February is Black History Month — a month dedicated to celebrating the achievements, culture and history of Black people in America and abroad. NFWL recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to discuss and reflect on the role Black Americans have played in shaping the United States.
Women who have blazed the trail:
Althea Gibson
Hattie McDaniel
Toni Morrison
Shirley Chisolm
Oprah Winfrey
Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll
Maya Angelou
Rosa Parks
Misty Copeland
Read: Listed are some of the most brilliant Black authors and historical figures to read throughout the month and beyond.
“The Talk: Conversations about Race, Love, and Truth,” Wade and Cheryl Hudson
“The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Color Blindness,“ Michelle Alexander
“Just As I Am,” Cicely Tyson
“Ida B. The Queen: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Ida B. Wells,” by Michelle Duster
Listen: Here are some fantastic podcasts out there that take a deep dive into topics ranging from empowerment to adversity.
Code Switch, NPR
Historically Black, Washington Post, APM Reports
The Black History Buff Podcast, King Kurus
Witness Black History, BBC Worldwide
Watch: Visual images are an excellent opportunity to take a trip through history and begin meaningful discussions.
“African American English through the Years” – A Presentation by Dr. Lisa Green of UMass Amherst (2017 – YouTube)
“Freedom Riders” (2010 – PBS)
Hidden Figures (2016 – Disney+, PG)
Becoming (2020- Netflix, PG)
Visit: Find a local museum or visit one of these museums and cultural centers focused on preserving Black history and Black culture.
National Museum of African American Heritage (Washington, D.C.)
National Museum of African Art (Washington, D.C.)
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (New York)
The King Center (Georgia)
The National Memorial for Peace and Justice (Alabama)
National Museum of African American Music (Tennessee)
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (Ohio)
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (Michigan)
DuSable Museum of African American History (Illinois)
California African American Museum (California)
United States Civil Rights Trail (across 15 states)