Black History Month is Feb. 1 to March 1 and is a time to learn more about Black history and participate in some virtual and in-person events. If you have a child in school, they may spend the month of February reading books by Black authors or learning about the importance of Black historical figures. This history shouldn’t be confined to classrooms – it should be learned and celebrated by everyone, because Black history is American history.
Black History Month is an opportunity learn about people who have impacted our country, but whom you may not have heard about in school – people like Ida B. Wells, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Duke Ellington. We also have an opportunity to dig deeper into people we have heard a lot about, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks. You can learn independently, with family and friends or colleagues.
Some resources are below to assist you on your journey:
- The History Channel’s website has a wealth of information about American history focused on Black perspectives.
- Visit African American History Month through the US Library of Congress and other partners.
- Visit the Northwest African American Museum and check out the exhibits available for viewing this month.
- Look up Black inventors, writers, filmmakers, and even actors and celebrities who have shaped the history of the United States. This article, “31 Black Americans You Don’t Know But Should” by Michelle Darrisaw is a solid resource.
- Visit the Main Branch of the Everett Public Library. They are hosting a Black History Month Exhibit curated by the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee and Millenia Ministries during the month of February, located in the Children’s/Youth Service area.
Join us in honoring Black History Month this month and every month.
