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Five ways to honor Black History Month

02/09/2023 08:08

It's the ninth day of Black History Month!

Even though we celebrate Black history and culture throughout the year, now is a great time to learn about black heritage and support black culture.

Here are five ways we can honor Black History Month and continue to support black culture:

1. Support Black-Owned Businesses

Black History Month is a powerful opportunity to support Black-owned businesses, which provide economic stability for families and local communities. By choosing to support these businesses during Black History Month, we can help create economic opportunities for African Americans and work towards long-term social change. Supporting Black-owned shops is not only an act of solidarity but also a way of investing in our collective future. You can find other black-owned shops by searching the #blackowned hashtag on any social media platform.

Pamela in Tampa, FL is a black shop owner that has experienced business success with ideas found at Africa Imports

2. Educate Yourself

Educating yourself on Black History is a way to understand the unique experiences and contributions of African Americans throughout history. From classic books such as W.E.B Du Bois’ 'The Souls of Black Folk' to modern films like Black Panther, many resources are available to learn about the history of African Americans and their struggles against racism, oppression, and injustice.

By reading books, watching documentaries, and exploring other forms of media that focus on Black History, we can become more knowledgeable about this important part of our shared experiences. Doing so will enable us to develop greater empathy for those who have faced and continue to face discrimination today.

Here are some 10 books, documentaries, and films to consider:

1. The Autobiography of Malcolm X

2. 12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup

3. Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

4. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

5. Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama

6. Black Panther 2 Movie (2022)

7. “I Am Not Your Negro” documentary (2016)

8. W.E.B Du Bois’ 'The Souls of Black Folk'

9. Selma (2014) Movie

10."Eyes on the Prize" Documentary Series

3. Donate or volunteer

Donating or giving your energy to a local charity that supports African causes is a meaningful way to show your support during Black History Month. When you donate your time to a black charity or give money to an organization that serves the local black community, you're helping create positive change. Every contribution counts and impacts the lives of people in need, which we are passionate about at Africa Imports.

Brian Mutarwa in Zimbabwe is one person we support who volunteers his time to help people in Africa start their own business.

4. Wear clothing from Africa or designed by African American fashion designers

Supporting African fashion designers and entrepreneurs is a great way to not only celebrate the unique cultural heritage of Africa but also contribute to its future. By wearing clothing made in Africa or designed by African American fashion designers, you can help to promote their work and make sure their vision is heard. This is something we are passionate about. When you order clothing and accessories from Africa Imports, we invest half of the profits from those purchases back into the African communities where those products came from.

5.Attend a Black History Month event

By attending webinars or events, you are raising awareness about black history and culture, which can help to educate others. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with like-minded people who share your interest in promoting African culture.

There are many different events that you can attend, both online and in-person, from learning about Black History to something fun like Black History Trivia.

Honoring Black History

These are just some of the ways in which we can celebrate and show our solidarity with those who have faced discrimination. Let us all come together during this special time to recognize the struggles and triumphs of people around us so that future generations may benefit from a more equitable society. Thank you for taking part in celebrating Black History Month.