Black History Month is a time dedicated to celebrating and focusing on African Americans and their contributions to American history. In September of 1915, what’s now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), was founded by Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland. In 1926 they sponsored a national Negro History week and chose the second week of February because it included the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

The week long celebration evolved into a month over time and gained more attention as the emphasis on Black identity and Black life grew in popularity through events such as the Civil Rights movement. In 1976, Black History Month was officially acknowledged by President Gerald Ford. Since then, every year the president assigns a specific theme to Black History Month. The focus of BHM this year is “Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity,” which highlights the African diaspora, and the existence of Black families across the United States.

Fun Fact: Rhianna is the first Black woman to head a luxury house with LVMH.

Although Black history should be celebrated before, during and after the month of February, this is a time to be intentional. This celebration of this month is not limited for one group of people, but it is an invitation for everyone to celebrate Black history and acknowledge a historically underrepresented group.

Here are some ways you can celebrate Black History Month:

Learn:

This is the perfect time to learn about people, places and events related to Black history that aren’t often discussed in mainstream settings. There is more to learn beyond what is taught in the classroom. We will be highlighting some Black women on our blogs and socials, which is an easy way to learn more and keep up-to date with PPG!

Encourage your family and friends to learn about the importance of Black History Month:

Sometimes our greatest impact is that which we have on the people around us everyday. Encourage your circle to #pullup.

Support Black-owned businesses:

According to research from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the National Bureau of Economic Research, Black-owned businesses have declined by 41% due to COVID-19, compared to 17% of white-owned businesses. This is the perfect time to show Black-owned businesses some love.

Read a book by a Black author:

Maya Angelou said it best:

“We write for the same reason that we walk, talk, climb mountains or swim the oceans – because we can. We have some impulse within us that makes us want to explain ourselves to other human beings.” – Maya Angelou

Her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is the first book on my list.

Rep some merch that speaks to Black history:

The new PPG “Thank you, Stacey Abrams” sweatshirts are the perfect way to celebrate Stacey Abrams and Black History Month.

Read a biography about an important Black figure:

There are and always will be stories to be told and stories to be heard. It should be exciting to learn about important Black figures especially since mainstream media limits its focus to a select few, whcih makes it easy to find important Black figures that aren’t often widely acknowledged.

Donate to an HBCU (Historically Black College and University):

HBCU’s were established to serve the educational needs of Black Americans and before their establishment, and for many years that followed, Black students were often denied admission to traditionally white institutions. HBCUs became a way to provide postsecondary education to Black Americans.

Engage with Black art (film, painting etc.):

Need somewhere to start? There is a lot of art accessible in the 21st century and it can be overwhelming. The documentary Black Art: In the Absence of Light highlights the work of some leading Black visual artists of the modern day and is a place to start.

Want more?

Enjoy digital programming from sources such as the ASAALH and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture