Looking for ways to celebrate Black History Month? Take a few moments and read the following article “8 Ways to Honor Black History Month” from Salesforce. Written by Terri Givens, who is the CEO and Founder of Brighter Higher Ed, and the former Vice Provost at University of Texas at Austin and Provost of Menlo College. Terri is the author/editor of books and articles on immigration policy, European politics and security.
Supporting black-owned businesses, learning more about noteworthy black figures and their contributions and supporting and learning more about black women were just a few of the powerful and relatable points from this article.
The story begins here:
February is Black History Month, where we honor the incredible contributions the Black community has made throughout U.S. history — from civil rights leaders to artists, politicians to inventors — and we celebrate the Black history that’s being made today and every day. There are plenty of ways that everyone can commemorate the month and celebrate Black heroes from the comfort of home. From supporting Black-owned businesses to donating to charities supporting anti-racism efforts and watching educational documentaries, here are eight ways you can celebrate Black history — not just this month, but all year round.
1. Support Black-Owned Businesses:
Many Black-owned businesses still face structural racism, which poses a unique threat to their longevity and ability to serve their communities’ needs. An estimated 40 percent of Black business owners had already closed their doors between February and April of 2020. This number is twice the decline experienced by white business owners. Becoming a customer — specifically during February when these companies have a lot more visibility — is a great way to celebrate. Don’t know where to start? Online marketplace Miiriya showcases Black-owned businesses in a range of categories, from fashion, art, beauty, home decor, and more. Find other companies by searching the #blackowned hashtag online.
For local support, visit Black Owned Brockton as they actively work to increase the visibility of local black-owned businesses, creatives, service providers, and professionals.
2. Learn About Noteworthy Black Figures and Their Contributions:
Typically, Black History Month draws associations with well-known figures like Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. and activist Rosa Parks, but there are many others to learn about. For example, there’s Shirley Chisolm, the first Black woman elected to Congress. And Fannie Lou Hamer, a Black activist from Mississippi who launched Freedom Farm Cooperative (FFC), an initiative to purchase land that Black people could collectively own and farm. Visit BlackPast.org for an extensive list of other notable Black figures.
3. Support and Learn About Black Women:
I’m reminded of the impact of structural racism on the women in my family, and how they helped pave the way for me to achieve success in life. It’s incredibly important to have Black women at the table as major policies are being developed and discussed. Today, we see Black women in America taking their place at the highest levels of government. I’m so proud of the work done by women like Stacey Abrams, Kamala Harris, and thousands across the country who volunteered and got out to vote. As Amanda Gorman said in her magnificent poem on inauguration day:
We the successors of a country and a time
Where a skinny Black girl
descended from slaves and raised by a single mother
can dream of becoming president
only to find herself reciting for one
To read the entire article, click here.