Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black individuals who have shaped our world. Originating from Carter G. Woodson’s Negro History Week in 1926, this celebration has grown into a month-long recognition of achievements, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.
This month we are celebrating Black history and culture across the six domains of wellness: Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Social, Intellectual, and Vocational. By incorporating diverse activities into your programs, you can create a well-rounded and engaging way to commemorate this important month.
Physical - Traditionally Black Dances
Many dances have roots in the African-American community. Spend some time this month to learn about these iconic dances and how they helped shape American culture. Maybe you could even give dancing them a go!
For each of the following dances we have included a link to information about the history of the dance and instructions for how you can do it yourself.
The Lindy Hop: History and Instructions
Stepping: History and Instructions
Electric Slide: History and Instructions
Soul Train Line: History. Since there are no steps for this dance here’s an article with Do’s and Dont’s and a video example. Dance how you want and be creative!
Emotional - Talk with NAACP Members
Host a discussion with members of the NAACP or other community organizations to share stories and personal experiences. These conversations foster understanding, empathy, and a sense of connection.
If you are unable to have someone come in person, here are some virtual stories:
Radio: Black History Month - Unsung Heroes of the African American Experience
Video: Virtual Field Trip - Black Explorers from Past and Present
Spiritual - Historically Black Music
Black music has always been a source of spiritual strength and cultural identity. Explore genres like Gospel, Jazz, Blues, Soul, and R&B. Host a listening session or live performance to reflect on the resilience and creativity embedded in these sounds.
For those who would like to learn about the history of Black music, this video provides a detailed exploration of its roots and evolution over time.
Here are some playlists on YouTube to get you started: Black History Songs, Spiritual Songs for Black History Month, and Black Musicians Who Changed Music
Social - Celebrating Through Food
Food is a deeply rooted aspect of cultural identity and heritage, offering a delicious way to celebrate and bring people together. African-American culinary traditions reflect a history of creativity, resourcefulness, and resilience, often blending influences from African, Caribbean, and Southern American cuisines.
Host a social gathering like a potluck or happy hour to explore these culinary traditions in a festive and communal way. Participants can share dishes that highlight cultural stories, family traditions, or personal favorites. We think the following recipes would work well for a party setting, offering bite-sized and easy-to-serve options:
If you’d like to explore beyond the party-style atmosphere, consider hosting a cooking demonstration or a sit-down meal featuring more substantial dishes that highlight the depth and diversity of African-American cuisine. Suggestions include:
Gumbo
Collard Greens
Jambalaya
Jerk Chicken
To enhance the experience, provide recipe cards for the featured dishes, allowing participants to recreate these flavorful connections to culture at home. Share the stories behind the recipes, emphasizing the resilience, resourcefulness, and innovation of African-American cooks throughout history.
Intellectual - Black History Month Exhibit
Celebrate Black History Month with an engaging exhibit that showcases the contributions of Black individuals across various fields and industries such as science and art, or through their civil rights activism. A thoughtfully curated display invites visitors to explore the rich and varied accomplishments of African Americans and their enduring impact on our world. Partner with local organizations, schools, and artists to incorporate additional perspectives and ensure the exhibit reflects the experiences and stories of your community.
Here are some suggestions of notable people you could include in your exhibit:
Science: George Washington Carver, Mae Jemison
Art: Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kara Walker
Music: Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin
Activism: Martin Luther King Jr., Angela Davis, Rosa Parks
This year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” is a perfect opportunity to delve into the pivotal role African Americans have played in shaping the workforce and championing labor rights. Feature stories about:
The Pullman Porters, the first African-American labor union to gain recognition.
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, who headed the Division of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration
The ongoing contributions of African Americans in fields such as healthcare, education, technology, and the arts.
To deepen engagement, consider incorporating:
Audio-Visual Displays: Such as clips of Aretha Franklin’s performances, video interviews with contemporary Black activists, or historical footage of labor strikes.
Hands-On Activities: For example, a timeline puzzle where visitors match key events in African-American labor history to the correct year.
Visitor Participation: A "Reflection Wall" where attendees can write about how the featured individuals or themes resonate with their lives.
Vocational - Freedom Quilt Greeting Cards
The Freedom Quilt holds a powerful place in Black history, symbolizing hope, resilience, and unity during times of adversity. Inspired by the Underground Railroad, these quilts carried hidden messages and directions for those seeking freedom. Each pattern, such as the "Log Cabin" or "Flying Geese," held symbolic meaning, guiding individuals to safety.
Engage participants in making Freedom Quilt greeting cards, a creative activity inspired by the quilts that symbolized hope and direction for those seeking freedom. Here’s an educational video produced by the LA County Library along with a set of instructions for making your own cards.
Other Ideas:
Trivia such as Krafty Lab’s 40+ Black History Month Trivia Questions For Work
“Who am I?” bingo featuring famous African Americans. Tailor your game to your audience by including or omitting pictures on the player’s cards.
Play this Black History Month Loteria Game (not affiliated)
Watch TED Talks
Read about Black history each day
Listen to NPR’s series on Black history
Movie Marathon (Thanks to Stephanie Foster D'Amico in the Activity Director Facebook Group for putting together this list)
Inspirational & Uplifting
Hidden Figures (2016) – The true story of three African American women mathematicians who played a crucial role at NASA during the space race.
The Butler (2013) – Chronicles the life of a White House butler serving through eight presidencies, providing a personal perspective on the Civil Rights Movement.
The Great Debaters (2007) – Follows a Black college debate team as they break barriers and achieve national recognition.
Ray (2004) – A powerful biography of Ray Charles, showcasing his triumph over adversity.
Remember the Titans (2000) – A feel-good sports drama about the integration of a high school football team in Virginia.
Cultural Celebrations & Lighter Tones
Black Panther (2018) – Celebrates African culture and heritage through a superhero lens, offering a visually stunning and empowering experience.
Soul (2020) – An animated film about jazz, passion, and finding one's purpose, with themes of African American culture and music.
Summer of Soul (2021) – A vibrant documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, full of music and joy.
Akeelah and the Bee (2006) – A heartwarming story of a young girl competing in a national spelling bee, highlighting perseverance and community support.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) – A fictionalized account of a recording session with blues legend Ma Rainey, focusing on the rich history of Black music.
Historical Reflections (Gentle Approach)
Selma (2014) – A moving but approachable film about the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches for voting rights, led by Martin Luther King Jr.
Harriet (2019) – A biopic about Harriet Tubman, showcasing her bravery and leadership in the Underground Railroad.
Glory (1989) – Tells the story of the first Black regiment during the Civil War. Inspirational and moving, but not overly graphic.
42 (2013) – The story of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, focusing on his resilience and courage.
Loving (2016) – A quiet yet powerful film about the interracial couple behind the landmark Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia.
Other Resources:
https://blackhistorymonth.gov/index.html
https://www.blackillustrations.com/blog/celebrating-black-history
https://web.archive.org/web/20110923160537/http://www.biography.com:80/blackhistory/
