is often seen as the foundation of modern music. Jazz has had a lasting influence on music and culture, and there’s no better time to listen to it than during Black History Month. Dive into the vast world of jazz, from the early innovators like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington to modern-day greats like John Coltrane and Miles Davis.
For a different sound, check out the blues. The blues is a genre of music that was born out of the African American experience and is characterized by its unique sound, lyrics, and emotion. Listen to classic blues legends like Robert Johnson and B.B. King, or modern-day interpretations of the blues by artists like Gary Clark Jr. and Keb’ Mo’.
If you’re looking for something more contemporary, don’t miss out on hip-hop. Hip-hop has its roots in the African American experience and has grown to become a dominant force in American music. Listen to the classic hip-hop pioneers like the Sugarhill Gang and Grandmaster Flash, or more modern-day stars like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole.
6. Check out an African American theater performance
Celebrating Black History Month can be a great way to honor, recognize, and celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans. One of the best ways to do this is to visit a theater and take in a performance by an African American company or performer.
African American theater companies are located all over the country, and many of them produce plays that explore the African American experience. Such plays may depict the struggles and successes of African Americans throughout history and present a unique point of view on the African American experience. Attending one of these plays can be a powerful way to learn and appreciate the history and culture of African Americans.
When choosing a theater performance to attend, it’s important to consider the type of play being presented. Look for plays that focus on the African American experience, such as those that explore civil rights, the African diaspora, or the struggles of the African American community. It’s also important to research the actors and actresses involved in the production, as well as the director and playwright, to make sure that the production is authentically African American.
When attending a theater performance, arrive early to get the best seats and take the time to appreciate the nuances of the production. If possible, talk to the people involved in the production afterwards to gain greater insight into the play and the African American experience.
By taking in an African American theater performance, you’ll be able to honor, recognize, and celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the African American culture and the struggles and successes of African Americans throughout history.
7. Learn some African American dance
Learning African American dance styles is an exciting and rewarding way to celebrate Black History Month. From classic dances like the Juba, Charleston, and Lindy Hop, to more modern styles like hip-hop and krump, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Taking classes at a local dance studio or school is a great way to learn a new dance. Whether it’s a group class or a private lesson, the instructor will be able to teach you the basics and help you hone your skills. Learning and mastering a new dance style is a great way to show your appreciation and respect for the African American community.
You can also explore African American dance styles online. There are plenty of tutorials and instructional videos available to help you get started. From step-by-step tutorials to complete choreographies, you can learn all kinds of dance moves from the comfort of your own home.
If you want to take your learning a step further, you can even attend dance events and shows. Live performances of African American dance styles are available in many cities and offer an immersive experience. Watching live shows is a great way to learn the intricacies of the dance and to connect with the dancers and choreographers behind it.
8. Attend an African American festival or event
Attending a festival or event that celebrates African American culture and history is a great way to commemorate Black History Month. There are plenty of festivals and events that celebrate African American culture and history throughout the month of February. From small community celebrations to large-scale events, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
At these festivals and events, you can expect to find plenty of live music, vendors, and activities for the whole family. Live music is usually a big part of the festivities, with a variety of genres from jazz to hip-hop. Vendors offer everything from handmade products to traditional African American food and arts and crafts. There are also activities such as dance and art lessons, workshops, and film screenings.
If you’re looking to learn more about African American history, many of these festivals and events offer educational talks and performances. From actors to historians and authors, these events bring together experts in the field to discuss and present a range of topics related to African American history.
9. Participate in a Black History Month reading challenge
Black History Month is a great time to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans and their contributions to our world. One of the best ways to take part in this celebration is to participate in a Black History Month reading challenge.
Reading books by African American authors is the easiest way to get involved in the challenge. You can find a variety of books that explore African American history, culture, and literature. There are a number of great authors to choose from, including Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, and Alice Walker. By reading their work, you’ll gain a better understanding of the African American experience.
If you want to challenge yourself further, you can take a more in-depth look at African American history and culture. There are a number of books that explore the history of slavery and Jim Crow laws, the civil rights movement, and the impact of racial injustice on African American communities. Reading these books can help you gain a deeper understanding of the issues African Americans have faced throughout history.
Finally, if you’re looking for a more creative way to take part in the reading challenge, you can try creating your own African-American-themed book list. Choose books that have relevance to your own life, or pick those that challenge you to explore new perspectives. Whatever you choose, you can use the list as a way to deepen your understanding of African American history and culture.
10. Celebrate African American figures
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s take some time to celebrate African American figures who have made a tremendous impact on the world. From Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks to Nelson Mandela and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., these individuals have helped shape our world and made it a better place.
At this time of year, it is important to take the opportunity to learn more about their lives and the impact they have had. You can start by reading their biographies and stories. There are many books available that tell the stories of African American figures who have made an impact on the world. You could also watch documentaries that explore their lives and their work.
Listening to music is another way to celebrate Black History Month. There are many African American musicians who have made a lasting impression on the world, including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and more. Listening to their music is a great way to honor them and their legacy.
Taking the time to celebrate African American figures is a great way to recognize the accomplishments of these individuals and their work. Let’s remember the importance of celebrating and honoring their contributions to the world.
These are just a few of the ways that you can unlock the power of history during Black History Month. Let’s use this time to learn more about the African American experience and to appreciate the contributions and strength of the African American community.