Every February, people in the United States celebrate the history and the achievements of African Americans as a part of Black History Month. Here are some ideas of how you and your 4-H club can help celebrate this month!
Learn
Learn more about Black History Month, why it is celebrated, and its history and impact at the Black History Month site.
Read
Check out a book written by a Black author! Ask for recommendations at your local library. Make it a mini book club and discuss your pick with friends or at your club!
Watch
We can learn a lot through film and cinema. Choose movies to watch that help celebrate the Black culture and experience or ask for recommendations at your local library. Host a viewing party with your club or friends!
Give
Uplift and support local Black-owned businesses. Support Black Owned has a list and directory of diverse Black businesses you could support this month and year round!
Cook
Prepare traditional Black cultural dishes for dinner; this can include soul food, Caribbean food, African food, or Creole food. Make it as authentic as possible by researching the dish's origin and different versions of the recipe. Ask for recipe books or resources at your local library.
Experience
Head to a museum or cultural exhibit in your area to learn more about Black history and cultures. Don't have a museum close by? The DuSable Museum of African American History is located in Chicago and has remarkable exhibits highlighting Black history. And check out the National Museum of African American History & Culture, part of the Smithsonian, which also has online resources and exhibits.
View
Illinois has many sites that played a significant role in the Underground Railroad. Enslaved people would go from safe house to safe house on a path of freedom. Learn more at Enjoy Illinois or head to Only In Your State.
Get Involved
Partner with a group in your area that supports the Black community. Find out what you can do to volunteer and help lift up the voice of the organization!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Arsema Tesfai is a diversity, equity, and inclusion Intern with Illinois 4-H and a third year student at University of Illinois majoring in Political Science and minoring in Business. She is passionate about criminal justice and education reform and plans to go to law school.