How to Plan a Progressive Black History Month Celebration

February is an important month for the African-American community. It is a time where hundreds of years worth of history are celebrated and discussed. This period brings a sense of pride for many in the community. Some, however, want to move beyond the traditional programs and speeches and implement efforts that will have a long lasting effect in the community.

Instructions

1. Promote a reading campaign. There are several major cities in the country that have African-American Read-In programs. Contact a local representative from this type of club and coordinate events throughout the month to promote a love of reading in young people and adults. Perform a search online with the words "African American Read In."

2. Plan a health fair. Contact home care agencies in the area and coordinate health fairs where nurses can provide simple health checks and teach in-services on diseases that affect the African-American community, such as diabetes. Over the course of a month, track blood sugars and compliance with methods to keep it under control.

3. Create an entrepreneur workshop. Business ideas are everywhere in the black community. Encourage the implementation of these ideas by providing education on the tools need to start and run a business. Make sure that the workshop offers a realistic approach about the chances of success for certain types of businesses as well as ways to avoid standard pitfalls.

4. Invite non-Black people to the entire month's events. Fear of the unknown is one of the driving forces of hate and prejudice. Reaching out to other communities encourages a sense of pride as well as a sense of trust and goodwill in other communities. Contact inter-denominational organizations in the city and inform them of the month's events.