by 
Black History Month is one of my favorite times of the year because it’s an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the impact of Black people throughout history.
It’s easy to think of it as just another themed month, but for me, it’s more than that.
And it’s a time to be intentional – about learning, supporting, and celebrating.
Over the years, I’ve celebrated in different ways, from reading books by Black authors to watching movies that bring history to life.
Sometimes, my celebration has been as simple as having thoughtful conversations with friends about topics we didn’t learn in school.
What I love most is that there’s no right way to do it – whether big or small, every effort matters.
So if you’re looking for ways to make Black History Month meaningful this year, here are 15 ideas to get started.
1. Read Books by Black Authors
Books are my go-to way to celebrate Black History Month.
Reading stories by Black authors allows us to experience history, culture, and personal narratives in a way that’s deeply immersive.
Whether you love fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, there’s a book for you.
A Few Must-Reads:
Fiction:
- The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett – A powerful novel about twin sisters who choose different racial identities.
- Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson – A chilling thriller that explores the criminal justice system and racial bias.
More Book Recs: 10 Black Love Books That Celebrate Every Kind of Romance
Nonfiction:
- The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson – A stunning historical account of the Great Migration.
- Born a Crime by Trevor Noah – A hilarious yet heartbreaking memoir about growing up in apartheid South Africa.
More Book Recs: 10 Eye-Opening Nonfiction Books to Read for Black History Month
Children’s Books:
- Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison – A beautifully illustrated book highlighting Black women in history.
- The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez – A fun and educational way to introduce kids to Black history.
More Book Recs: 10 Inspiring Young Adult Books to Honor Black History Month
This month, try picking up a book by a Black author you’ve never read before!
Where to start:
- Pick a genre you love and find a Black author in that space.
- Read a book about a historical Black figure you don’t know much about.
- Join a book club that focuses on Black literature for the month.
If you’re not a big reader, audiobooks work too! And if you get bored while listening to audiobooks, here are some fun activities (aside from chores) to stay busy.
More Book Recs: 15 Gripping Thriller Books by Black Authors You’ll Love
2. Watch Black History Documentaries & Movies
Movies have the power to bring Black history to life in ways that words sometimes can’t.
Whether it’s a historical drama, an inspiring documentary, or a fun animated film, watching Black stories unfold on screen is a great way to celebrate.
Recommendations Based on Your Mood:
If you want something powerful & historical:
- Selma – A gripping portrayal of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- 12 Years a Slave – Based on a true story, this film highlights the resilience of Solomon Northup, a free Black man kidnapped into slavery.
If you want something uplifting & inspiring:
- Hidden Figures – The true story of three Black women mathematicians who helped NASA send astronauts to space.
- King Richard – A heartwarming biopic about Richard Williams, the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams.
If you want something fun & family-friendly:
- Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse – A visually stunning and empowering superhero film featuring Miles Morales.
- The Princess and the Frog – Disney’s first Black princess, Tiana, in a story filled with magic and ambition.
If you want to learn more through documentaries:
- 13th – Explores the links between slavery and mass incarceration in America.
- I Am Not Your Negro – Based on James Baldwin’s unfinished work, this documentary is a thought-provoking look at race in America.
Watching films is a great way to engage with Black stories, whether you want something deeply educational or simply entertaining.
3. Support Black-Owned Businesses
One of the most impactful ways to celebrate Black History Month is by supporting Black entrepreneurs.
Investing in Black-owned businesses helps build generational wealth and strengthens communities.
Where to Start:
- Restaurants – Order from a local Black-owned restaurant and try traditional Black cuisine.
- Online Shops – Explore Black-owned businesses that sell beauty products, clothing, accessories, and home decor.
- Bookstores – Buy your next read from a Black-owned bookstore like MahoganyBooks or The Lit. Bar.
I’ve made it a personal goal to seek out Black-owned brands, especially when shopping online.
It’s such a simple yet powerful way to show support.
How to find Black-owned businesses:
- Local – Search for Black-owned restaurants, bookstores, or shops in your area.
- Online – Websites like We Buy Black and The Black Wallet list Black-owned brands.
- Social Media – Many Black creators share business recommendations; just follow #BuyBlack.
4. Learn About Unsung Black Heroes
We all know Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, but there are so many incredible Black figures who don’t get the recognition they deserve.
Here are a few lesser-known heroes who shaped history:
- Claudette Colvin – Before Rosa Parks, 15-year-old Claudette refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger.
- Shirley Chisholm – The first Black woman to run for U.S. president in 1972.
- Garrett Morgan – Inventor of the traffic light and the gas mask.
- Marsha P. Johnson – A Black transgender activist who played a key role in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
This month, take some time to learn about an unsung hero – you might be surprised at how many names are left out of history books.
5. Visit a Black History Museum or Landmark
Seeing history up close can be a powerful experience.
If you have a Black history museum nearby, consider visiting.
And if not, there are plenty of virtual tours available – Here are some amazing places to start:
- National Museum of African American History & Culture (Washington, D.C.)
- The Legacy Museum (Montgomery, Alabama)
- International African American Museum (Charleston, South Carolina)
Even if you can’t visit in person, many museums have free online exhibits you can check out from home.
6. Cook a Traditional Black Cuisine
Food is such a beautiful way to connect with culture.
This month, try making a dish from a Black culinary tradition.
Ideas:
- Soul Food – Fried chicken, mac & cheese, collard greens, or cornbread.
- Caribbean Cuisine – Jerk chicken, rice & peas, or plantains.
- West African Dishes – Jollof rice, fufu, or peanut stew.
Trying new flavors and learning the history behind dishes is such a fun way to celebrate Black culture.
7. Follow & Support Black Creators Online
Social media is full of amazing Black voices, from educators to artists to activists.
Instead of just following them, engage with their content – like, comment, and share.
Some great accounts to check out:
- Books & Education: @wellreadblackgirl and @Bookofcinz
- Culture & History: @theconsciouskid
- Food & Lifestyle: @jerrelle.guy
8. Volunteer for Black-Led Organizations
If you want to give back, look for local or national Black-led organizations that support communities through education, activism, or social programs.
Even if you don’t have time to volunteer, you can:
- Donate to a Black-led nonprofit.
- Share their work on social media to help spread awareness.
- Great organizations to support:
- Black Girls Code (STEM education for Black girls)
- The Loveland Foundation (Therapy resources for Black women)
10. Make It a Year-Round Commitment
Black history shouldn’t just be a February thing.
The best way to truly celebrate is to make learning and supporting Black communities a lifelong habit.
Ways to keep it going:
- Continue reading books by Black authors.
- Support Black businesses throughout the year.
- Have conversations about Black history beyond just February.
Every small action adds up, and this makes Black history a part of everyday life is the best way to honor it.
Celebrating Black History Month should feel joyful and meaningful.
Whether you try one thing from this list or all of them, what matters most is the effort and appreciation.
This year, I’m most excited to read more books and watch new documentaries.
What about you? Let me know how you’re celebrating Black History Month.
