This year we invite you to be curious and go a little deeper into the heritage months we honor in the United States starting with Black History Month in February.
According to Carter G. Woodson: The Man Behind Black History Month, Februray was chosen for the first Black History Week in 1926 because it contained the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Two men whose historic achievements African Americans already celebrated. Fifty years later, the shift was made to a monthlong celebation in 1976 – the first Black History Month.
We honor Black history in the United States – past, present and future – by taking the time to learn more about it. Below are some recommendations to explore from the team at Valley Outreach.
Local News
- Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder – For 90 years, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder has been reporting the news in the Twin Cities. It enjoys a living legacy as the oldest Black-owned newspaper in the state of Minnesota and one of the longest-standing, family-owned newspapers in the country.
- MPR News with Angela Davis – Conversations about life in Minnesota and how the state continues to change.
Books for Grown-ups
- Our Hidden Conversations, by Michele Norris – Peabody Award–winning journalist from Minnesota, Michele Norris, offers a transformative dialogue on race and identity in America, unearthed through her decade-long work at The Race Card Project.
- The Sum of Us: How Racism Hurts Everyone, by Heather McGhee – An expert in economic and social policy, Heather McGhee, compassionatley and clearly leads the reader through the concrete negative impact racism has in America and how it affects everyone.
Books for Kids
- Marley Dias Gets It Done And So Can You, by Marley Dias – Marley Dias started the successful #1000blackgirlbooks campaign at age 11 because she wanted to read more books with Black girls as the main characters. She has collected over 13,000 books! There is a database and resource guide for books with Black female lead characters.
- Dancing in the Wings, by Debbie Allen – Largely inspired by legendary entertainer Debbie Allen’s childhood experience, the is book is all about persistence.
Documentaries/Videos
- Stamped from The Beginning – Documentary available on Netflix based on the book by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi about the history of racist ideas in America.
- Jim Crow of the North Stories – An online video series from TPT PBS about the history and impact of racist real estate covenants in the Twin Cities. Includes interactive tools to take action through the Mapping Prejudice Project.
Nonprofits
- Appetite for Change – Founded by three mothers to build community through a focus on food justice in North Minneappolis.
- Face to Face – A St. Paul based nonprofit that works to advance economic and health equity for youth while providing support, opportunities, and access to resources.
- Learn about more local, Black led nonprofits.
More Resources – Explore local businesses, museums and American history
- Black History Month – St. Paul
- Black History Month – Minneapolis
- Lift Every Voice and Sing – The lyrics and history of how this hymn became know as the Black National Anthem.
What resources celebrating Black achievement do you recommend?
