Honoring Black History Month听
February is Black History Month. According to NPR, 鈥�February was chosen primarily because the second week of the month coincides with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Lincoln was influential in the emancipation of slaves, and Douglass, a former slave, was a prominent leader in the abolitionist movement, which fought to end slavery.鈥� This year’s theme is “African Americans and the Arts” which highlights the contributions by African Americans to visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more. This week, we are sharing a few ways you can honor Black History Month, and hopefully discover new institutions, artists, and businesses that you can support year-round.
Educate Yourself and Your Family
If you aren’t already familiar, we would like to introduce you to the听. This is comprehensive online tool available to all in honor of Black History Month. The museum has assigned each week of the month a different arts-related theme (this week is visual arts) and shares exhibition highlights, articles, videos and more. Visit the museum’s main听听homepage for even more content. Of course, for those in the Washington DC area, we suggest a visit this month (and every month – they have wonderful rotating special exhibitions, as well as a variety of community events).
Join a Museum.
Joining a local museum is a great way to show your support for the community and expand your understanding of African听American听history. There are over 100 museums in the U.S. focusing on Black artists and history – there is likely one in your state.听听听is the听oldest independent African听American听museum.听听boasts a collection of over 9,000 works, as well as听artist residencies and听vibrant special exhibitions.听听is an interactive museum with听artifacts, videos, and oral histories that take visitors through pivotal moments in history.
Support Black Artists & Artisans.听
Take the opportunity this month to find a new favorite local or small black-owned business to support year-round. A few online black-owned businesses we love are听听(custom crayons!) owned by Tiffany Henry,听听founded by Lalese Stamps, and听, gorgeous handbags and clothing founded by听Cecile Essono.
Further Resources