How to Organize a Black History Party

Black history month was established in 1976 by the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life. Originally, it was created by Carter G. Woodson in 1926. He selected a week in February to celebrate both Frederick Douglass' and Abraham Lincoln's birthday, and to educate a massive amount of people on the contributions of Black people.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Red, black, yellow and green balloons
• Red, black, yellow and green tablecloths
• Red, black, yellow and green streamers
• Red, black, yellow and green print paper
• Posterboard
• Letters for posterboard sign
• Soul food
• Sternos
• Raffle tickets (optional)
• Prizes about Black History (optional)
• Aluminum pans for food
• Music (CDs, radio)

How to Organize a Black History Party

1. 

   Buy decorations that center around Black History. So much of African American History derives from African culture, so decorations for the event can be in red, black, yellow and green (like the African flag) such as tablecloths, balloons, streamers and poster board with poster board decorations. If you have t-shirts or other paraphernalia about Black History, include that as well.

2. Create a sign to present what the party is for. Party supply stores do not have specific decorations for Black History Month, but if you visit an office supply store, you can purchase letters and spell out a greeting.

3. 

   Provide handouts highlighting contributions of African Americans or other American leaders who helped improve the state of African Americans. Black History Month is supposed to be educational, so it is imperative that your guests learn something while they are at the party.

4. 

   Provide food and drinks for the Black History party. Soul food is a traditional part of African American culture, so feel free to give a suggested list to guests. If possible, make the event a potluck where everyone can bring a soul food specialty in addition to common party foods.

5. Organize a raffle for a guest to win a prize that is about African American culture.

6. Use the remaining raffle money to help a cause or company that benefits the celebration of African American culture

Tips & Warnings

• Black history month was established in 1976 by the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life.

Resources

• Celebrating Black History Month Is Necessary