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Black History Month began not as a month, but as a week. In 1926, historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week in February, strategically aligning it with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. His vision was a corrective force; to ensure Black achievement was taught, seen, and valued.

That week grew into a global movement. 2026 will mark its 100th year in the United States. In the UK, activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo established the observance in 1987, now 39 years strong. Canada celebrates 30 years of national recognition.

But this month is more than an anniversary; it is a catalyst. True honour isn’t confined to 28 days; it’s measured by daily action, sustained support, and a lifelong commitment to equity. Let this month be your starting point, not a finish line.

Here are 20+ meaningful ways to celebrate Black history, culture, and excellence; this month and every day.



Engage Through Stories And Media

Immerse yourself in narratives told from within the culture. Books, films, and art are portals to understanding experiences, values, and history.

Read Intentionally

Reading about diverse races and cultures builds profound awareness. Books are powerful tools that open eyes to new perspectives for all ages. Move beyond the familiar; read Black voices across genres: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, business, science, and children’s literature.

Seek out biographies of Black scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, and everyday changemakers. People like Shirley Chisholm, Mattew Henson, Dr. Charles Drew, Garrett Morgan, Beesie Coleman, Ida B. Wells, Mary Seacole; Claudette Colvin; Robert Church Sr, Stacey Abrams, e.t.c. Commit to reading at least one book by a Black author this year, or dedicate time to learning a new chapter of the global African diaspora. Knowledge is the very foundation of power.

Your list could include this:

Learn the Omitted Chapters

True education requires seeking the full story. Dedicate time to learning the pivotal movements, unsung figures, and local histories often excluded from standard curricula. Expand your lens to explore the global Black diaspora; from the United States, United Kingdom and Caribbean to Africa, Canada, and Latin America.

If you have African or diasporic roots, honour your lineage by exploring family history, oral traditions, and ancestral stories. This journey transforms awareness into reverence and fills the gaps with truth.  Read: 



Watch with Purpose

Film and television offer a powerful lens into Black life, history, and culture. Move beyond passive viewing; engage with stories told by Black voices, not just about them. Prioritize work that illuminates truth, celebrates joy, and explores identity with authenticity.

Seek out narratives that challenge, inspire, and deepen understanding. Your intentional viewership supports artistic vision and cultural preservation. Consider the starter list below.

Historical Insight and Social Justice

Films and documentaries that explore pivotal moments, movements, and figures in Black history.

  • Ruby Bridges – The true story of a six-year-old girl who integrated an all-white school, becoming a symbol of courage and change during desegregation.

  • Selma – Dramatizes the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery marches that helped secure voting rights for Black Americans.

  • The Help – Set in 1960s Mississippi, this film explores race, power, and courage through the stories of Black domestic workers who risk everything to share their lived experiences during the Civil Rights Movement, exposing systemic injustice and quiet resistance.

  • 12 Years a Slave – A harrowing account of Solomon Northup, a free Black man kidnapped and enslaved in the 1800s.

  • I Am Not Your Negro – A powerful documentary based on James Baldwin’s unfinished work, examining race in America through history and culture.

  • Judas and the Black Messiah – The story of Fred Hampton and the Black Panther Party, exposing government surveillance and betrayal.

  • The Six Triple Eight – Highlights the only all-Black, all-female battalion in WWII and their critical but overlooked contribution.

  • Hidden Figures – Celebrates the Black women mathematicians whose work was vital to NASA’s space missions.

  • Marshall – Chronicles early legal cases of Thurgood Marshall before he became the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

  • Harriet – Tells the story of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and her leadership of the Underground Railroad.

  • Detroit – A tense depiction of the 1967 Detroit uprising and the racial violence that followed.

  • Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom – A biographical journey through Nelson Mandela’s life, activism, imprisonment, and leadership.

  • The Tuskegee Airmen – Honors the first Black military pilots who fought discrimination while serving in WWII.

  • Freedom Riders – A documentary about activists who challenged segregation on interstate buses in the 1960s.

