Did you know that the first iteration of Black History Month was Negro History Week which was started in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson as a way to encourage “people of all ethnic and social backgrounds to discuss the Black experience”?  Woodson chose February as it coincides with the birthdates of Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Douglass. 

President Gerald Ford was the first President to officially recognize Black History Month in 1976 and in 1986 Congress passed the National Black History Month into law in order to make all Americans “aware of this struggle for freedom and equal opportunity.” 

Today Black History Month provides an opportunity to “celebrate Black achievement and provide a fresh reminder to take stock of where systemic racism persists and gives visibility to people and organizations creating change.” 

To honor Black History Month, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee is pleased to share this curated list of resources to support you in your own education around Black History Month. 

Be sure to be on the lookout for additional programming and information from the DEI Committee over the course of 2022. 

WHAT TO READ 

These 5 Black women made history — and here's why you should know their stories  (TED Ideas)

26 Black Americans You Don't Know But Should  (Oprah)

One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race by Yaba Blay 

Four Hundred Souls by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha Blain 

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehis Coates 

Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander 

White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo  

Begin Again- James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own  by Eddie S. Glaude, Jr. 

Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice that Shapes What We See, Think and Do by Jennifer Eberhardt, PHD 

Black Fatigue: How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, and Spirit by Mary Frances Winters 

I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown 

Anti-Racist Leadership by James White 

The Half Has Never Been Told by Edward E. Baptist 

1619 Project by Nikole Hannah – Jones 

Note: if you are planning to order any of the above titles, consider ordering them from Uncle Bobbies Coffee & Books or Harriet’s Bookshop.  Both are local black owned businesses.  

WHAT TO ATTEND

Beacon member Mike Decandido runs CommonBondz, a non-profit which focuses on  educating about racism and bias against African Americans, and actions we can all take to help drive greater equity in our society. 

On February 22, 2022 at 6:00 PM  CommonBondz is hosting its monthly speaker series. This month’s event is Critical Race Theory with Michael Coard, Temple Law professor, renowned defense attorney and community advocate in Philadelphia. 

WHAT TO LISTEN TO

A talk with Dr. Tyrone McKinley Freeman on his book Madam C.J. Walker’s Gospel of Giving.  This is a recording of a previous Beacon event 

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man this 9 part series,  hosted by Emmanuel Acho, has also been turned into a book with the same name 

WHAT TO WATCH

Explained Racial Wealth Gap with Cory Booker

When They See Us available on Netflix

Mr Soul:available on hbo max 

The Hate You Give available on hulu 

Hidden Figures: available on hulu and youtube 

Summer of Soul: available on most streaming services 

WHAT TO VISIT

African American Museum in Philadelphia

National Museum of African American History and Culture. (Washington, D.C.)

SUPPORT BLACK BUSINESSES 

Goodee and Miiryia are both online marketplaces that showcase black owned businesses across a wide range of categories. 

Want to keep it more local check out visit philly, or this  guide to black owned NJ businesses for lists of locally black-owned shops and boutiques.