Black History Month
“We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation’s greatness.” – Yvette Clarke
Share this newsletter with family, friends and neighbors. We invite all to join in this work for racial reconciliation. Our vision is to transform ourselves, our church and our community through education, advocacy and action.
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Resources
Each week, we provide resources to help transform ourselves, our church and our community through education, advocacy and action.
“Black history isn’t a separate history. This is all of our history, this is American history, and we need to understand that.” – Karyn Parsons
Week 1
Week 2
Read
about the development of Black History Month and the focus of the 2023 celebration.
Watch
a documentary about work being done in Virginia to recover lost history. This provides a current example of why it is vital to take time to understand the inequities in how history is recorded. If you find this work compelling, Bull Run Regional Park has a similar project. They will have opportunities to serve in warmer weather.
Engage
via a webinar offered by the Library of Congress. Learn about Black barbers and how to access reliable resources that tell the history of black business. Registration is required.
Read
Black authors who have shaped the work of anti-racism past and present, including
- W.E.B. Du Bois, The Souls of Black Folk. Discover Du Bois’ own experiences of living within “the Veil” of segregation and racism
- Jemar Tisby, How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice. Tisby describes the actionable steps of “awareness,” “relationships” and “commitment”
- Ibram X Kendi, author of How to Be an Antiracist, in his article, Should you teach your children about racism? Of course- here’s how
Watch
Elvis Mitchell’s Is that Black Enough for You?!? on Netflix. Learn about the overlooked contributions of African Americans to the film industry.
Engage
culturally via a visit to the
- National Portrait Gallery to view I Dream a World: Selections from Brian Lanker’s Portraits of Remarkable Black Women
- National Gallery of Art to view Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South
Serve
by working with the NAACP to reclaim the Bull Run Cemetery, a project highlighted in the Week 1 documentary to watch. Mark your calendar for March 25 and June 10 and sign up now.
Educate
children about the cultural connectedness of our community. The following activities will help teach them about the history of the fight for freedom in our area.
- Register to attend Young Portrait Explorers: Toni Morrison at the National Portrait Gallery on February 13, from 10:30- 11:30 a.m. It is free and geared toward children six and under.
- Hike the Underground Railroad Experience Trail on Black History Month Family Day, February 18. On that day, the visitors center will provide activities for children ages 5-12.
Week 3
Week 4
Read
how modern authors reflect creatively on the history of slavery in America. These are works of historical fiction:
- The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
- The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Watch
Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power, directed by Geeta Gandbhir and Sam Pollard, on Peacock.
Engage
- Through events that are part of this year’s Virginia Black History Month Gala hosted in person or online on February 24 and 25.
- By joining the Virginia NAACP Education and Religious Affairs Committees as the present #SankofaMoments every Wednesday in February from 7-7:15 pm on Zoom
Serve
by joining the NAACP at the People’s Rally for Student Debt Cancellation on February 28. Add your voice to a cause that has exacerbated racial and economic inequality.
Educate
children by reading together, Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. Help your kids dig deeper.
Read
about the history and current events involving Black and African American churches in America, including:
- The role of African Americans in advancing the early Methodist church, the segregation and abolition of the Central Jurisdiction and the rise of current leaders
- An overview of the development of the term “black church” in America and how those institutions have shaped America
- The role the black church plays in mental health
Watch
a short video about the role and history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Engage
- By visiting Gum Springs, a town established by West Ford to create a space for formerly enslaved people to excel
- By continuing next month. In March, visit a new exhibit at the NMAAHC as it reimagines the future in light of the past
Serve
by working with the NAACP to reclaim the Bull Run Cemetery. You will remember the documentary about it from Week 1 Resources. Learn more about this project for March 25 and June 10.
Educate
children using resources for activities for all ages.