  • 13th – Explores mass incarceration and how the U.S. prison system connects to racial inequality after the abolition of slavery.


Cultural Impact, Identity and Storytelling

Powerful narratives that examine identity, culture, representation, and the Black experience.

  • Get Out – A psychological thriller that exposes modern racism through horror and satire.

  • Fences – Based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize–winning play, this powerful drama explores Black family life in 1950s America, examining dreams deferred, generational trauma, responsibility, and the emotional walls we build to protect; and sometimes limit, those we love.

  • Black Panther – A cultural phenomenon that reimagines African power, leadership, and legacy through Afrofuturism.

  • Black Is King – A visually stunning musical film by Beyoncé that reimagines The Lion King through the lens of Black identity, ancestry, and self-discovery, celebrating African heritage, generational wisdom, and Black excellence across the global diaspora.

  • One Night in Miami – A fictionalized meeting between Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown exploring responsibility and activism.

  • Sinners – A dramatic exploration of moral conflict, identity, and consequence within the Black experience.

  • Love & Basketball – A coming-of-age romance following two childhood friends whose love story unfolds alongside their shared passion for basketball, exploring ambition, sacrifice, and partnership.


Series with Depth and Social Commentary

Television series that explore identity, justice, family, and global connection over time.

  • How to Get Away With Murder – A legal thriller centred on power, morality, and identity within the justice system.

  • Black-ish – A sitcom that blends humour with thoughtful commentary on race, family, and modern Black life.


Entertainment with Power and Heart

Engaging films that combine storytelling, comedy, inspiration, and emotional resonance.

  • Girls Trip – A bold, laugh-out-loud comedy celebrating Black female friendship, self-discovery, and unapologetic joy as four lifelong friends reunite for a wild weekend that rekindles their bond and reminds them who they are outside of expectations and roles.

  • The Woman King – Inspired by the Agojie warriors of Dahomey, celebrating Black female strength and leadership.

  • Southside With You – A tender portrayal of Barack and Michelle Obama’s first date, highlighting love, intellect, and shared values.


Art, Music and Cultural Expression

Stories that celebrate creativity, sound, and cultural influence.

  • Summer of Soul – A documentary uncovering the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, spotlighting Black music, joy, and resistance.


Listen to Black Podcasts and Lectures

Absorb insight from historians, thinkers, artists, and leaders who contextualize the past and illuminate the present.


Amplify And Support Black Creators and Community

Move from consumption to active support by uplifting voices and reinvesting in communities.

Visit Museums and Cultural Spaces

Whether in person or virtually, explore museums, archives, and exhibitions dedicated to teaching about prominent black figures and their accomplishments in science, military service, education, history and culture. Places include:

Travel with Purpose

Transform your next family trip into a profound, living lesson in African American history and culture. Choose destinations where Black resilience, joy, and contribution are central to the story:

  • Walk the iconic landmarks of Washington D.C.,

  • Stand at the birthplaces of civil rights icons in Atlanta,

  • Feel the soulful pulse of Memphis,

  • Immerse yourself in the jazz and cultural tapestry of New Orleans, and

  • Reflect in Birmingham; and connect with the enduring Gullah Geechee heritage in Charleston.

These journeys offer an immersive, powerful education in the profound impact of African American culture. Plan thoughtfully, blending historic landmarks with interactive exhibits and family experiences to create a journey of connection and understanding.

Support Your Black Artists and Creators

Artists carry culture, strength, and history in everything they create. Supporting them is more than appreciation; it’s an act of cultural preservation.

Champion the brilliance of Angela Bassett, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cynthia Erivo, Danai Gurira, Daniel Kaluuya, David Oyelowo, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Idris Elba, John Boyega, Kerry Washington, Lupita Nyong’o, Morgan Freeman, Naomie Harris, Octavia Spencer, Phylicia Rashad, Regina King, Taraji P. Henson, Viola Davis, and Zoe Saldaña; and the many others whose work continues to shape, challenge, and expand our collective imagination.

Follow their journeys. Learn their stories. Support their work.

