The impact that the Black community has had on the world is immense and impressive and should be celebrated and showcased every day of the year.
Below are a variety of ways that you can participate in Black History Month in February and continue to celebrate and support Black Americans throughout the year.
Online Events
Throughout the month of February
Calvin University will have a series of virtual speeches throughout the month as part of its “Reimagining Black History Month” program.
PBS POV Streaming Documentary Video Playlist: The Parents of Black Love
February 4, 11, 25 at 5 PM
MSU’s Slavery to Freedom Lecture Series via Zoom. Watch world renowned contemporary speakers on race in the US.
February 12-14
Free documentary from the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Detroit Film Theater, Hale County This Morning, This Evening. “An inspired and intimate portrait of a place and its people, Hale County This Morning, This Evening follows Daniel Collins and Quincy Bryant, two young African American men from Hale County, Alabama, over the course of five years.” Register here.
February 13
Detroit Institute of Arts exhibit I <3 My Blackness & Yours: Celebrating Black Photographers Register here.
February 17 at 1 PM
Former Southfield City Councilperson Barbara Tally, the first African American elected to public office in Southfield, is presenting a virtual, free lecture titled “Black History to Inspire Us.” Register to attend.
February 18 at 6 PM
Voice It: Black Poetry Panel Discussion- This intergenerational panel will engage in discussion on how themes from the new Library of America Anthology, African American Poetry: 250 Years of Struggle & Song edited by Kevin Young, reflect lived experiences. Click here myjdl.com/VoiceIt
February 19 at 7:15 PM
Southfield’s Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a Facebook live event celebrating the contributions of African Americans to society and the world with some of metro Detroit’s most notable poets and drummers. Log onto Southfield’s Parks and Recreation Facebook page at 7:15 PM to watch the show.
February 25 at 5 PM
Dr. Ami Robinson will be presenting on Black Lesbian Youth in the United States: Living Their Truths and Breaking Through the Margins.
Throughout the month of March
YWCA 21 Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge from the YWCA of Greater Cleveland. The Challenge will send an email with short readings, videos, and materials addressing a wide range of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues.
Buy from black-owned businesses
600+ black-owned businesses in the Metro Detroit area.
If you can’t find any black-owned businesses near you, try these out:
- WeBuyBlack – An online store that sells everyday items from solely black-owned businesses.
- EatOkra – A mobile app directory to find and order from black-owned restaurants near you.
- Black Nation – A mobile app that helps you find local black-owned businesses and companies.
Black-led organizations you can support through involvement or donations.
Other ways you can support
- Research black history in your community.
- Read black literature.
- Support black artists and musicians.
Keep learning and reflecting and remember that the challenges Black individuals face are ongoing, not just history. Incorporate anti-racism into everyday action, not just during Black History month.
