Black History Month is dedicated to celebrating Black excellence and acknowledging Black history.  In the past year, we have been witness to a powerful moment in Black history with the profound growth and development of the Black Lives Matter movement.   The many protests of the past summer and acts of solidarity throughout a global pandemic, echo the importance of Black History Month.

This year Black History Month holds even more gravity and significance than ever as people look inwards to see what they can do better to confront racism and inequality.  Here are some ideas on how you can celebrate Black History Month.

Educate Yourself On Black History With A Black Film Marathon

Watch documentaries, movies and tv series that gives a voice to Black stories.  Here’s what to watch on Netflix to learn about Black achievements and history.

Colin in Black & White (2020)

In this drama series, Colin Kaepernick narrates his story and memories of his younger years of dealing with race, class and culture while aspiring for greatness.  Colin expresses and shares the high school experiences he endured that prepared and inspired him to become an activist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej42P9FTwZg

Self Made (2020)

Based on the biography On Her Own Ground by A’Lelia Bundles, Self Made follows the life of Madam C.J. Walker who was the first Black American woman to become a self-made millionaire by marketing and selling hair products for Black Woman.  Starring Octavia Spencer as Madam C.J. Walker, this miniseries shows how she devoted her time to philanthropy and activism to support Black people.

Becoming (2020)

This documentary follows the former First Lady of the United States on her 34-city book tour.  Becoming shows Michelle reflecting on her younger life, growing up, and the work she did in her time as First Lady.

13th (2016)

The documentary explores the history of American prisons and the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery but created a loophole that lead to mass incarceration of Black men who were legally forced to work during their time in prison.

 

Explore Black Music

Music is a universal art that connects us through rhythmic melodies and makes us feel emotions through the stories told in lyrics. Listen to influential music from Black artists to learn about Black experiences, emotions and stories in celebration of Black History Month.  Here are a few songs you could listen to.

Girl On Fire – Alicia Keys

“Love it or hate it, what ever the case, here I am, and here’s me”, that’s the feeling that Alicia Keys had when she was inspired her to write the empowering song, Girl on Fire.  In the chorus, Alicia belts out very strong vocals to express and evoke emotions of freedom and resilience when living in a world that may seem, lonely and chaotic.  This song is a great anthem to empower young Black Women to feel confident with who they are and be their own trailblazer. Alicia also was the Executive Producer for the documentary called How It Feels To Be Free, which tells the inspiring story of how 5 iconic Black female entertainers challenged the entertainment industry and the stereotypes it perpetuates. The documentary follows, Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier and can be streamed on CBC GEM.

What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye co-wrote What’s Going On from the point of view of a Vietnam veteran returning to America to find the country engulfed in hatred, suffering and injustice.  The lyrics touch on racism, drug abuse, poverty and the Vietnam War.

Rhythm Nation – Janet Jackson

Through Rhythm Nation, Janet calls on her fans to come together and work towards a better future.  When Rhythm Nation was released, it was a time where there was growing racial tension in America, after 16-year-old Yusef Hawkins was killed by a mob of white men in Brooklyn; the Central Park 5 were falsely accused of rape; and riots broke out in Miami after a police officer murdered a Black motorcyclist.  Janet used her music to advocate social consciousness and encourage action towards equality.

 

 

 

Support A Black Owned Business

Buying from Black owned businesses is one way to redistribute wealth and financial equality in the fight against systemic racism.  Whether is making a purchase, or telling a friend, any support is appreciated. Click HERE to see a directory of Black owned businesses that you can support.

 

 

Donate to a Black Organization

One way to support Black Canadian lives is to donate any amount to a Black organization that is doing the ground work to make a change.  Click HERE for a list of Black organizations that you can support.

 

Learn By Reading Books By Black Authors

One way to celebrate Black History Month is to dedicate time towards educating yourself about the past, and learning about white privilege. Reading books from Black authors will serve as an educational guide on how racism is rooted in society.  Some of the books below talk about Canada’s long history with systemic anti-Black racism and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement in Toronto, while others describe what it’s like to be a Black student in a prominently white school and highlight multi-racial identities.

Frying Plantain by Zalika Reid-Benta

Set in Little Jamaica, Zalika Reid-Benta writes about Kara Davis as she navigates her Jamaican and Canadian identities. The short story collection follows Kara from elementary school to high school graduation, exploring Davis’ friendships with her predominately white classmates, first boyfriends, visits to Jamaica and tensions within her relationship with her mother.

 

The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole

Toronto-based activist and journalist Desmond Cole, chronicles 12 months in the struggle of Black liberation.  He writes about the Black Lives Matter protests in Toronto, the murder of Abdirahman Abdi by a police officer in Ottawa and the trial of off-duty cop Michael Theriault and his brother Christian, who were charged with violently attacking Dafonte Miller.

 

I’ve Been Meaning To Tell You by David Chariandy

David Chariandy writes about the politics of race in the form of a letter to his daughter. As the son of Black and South Asian immigrants from Trinidad, David tells the story about his own ancestral history, which involves slavery, immigration and finding his own identity.

Sources:

ABC News

CBC

Shondaland.com

SmoothRadio

Filed under: black-history-month