Black History Month 2024: How to Honor, Learn, & Celebrate

What is Black History Month?

• Black History Month takes place each February to celebrate the "too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history," as stated by U.S. President Gerald Ford. 
• The theme for​​ this year is "African Americans and the Arts," which highlights the role Black Americans have played in visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary, and other forms of cultural expression. Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) chooses the theme for Black History Month.
• Black History Month calls on all Americans to validate and honor the sacrifices, experiences, and struggles of those racially marginalized in this country. 
• The month empowers and engages individuals in the fight for civil rights and social justice for all human beings.

The history

• The celebration began in 1915 when Carter G. Woodson, the "Father of Black History," and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded what is today known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
• In 1926, the organization chose the second week in February to honor Black history and accomplishments, coinciding with Abraham Lincoln's and Frederick Douglass' birthdays, two important figures in the liberation of Black Americans.
• During the Civil Rights Movement, many college campuses expanded the week into Black History Month. In 1976, President Ford officially recognized Black History Month. Since then, every U.S. president and countries around the world have devoted February to Black History Month. 

How to honor Black History Month

Participate in Black History Month by educating yourself and others on the experiences of those marginalized worldwide.

Black history, important Black figures, and Black stories:

• Check out this list of recommended books from the Innocence Project about Black history and experiences. Also, tune into the Innocence Project's list of documentaries, podcasts, and recommended series portraying the Black experience in America. 
• The Library of Congress offers an extensive list of resources to learn about Black History Month, including 16 Black artists to know, resources for teachers, and more.
• Watch "13th", a documentary by Ava DuVernay examining the racial inequity of the U.S. prison systems. 
• Listen to the "American Police" episode on NPR, which investigates the history of policing Black people in the U.S.
• Learn about important (but often overlooked) Black figures in history.
• Support Black-owned businesses with this online directory -- help close the racial wealth gap, support Black owners, and boost community morale. 
• Donate to anti-racism and black-supporting organizations, such as the Anti-Racism Fund and ERASE Racism. 

Participate in virtual and local events:

• ​​ASALH's month-long virtual festival to celebrate Black resistance and art in the past, present, and future.
• Check out the Smithsonian African American History and Culture Museum's virtual and on-site program paying tribute to the contributions of Black pioneers.
• The Library of Congress offers an extensive list of resources to learn about Black History Month, including 16 Black artists to know, resources for teachers, and more.
• The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture's new exhibition, Cultural Expression, illustrates African American and African diaspora culture. Beginning on Feb. 10, the museum will present selections from Brian Lanker's "I Dream a World: Portraits of Remarkable Black Women Who Changed America." 
• New York Historical Society is offering an ongoing installation dedicated to Frederik Douglass. Find out more and visit "Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass' America." Learn about the Legacy of Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre in the museum's distinguished speakers series on Feb. 6. 
• Visit Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park's permanent exhibitions "Courage to Lead" and "Children of Courage" in Atlanta, Georgia.

How will you be celebrating Black History Month? Spread the word on how you'll be participating in Black history - and encourage others to do the same.

-Laura Woods and Jamie Epstein