Black History Month is to celebrate the achievements of Black people throughout history and reflect back on how they have impacted our country.  This year, here are the best ways to celebrate the holdiay:

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1. Go on online museum tours 

Being that so many museums are closed due to COVID-19, but a great way to explore the rich and unique history of African cultures is to go on an online museum tour. From civil rights photographs to African American Art, there are many different aspects of history that you can experience from the comfort of your own home. Located in a variety of cities across the country, the opportunity to explore these exhibits virtually is amazing. Below are a few museums that have a plethora of exhibits and help to highlight African American history.

1. Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture of Washington,DC
2. Archives of African American Music & Culture of Bloomington, Indiana
3. DuSable Museum of African American History of Chicago, Illinois
4. The Museum of African American Art of Los Angeles, California
5. The Museum of African Diaspora, Slavery Narratives 

2. Read Informative Books

One of the best ways to learn about history and continue to create change is to read books. Whether they focus on subjects such as the fight for Civil Rights or the historical experience of Black people within the United States, books can help you to educate yourself about other people’s experiences and use that knowledge to change the world for the better. Below are a few books that you can read this month. Focusing on both the past and present, these selections ==bring new perspectives to the table and help to move the conversation forward. 

1. Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates
2. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
3. Freedom Is a Constant Struggle by Angela Y. Davis
4. Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
5. Exhibiting Blackness, by Bridget R. Cooks

3. Participate in Volunteer Work

Because Black History Month is a time for progress and moving forward, it is a perfect opportunity to bring the spirit of giving back to others. Whether it’s inspiring the youth and uplifting future generations or giving back to the homeless community within your city, you can help to create change on a wide scale. Through your work, you can impact the lives of many within your community. Try searching for local volunteer opportunities during this Black History Month.

4. Attend a Virtual Concert.

There haven’t been any concerts during the last year because of the pandemic,. If you’re like me, you miss attending these events and wish you could experience them this year. Well, this year the Chicago Children’s Choir is hosting their annual Black History Month concert virtually. This concert features talented children from each zip code in Chicago. Pieces within the show celebrate Black culture and explore the ways in which music helps to preserve African traditions. Below is a link to the pre-produced show. 

https://ccchoir.org/black-history-month-2021/ 

5. Support a New Black Owned business or Mission

Shopping Black or supporting foundations created by Black people is a great way to show your support during this month. Below are a few black owned businesses and foundations that have been created by metro-Atlanta area Black high school students.

1. Hooked Looks by Morgan Warfield
2. Custom Made Accessories by Taylor Marie 
3. We Spark Change by Ramaya Thomas 
4. The Social Justice Project by Kayden Lashley