This year marks 100 years of celebrating Black History Month in the United States! What started as a week long observance in 1925 has been woven into the American culture as well as the global community. Here are just 5 ways to intentionally celebrate Black contributions, individuals, and movements this month and beyond:
1) Engage with media that centers Black voices, stories, and journeys
2) Visit a museum that celebrates Black culture
Check out places like the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which also hosts a virtual Searchable Museum. You can also search the NAACP database for local events and programs.
3) Volunteer or donate to Black-led organizations in your community
Here are just a few of the more nationally known organizations, but we encourage you to search for local organizations or mutual aid nonprofits near you:
- Color of Change – Mobilizes millions of members to advocate for policies that advance racial equity and hold institutions accountable.
- The King Center – Founded by Coretta Scott King, the Center preserves and advances the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It promotes nonviolence, social justice, and global human rights through education, training, and advocacy.
- NAACP – The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People works to eliminate racial discrimination and ensure political, educational, social, and economic equality for all.
- The Audre Lorde Project – A community organizing center for LGBTQ+ people of color, particularly in New York City.
- The Loveland Foundation – Provides financial assistance for therapy and mental health support to Black women and girls. It
- Black Outside – Encourages Black youth and families to build relationships with nature through outdoor experiences
- Marsha P. Johnson Institute – Protects and defends the human rights of Black transgender people.
4) Support Black-Owned Businesses
Shop from Black entrepreneurs, dine at Black-owned restaurants near you.You can use resources like Color of Change’s the Black Business Green Book, and Libro.fm, to shop at businesses near you. If you can’t find a directory near you, create one!
1) Amplify Black Changemakers
From Black nonprofit leaders to
- Yara Shahidi – Actress and activist who founded civic engagement initiatives like Eighteen x 18 to encourage youth voting and leadership
- Zanagee Artis – Co-founder of Zero Hour, a youth-led climate justice movement advocating for systemic action on climate change and equity.
- Da’Taeveyon Daniels– A youth activist fighting against censorship and defending young people’s right to access books, expand civic engagement, and register peers to vote;
- Sidney Keys III – Literacy advocate who founded Books N Bros, a youth-led initiative to make reading engaging for Black boys and promote literacy nationwide.
- Zulaikha Patel – South African youth activist noted for her social justice work and a member of the Kofi Annan Changemakers Initiative focused on improving educational access.
- Wawa Gatheru – Climate justice leader and founder of Black Girl Environmentalist, expanding inclusion in environmental movements.
