Black History Month, observed annually through the month of February, is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. However, it's important to remember that black history should be celebrated and recognized all year long. Here are some ways to continue celebrating black history beyond the month of February.
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Visit Black history museums and landmarks.
Missouri is home to several museums and landmarks that celebrate Black history, such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Kansas City, the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, and the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site in St. Louis. Visit these places and learn more about the history of African Americans in Missouri.
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Attend Black history events.
Look for upcoming Black history events in your community, such as lectures, exhibitions, and performances. Many organizations and institutions host events throughout the year to celebrate Black history, so take advantage of these opportunities.
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Support Black-owned businesses
One way to celebrate Black history is to support Black-owned businesses throughout the state of Missouri. By supporting these businesses, you're helping to contribute to the growth and success of the Black community.
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Read books by Black authors.
Reading books by black authors is a great way to learn about black history and culture. Check out books by authors such as Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, and Langston Hughes. There are also many contemporary black authors to explore, such as Ta-Nehisi Coates and Roxane Gay.
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Watch movies and documentaries about Black history.
Watching movies and documentaries about black history is another way to learn about the experiences of Black Americans. Some notable films to watch include "Selma," "The Color Purple," "12 Years a Slave," and "Do the Right Thing."
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Learn about Black history in your local area.
Take the time to learn about black history in your local area. Research the history of black communities in your town or city, and find out about the contributions of local African Americans.
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Attend Black cultural festivals.
Missouri is home to several black cultural festivals, such as the Juneteenth Festival in St. Louis and the Black History Month Festival in Kansas City. Attend these festivals and come prepared to respectfully learn more about black culture and history.
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Educate others about Black history.
Finally, one of the most important ways to celebrate Black history is to educate others. Share your knowledge of Black history with your family, friends, and coworkers, and encourage them to continue learning and celebrating Black history all year long.
By taking the time to learn, engage, and support the Black community throughout the year, you can help promote understanding and appreciation of Black history and culture in the state of Missouri. Let us know how you plan to continue the Black history celebrations in the comments. We’re looking forward to learning more about the Black-owned businesses, authors, exhibits and resources available to the rest of our community!