Black History Month starts on February 1st, and the month-long observance is a powerful time to reflect on the Black leaders, authors, artists, and visionaries who’ve moved us. It can also be a meaningful time to learn more about Black history, support Black-owned businesses, and embrace new ways to honor the Black experience.
We asked our Thrive community to share with us the different ways they are celebrating Black History Month. Which of these ideas will you try?
Take your kids to a museum
“My wife and I plan to attend Black History Month Kids Day at the George Washington Carver Museum here in Austin. It’s an excellent way to teach our children about the importance of the month.”
—Joshua Miller, master certified executive coaching, Austin, TX
Share your favorite visionaries and activists on social media
“One meaningful way I will celebrate Black History Month is by posting on all my social media platforms the contribution of one black woman in history every day for the 28 days of February. Each day, I’ll post a photo of a woman who inspires me and explain her unique contribution for society.”
—Dr. Nadine Collins, women’s leadership expert and coach, Atlanta, GA
Support Black-owned businesses
“I celebrate the work of black-owned small businesses and black entrepreneurs during the month of February. I seek out ways to support these businesses through following and sharing on social media, posting testimonials for services and products, and purchases and work with these businesses. Supporting black ownership is one small way to celebrate diversity, encourage inclusivity, encourage others to follow a business path and uplift these businesses.”
—Ellen Delap, professional organizer, Kingwood, TX
Read a book from a Black author you love
“For Black History month, I want to share a book by a Black author whose books I love: Devin Hughes. His latest book, Contrast: A Biracial Man’s Journey To Desegregate His Past, really resonated with me. I grew up in the 80’s/90’s in an almost all-white neighborhood just outside of Denver. I met my best friend, Brittney, in 5th grade and we had an instant connection. At school, I noticed a shift with my other friends as they began to snub me. One day, an ex-friend showed me what seemed to be an underground newspaper written by her and others, where there were degrading words about myself and Brittney, calling her a “mixed-breed.” Brittney had a black mom and a white dad, but I couldn’t understand why they even cared. I turned the newspaper in to my teacher but no one was ever really punished. In Devin’s book, he too, talks about being raised by interracial parents and the struggles he faced. There was a lot of ignorance back when I grew up and there still is today. Thank you Devin, for educating more people on this issue.”
—H. Dalton, marketing manager, Denver, CO
Share Black History resources online
“I am part of a small group of women who have deep conversations around societal division as it relates to Black culture. We exchange ideas, read books, and watch videos and documentaries on Black history to get clarity and understanding. Sometimes the discussions are full of tears. Sometimes there is laughter and ‘I had no idea’ conversations. But the true takeaway is the bonding that has grown and the search for truth. This Black History Month, my goal is to expand the reach of Black history education beyond my immediate group. A Black history summary was compiled for our discussions using many of the resources. I will post small digestible excerpts in February from our Black history summary each week. They will be in my newsletter and on Youtube to be shared. There is growth in feeling uncomfortable, but most of us don’t enjoy discomfort. Perhaps we can sit in that uncomfortable state just long enough to learn and understand a little more about Black history.”
—Alistair Batsell-Young, wellness and business coach, Fort Worth, TX