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February is Black History Month

Whatever the color of your family's skin, it's a chance to celebrate the diversity of our American culture. What can you do?

  1. Cities across the nation are taking up the cause with lectures, art exhibits, contests... even a 5K race! Check out what your community is doing in honor of the month.
  2. Catch a screening of Spike Lee’s epic Miracle at St. Anna, which delves into the widely unknown experiences of African-American soldiers (also known as the Buffalo Soldiers) during World War II.
  3. Is discrimination or racism bad in your area? Take this time to capitalize on the buzz and organize a Unity Rally [1] at your school.
  4. Host a screening [2] of the Civil War movie Glory at your school, then discuss the history of discrimination in the U.S.
  5. Sit back, relax and listen to some good, classic jazz. And maybe sign up for those piano lessons you've been promising yourself.
  6. In a book club? Have the group read books by black authors like Toni Morrison or Richard Wright. Not in a book club? Start one! [3]
  7. Visit your local museums. Whether they're dedicated to history, art or science, it's a sure bet this month's premier exhibits will focus on the work of black creators. (Check the newspaper for listings)
  8. Take a virtual course in black history. [4] Then test your knowledge! [5]
  9. Take a backward dive into the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. From this era came the likes of Duke Ellington, Zora Neale Hurston, Ethel Waters and Langston Hughes.
  10. Have a dinner party, serving food from the black kitchens of the American South. You'll find inspiration and recipes in dozens of Southern and African-American cookbooks.
  11. Learn about an influential African American inventor, politician or social activist, then spread your knowledge. Everyday in February, Do Something will feature a powerful figure in black history so check back with us for more!
Discrimination [6]
Racial Discrimination [7]

Source URL: http://www.dosomething.org/blog/chatterbox/february-black-history-month

Links:
[1] http://www.dosomething.org/actnow/actionguide/organize-a-rally
[2] http://www.dosomething.org/actnow/actionguide/host-a-movie-screening-your-school
[3] http://www.dosomething.org/actnow/actionguide/how-start-a-book-club
[4] http://www.biography.com/blackhistory/101-facts-inventions.jsp
[5] http://www.infoplease.com/quizzes/bhmgeneral2/1.html
[6] http://www.dosomething.org/cause/discrimination
[7] http://www.dosomething.org/issues/racial-discrimination