How to Celebrate Black History, This Month and Beyond
The Hope Services Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee would like to acknowledge February as Black History Month! According to the NAACP, “Black history is American history, but far too often the contributions of Black Americans have been neglected and ignored. The long march to freedom and equality begins with knowing our people’s origins, struggles, and achievements.”
The DEI Committee would also like to acknowledge that Black History Month can be celebrated throughout the year, beyond the month of February. Included below are some ideas on how you can celebrate, both locally and nationally.
Anywhere You Are
- Support Black-owned businesses; here’s an interesting list from Good Housekeeping.
- Attend any one of many online events hosted by National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)
- Participate in your company’s DEI, anti-racism and allyship events and courses.
- If you’re a business owner, sign the Equal Pay Pledge!
- Check out SURJ(Standing Up For Racial Justice)
- Learn about Black History through literature. Check out this comprehensive list of critical readings by Black authors!
- Check out this award-winning series, “Black History in Two Minutes (or so)!” This informative webinar series has received numerous accolades, including two Webby Awards in 2020 and two more in 2021!
In the Bay Area
- Visit Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) in San Francisco
- Visit African American Museum and Library at Oakland
- Sign up for one or more of Oakland’s Black History Month Events
- February 27: Black Joy Parade in Oakland
- February 19: Black History Month Hike at Lake Chabot
- February 6: Black Joy On Wheels ride
- Monumental Reckoning art installation
- Explore the Black Panther Party’s history in Oakland
Discounts are available for some of the above museums at https://museums4all.org/
Transportation available through BART or VTA