How to Celebrate African American History

Expanding your knowledge of African-American history can shed light on little-known facts and even enhance your understanding of current events. Although many wait until February to celebrate African-American history, this isn't necessary and can even be a barrier to truly embracing the past. Acknowledging and celebrating African-American history can be a moving experience for people of all races, and can be done throughout the year.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Delve deeper into known stories. Using familiar figures such as Rosa Parks and Frederick Douglass as starting points can spark interest in gathering significant details. For example, while it's encouraging to know that Rosa Parks didn't give up her seat on the bus, investigating the reasons why she didn't give up her seat can be even more rewarding. Reading entire works written by Martin Luther King, Jr., is much more valuable than merely knowing he was a "good man."

2. Learn about new figures instead of focusing only on traditional faces. Challenge yourself to research beyond commonly referenced people and events to uncover an abundance of noteworthy information. For example, listening to firsthand accounts from everyday people who lived during the civil-rights era can boost your knowledge.

3. Read books written by African-American authors. Connecting with Harlem Renaissance writers such as Richard Wright or modern poets such as Nikki Giovanni allows you to experience the spirit, struggles and triumphs of African-American culture. Choosing works written during different periods and by different authors can provide you with differing viewpoints. Finding suitable choices at your local library or bookstore can help you celebrate African-American history with inspired words.

4. Visit African-American history exhibits, museums and programs. Taking a trip to a living history museum allows you to step into life from different periods. Listening to folktales about characters such as John Henry can entertain and enlighten you. Watching footage and reenactments of historical events such as marches, debates and sit-ins can help you gain perspective regarding the African-American experience. Attend plays such as "A Raisin in the Sun" and "The Color Purple" to observe chilling aspects of African-American history.

5. Organize themed gatherings and games. Hosting neighborhood festivals and barbecues can help unite the community while celebrating African-American history. Although these gatherings can take place in conjunction with traditional celebrations such as Kwanzaa and Juneteenth, this isn't necessary. For example, infusing baby showers, weddings and birthday parties with African-American historical themes can help keep this rich history alive.

Tips & Warnings

• Realize that African-American history is still being made. Don't forget to explore events that happened after the civil-rights movement ended. Celebrating African-American history with your children can make them more likely to continue this tradition into adulthood.
• Avoid placing historical figures on pedestals, as this can make it difficult to accept negative information.

References

• History: Black History Timeline
• Black Past: Perspectives on African American History

Resources

• Family Education: Black History Month Activities
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History