Black History Month is a month long celebration to honor the historical contributions and traditions of people of color.
BHM evolved from “Negro History Week,” initiated by noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Every U.S. president, (since 1976) has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
Being Black is not a pre-requisite for celebrating Black History.
Black History is deeply entrenched in American History, and thus has significance that surpasses color or geographical boundaries.
For centuries, Blacks have contributed to our progress, development, artistic enjoyment and quality of life as a country.
ACCORDINGLY, HERE ARE A FEW WAYS TO PARTICIPATE IN BHM, EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS AND INCREASE YOUR BHM I.Q.
1. Study the works of prominent African American authors and poets, to learn more about the Black experience.
A few that I would highly recommend are: Maya Angelou, Richard Wright, Gwendolyn Brooks, Toni Morrison, Terry Mc Millan and Barack Obama.
2. Attend a BHM celebration in your local area.
For ideas and venues, you’ll definitely want to explore
EVENTBRITE.COM or your local library‘s schedule of events.
3. If you’re a teacher, expand your lesson plan.
Include a unit on Black inventors, Black writers, or perhaps a trivia contest or field trip might be in order.
4. If you’re a blogger, write a post that pays tribute to BHM.
Or interview a Black blogger you’d like to know more about.
Add your own flava’.
5. Watch a Black movie (meaning one where the main characters or central theme involves Blacks).
If you have not seen “Fences” with Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, you really should.
6. Listen and escape to some jazz greats.
Like the sounds of Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday.
7. Visit a "Soul Food" restaurant and sample the cuisine.
Or purchase a soul food cookbook and try out some new recipes.
Your taste buds will thank you.
It's not too late to celebrate and embrace all that BHM has to offer.
Your turn.
This inquiring mind wants to know...
Which of the above suggestions might you try?
Who is your favorite African American writer or entertainer? Do tell.
Image credit: Https://Pixabay.com/
Uncertain at this time as to what I will do. However, I will try to find a movie that showcases either Sidney Poitier, or Denzel Washington. I like both of these actors.
ReplyDeleteMe too! How about Guess who's coming to dinner? With Sidney Poitier? It's a classic. Thanks for your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of one of my mom's favorite films, To Sir With Love with Sidney Portier. Haven't seen that one in a while - I need to remedy that. Thank you for your insight and suggestions. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteYour mom has good taste it appears. Love that one too; it always makes me cry. Thanks, Karen. :-)
ReplyDelete