Decorate your space with art by Black visual artists and let expressions of power, pride, and truth become part of your everyday life. Attend performances, stream music, share films, and celebrate creativity in all its forms. Whether through visual art, film, music, dance, or digital storytelling, your engagement helps sustain vital cultural expression; ensuring it thrives for generations to come.

Invest in Black-Owned Businesses

Make your money a force for equity. Intentionally patronize Black-owned businesses to circulate wealth, fuel entrepreneurship, and strengthen community ecosystems. Seek them out; from local bookstores and restaurants to professional services and online shops.

Move beyond a transaction; build relationships and loyalty. Use national directories to discover and support businesses in your own city and state. Every purchase is a direct investment in empowerment and economic resilience.

Fuel Change Through Donations

Put your resources behind the movement. Financial support provides essential fuel for organizations driving racial justice, education, community wellness, and the arts. Research and identify local and national groups whose missions resonate deeply with you.

Contribute what you can; whether a one-time gift or sustained support, knowing that your investment helps build a more just and equitable future from the ground up.





Celebrate Cultural Pride And Joy


Move in the Rhythm of Heritage

Dance is more than movement; it is living history. For centuries, it has served as a profound form of expression, connection, and cultural preservation within Black communities. Many dances we celebrate today trace their roots back to Africa.

Whether you learn a traditional step, take a class, or teach others, engaging with these rhythms is a powerful way to honour legacy, express joy, and unite in shared celebration. It’s history in motion.

Wear Your Crown

For generations, Black hair has been a site of both beauty and discrimination; in classrooms, workplaces, and beyond. This month, reclaim your freedom. If you’ve tucked your kinks and curls away, now is the time to release them.

Wear your hair boldly in its natural glory; twist it out, rock a wash-and-go, braid it with pride, or shave it all off and start anew. However, you choose to style it, let your crown be an unapologetic celebration of your identity, heritage, and right to exist fully as you are.

Celebrate at Live and Virtual Events

Immerse yourself in the living culture. Seek out or help organize events that centre Black joy and creativity; from museum exhibits and live performances to local festivals, author talks, and virtual panels.

Show up, be present, and participate actively. Your presence is a statement of support and a commitment to shared celebration.

Celebrate Modern Black Excellence

Look to the now. Intentionally uplift the contemporary Black leaders, creatives, and innovators who are actively shaping culture, technology, policy, and the arts.

In your conversations and on your platforms, actively share and celebrate stories of current Black achievement, innovation, and joy. Pride is sustained by visibility, and your recognition helps fuel the next generation of excellence.

Celebrate With Food

Nourish connections through culture. Visit your favourite local black-owned restaurant(s). Or prepare a notable black recipe rich with heritage and share the story of its origins with your guests.

This act turns a meal into a living lesson, honouring tradition through taste. My daughters, for example, have run an African food sale at their school during Black History Month for four years, raising funds while sparking rich discussions about African culinary heritage. Break bread, share stories, and make history delicious.

Host a “Sounds of Resilience” Listening Party

Curate a living soundtrack of Black history. Build a playlist that journeys from spirituals and blues through jazz, soul, and hip-hop to modern Afrobeats.

Gather friends to listen, dance, and discuss how each genre sonically embodies its era’s struggles, joys, and unbroken spirit. Let the music tell the story of resilience, innovation, and transcendent joy.



Build Collective Power

Teach Children Age-Appropriate Black History

Representation matters early. Integrate Black history into the next generation by teaching children age-appropriate stories of courage, creativity, and leadership.

Mentor with Purpose

Mentor a young Black student or professional; offering your expertise is a direct investment in their future and our collective progress.

Document Local History

Preserve the living history around you by interviewing an elder in your community. Documenting their stories of resilience secures a legacy of strength and wisdom for all who follow.

Volunteer for Empowerment

Put your time and energy where it matters most. Dedicate hours to organizations working on the front lines of social justice, education, economic development, health, and community empowerment within Black communities.

This direct action supports systemic change, strengthens vital resources, and builds solidarity from the ground up. Find a cause that aligns with your skills, and show up; not just as a helper, but as a partner in progress.

