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Black History Month is every month. Here’s how you can continue honoring Black history.

Written by Deshani Semaan | 2/25/22 6:33 PM

Black History Month was first celebrated in 1970 at Kent State University, but its origins can be traced further back. Originally, it started as a week to ensure Black history would be preserved through time. This week-long celebration introduced by historian Carter Woodson in 1926 eventually evolved into Black History Month and is now celebrated internationally

Black history is expansive. Yet, so much of it isn’t taught in schools. Textbooks often tell a very specific, whitewashed version of American history that doesn’t show the full picture. We’ve even seen some states attempt to stop schools from teaching important parts of Black history this year. To really honor Black history, we must be committed to learning year-round about the history, the heroes and the honest truth. Keep reading to learn more about how we can celebrate Black history every month. 

 

The poem featured in this video was written by IGNITE's Chief Program Officer, Tierra Stewart.

Dive deeper into Black history 

Often we hear about leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, who absolutely deserve the attention they receive. But there are so many other revolutionary Black leaders we should be celebrating too, like Judge Jane Bolin and the mother of Black feminism, Anna Julia Cooper. Here are some of the Black women who weren’t in your history books. To make sure we’re learning the real stories of these leaders and all of their contributions, consider seeking out research and books by Black historians. You can visit museums like the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC, which offers virtual exhibitions as well, and The Museum of African American Art

Uplift Black voices 

Uplifting and amplifying Black voices is crucial. Black changemakers have been doing the work on the ground and using their platform to raise awareness for years. Young women like Nupol Kiazolu have been protesting since the age of 13. Share their stories and their work with others. Black voices have continuously been suppressed and silenced, which is why it’s especially important to continue uplifting Black voices. “Telling the complete history of African Americans, no matter how hard it is to hear, and letting more Black voices tell their stories, are steps we can take today to reframe how the community is viewed as well as to raise awareness around the systems and policies that are racially biased,” shares Charlene Polite Corley. Check out this list of 30 impactful Black content creators to follow on social media and amplify today. 

Support Black-owned businesses 

Small businesses are the backbone of communities, but a lot of Black businesses have been impacted by the pandemic. In fact, the pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on Black small businesses. In addition to COVID-19, Black business owners are constantly dealing with the deeply-rooted systemic racism that serves as a barrier to growth opportunities. 8 out 10 Black businesses fail within the first 18 months due to a lack of funding. Check out this list of over 100 Black-owned businesses to support. 

These are just a few of the many ways we can celebrate and honor Black history throughout the year. Continue learning about Black history by registering for our upcoming event, Birthing America: Black Women and Reproductive Justice. Learn more here

IGNITE’s blog posts on Black history 

10 Black women who weren't in your history books

Shows and movies to watch that center Black women

Ibtihaj Muhammad: More than a medalist

Claudette Colvin: Rosa Parks’ lesser-known predecessor 

Anna Arnold Hedgeman: The woman behind the March on Washington

Recommended reads by Black women

Cori Bush: Activist, pastor, nurse and Congresswoman 

The life and legacy of Judge Jane Bolin

Anna Julia Cooper: the mother of Black feminism 

Constance Baker Motley: Lifelong advocate for civil rights