Champion Systemic Change

Lead Courageous Conversations

Break the silence. Initiate meaningful, action-oriented dialogues about race, equity, and legacy within your family, circles, and organization.

Leaders, especially, must listen deeply and ask the hard questions: Where are Black voices in your decision-making rooms? How are you supporting Black employees’ advancement? 

True growth begins with honest reflection and a commitment to turning dialogue into tangible change.

Examine and Act on Your Biases

Commit to the ongoing work of confronting implicit bias and understanding systemic racism; through reading, workshops, and honest reflection. Then, leverage your voice and influence.

Champion inclusive policies in your workplace, school, and community, turning awareness into year-round advocacy and action. Growth requires both introspection and institutional change.

Honour the Trailblazers

Go beyond surface-level celebration. Deeply research the specific actions, sacrifices, and strategies that allowed pioneers in your field or community to break barriers and succeed.

Acknowledge the debts we owe and the shoulders we stand upon. True honour lies in understanding their fight and continuing their legacy.

Reflect on Progress

Take time to critically assess the journey since pivotal moments like the Civil Rights Act. Celebrate the undeniable victories and hard-won progress, but also identify – with clear eyes – the gaps that remain and the work still to be done. Honest reflection fuels informed, purposeful action.


FAQs: Celebrating Black History Month and Beyond

Q1: When is Black History Month 2026?

A: In the United States, Black History Month runs from February 1 to March 1, 2026. In the UK and Ireland, it is celebrated in October.


Q2: What is the theme for Black History Month 2026?

A: The official theme is announced annually by ASALH (Association for the Study of African American Life and History). The 2026 BHM Theme is A Century of Black History Commemorations – From Negro History Week to Black History Month


Q3: Why is Black History Month in February?

A: February was chosen to honour the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb 12) and Frederick Douglass (Feb 14); key figures in the fight against slavery and for civil rights.


Q4: Who started Black History Month?

A: Historian Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in 1926, which eventually evolved into Black History Month. It was created to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black Americans.


Q5: How can I celebrate Black History Month at work?

A: Workplace celebrations can include:

Hosting panel discussions or speaker events on Black history and achievements

Supporting DEI initiatives and employee resource groups

Sharing educational resources and book lists

Recognizing Black innovators, leaders, and colleagues



Q6: What books should I read for Black History Month?

A: Recommended reading spans history, memoirs, fiction, and activism: [Explore our curated Black History Month reading list in Section 1.1 above]



Q7: How do I talk to my kids about Black history?

A: Age-appropriate conversations can include:

Sharing stories of Black inventors, leaders, and artists

Reading picture books that celebrate Black culture

Discussing civil rights history in ways children can understand

Organizing simple projects or crafts to highlight historical milestones [See Section 4.1]



Q8: Can I celebrate Black History Month beyond February?

A: Absolutely. Black history is year-round. Ideas include:

Supporting Black-owned businesses consistently

Volunteering or mentoring in local communities

Attending cultural events or museum exhibitions

Continuing personal reading, research, and advocacy throughout the year



Q9: Why is celebrating Black History Month important?

A: It honours the contributions, struggles, and achievements of Black communities. It raises awareness, promotes inclusion, and inspires actions toward equity; encouraging both reflection and progress beyond a single month.



Q10: How can I make my celebration meaningful rather than performative?

A: Focus on:

Learning and listening first

Supporting tangible initiatives (donations, volunteer work, mentorship)

Amplifying Black voices

Integrating history and culture into your everyday life and decisions



This Is Just the Beginning

Black history is our shared story; not a sidebar, but the core narrative. Let this month be your launchpad, not your finish line. Start by choosing one or two meaningful actions and build from there.

True celebration is found in supporting Black entrepreneurs, learning our full history, and honouring the profound legacy of Black identity and joy. Let this month be whatever you authentically want it to be, and let that commitment extend through every month that follows.

“Ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.”

James Baldwin

Which action will you commit to today? Share below to inspire others.

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