Black History Month: what it means and 11 ways to honor it
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Curious about Black History Month? We’ll explore when it is, the history behind it, why it matters, and 11 meaningful ways to celebrate Black history in the U.S.
Black History Month is a time to honor the people, stories, and movements that have helped shape American life. It’s a chance to spend time with parts of history that often don’t get enough attention. More than just a symbol, the month invites reflection on how Black history continues to influence everyday life.
It lives in families and neighborhoods, in art, activism, music, food, and language. It shows up in how people gather, create, and care for one another — not just during big moments, but in daily routines and traditions.
Black History Month offers a chance to slow down and engage with that living history more intentionally. We’ll explore where the celebration started and why it still matters, as well as meaningful ways to take part throughout the month.
What (and when) is Black History Month?
Black History Month happens every February in the United States. It’s a time to recognize the history, achievements, and cultural impact of Black Americans. The month helps bring attention to stories that are often left out of textbooks and big media conversations.
Black History Month isn’t so much a time for big parties or celebrations as for education and learning. Schools, libraries, museums, and news outlets often focus on Black history during this time, giving more space to learn and reflect.
February was chosen for a reason. In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson picked this month because it includes the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two important figures in the fight for Black freedom. What started as a week of awareness has grown into a month now recognized nationwide.
Why do we celebrate Black History Month?
Black History Month exists because Black history has often been left out, changed, or ignored in mainstream stories. Celebrating it helps make space for the voices and experiences that haven’t always been heard. It also means looking at the systems that caused that erasure in the first place.
The idea started in 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History created “Negro History Week.” They believed that learning and visibility were key to justice and that knowing the real history could help push back against racism and false beliefs.
Later, Black teachers, students, and community leaders worked to grow that week into a full month. In 1976, during the U.S. bicentennial, it became officially recognized as Black History Month. Since then, it’s been a time to both celebrate and reflect, especially on the parts of history that don’t always make it into school lessons.
At its heart, Black History Month is about connection: learning from those who came before, seeing how their lives still matter today, and thinking about how to carry that history forward with care.
Related read: What does Juneteenth celebrate? Plus, 10 ways to honor the day
Taking care of your mental health during Black History Month
Black History Month can bring up a mix of emotions. Some people feel proud and inspired. Others might feel tired, sad, angry, or overwhelmed. For many Black people, this month is more than just a time to engage with history — it’s personal. Some may prefer to focus on the challenges Black communities have faced and the strength and care that continue to shape the present.
It’s okay to feel a lot during this time. It’s also okay to take breaks. Rest is part of taking care of yourself and your community. Mental health matters. That might mean talking to someone you trust, writing down your thoughts, or spending time with music, stories, or art that brings you peace.
💙 Feeling heavy this month? Find support in Minding Your Black Mind with Dr. Rheeda Walker.
How to honor Black History Month: 11 meaningful ways to celebrate
Whether you’re continuing long-held practices or exploring new ways to engage, Black History Month offers space to connect, celebrate, and show up for Black communities in ways that extend far beyond February.
1. Read books by Black authors and historians
Books by Black writers have long been essential tools for storytelling, survival, and joy. You may want to read across genres—memoir, history, poetry, essays, speculative fiction—and center voices that reflect the diversity of Black life.
Explore both well-known works and new voices. Works by Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, and Langston Hughes are great places to start.
2. Watch films and documentaries about Black history and culture
Film offers windows into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of Black communities. You may want to watch documentaries that unpack systemic issues (13th, or Who We Are), as well as films that celebrate everyday Black life (Crooklyn, or The Photograph).
Make space for both the political and the personal, because joy matters too. Wherever possible, choose work directed, produced, or written by Black creatives.
3. Support Black-owned businesses
Supporting Black businesses is a year-round action that builds community wealth and visibility. Shop locally, share what you love, and go beyond retail, like considering Black-owned service providers, creatives, and consultants.
Apps like EatOkra and directories like Official Black Wall Street can help you find Black-owned businesses across industries.
4. Attend local events or exhibits
Black History Month events are often grassroots efforts, created by and for Black communities. There may be talks, performances, exhibits, or festivals in your town. Some may be public, while others may be community-specific. Respect the space and support events financially or through amplification when you can.
Check your local library, community center, or cultural museum’s calendar for upcoming events.
5. Listen to music across the spectrum of Black artistry
Black music has shaped everything from classical and country to funk, house, and hip-hop. Revisit favorite artists or explore genres you don’t know well. Explore influential albums from artists like Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye, Missy Elliott, or Kendrick Lamar.
Consider the roots behind the rhythms, like how gospel shaped soul, how jazz inspired activism, and how trap and drill reflect social conditions. Listening can be both celebration and remembrance.
💙 Unwind with the history and sounds of jazz during the For the Love of Jazz Sleep Story tonight.
6. Donate to organizations led by and for Black communities
If you’re able, financial support is a direct way to fuel long-term change. Look for grassroots organizations focused on racial justice, education equity, health access, environmental justice, or economic empowerment.
Some examples include the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, The Loveland Foundation, or your local community bail fund. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring donation, even small amounts can build momentum.
7. Learn about local Black history where you live
Every place has its own stories. Explore local Black history that’s often missing from plaques or public memory. This could mean visiting a historically Black church, learning about a neighborhood’s legacy of displacement, or researching Black-led movements in your city.
Check with local archives, Black historical societies, or online resources like the Equal Justice Initiative’s community remembrance projects. Understanding the stories that shaped your hometown can impact how you engage with your community now.
8. Start conversations about what you’re learning
For some, Black History Month is a time of celebration. For others, it brings grief, anger, or exhaustion. Make space for real conversations—at home, at work, at school—without forcing education on others.
If you’re not Black, resist the urge to turn personal learning into public performance. Instead, support the emotional labor already being done and be mindful of where and how you engage.
Talking about race and history can feel uncomfortable, but staying silent often reinforces the status quo. If you’re in a leadership role, consider hosting a discussion group or inviting guest speakers who specialize in racial equity work.
💙 Make some time for Radical Self-Care with Lama Rod Owens as you show up for others this month.
9. Create or engage in art that honors Black voices
Black art has often been a tool of storytelling and resistance. Explore visual art, fashion, poetry, dance, or theater that reflects the richness of Black culture. Attend a gallery show, support a local artist, or revisit the work of Black creatives you love.
If you’re creating your own work, cite your inspirations, credit your sources, and contribute something meaningful in return.
If you’re a teacher or parent, encourage kids to create artwork inspired by Black historical figures. Not just as a craft, but as a way to understand the story behind the face.
💙 Explore Calm’s Celebrating Black Creators series with LeBron James, Cynthia Erivo, Tabitha Brown, and more.
10. Commit to learning beyond February
Black history doesn’t begin and end in February. If you’re already celebrating, keep going. If you’re just getting started, know that the point isn’t to do everything, it’s to stay engaged in ways that are sustainable and respectful.
Show up in June for Juneteenth. Pay attention in November during the elections. Subscribe to newsletters by Black writers, follow thought leaders and educators on social media, or set a reading goal for the year. Check in on your habits, your community, and your commitments throughout the year.
Related read: What is Black Maternal Health Week? Plus, how to raise awareness
11. Make time to rest and recharge
Rest is a basic human need. Especially during Black History Month, when emotions can run high, making space for rest is a form of care. That might mean practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, taking a walk, unplugging from the news, or just getting more sleep.
💙 Recharge with a Sleep Story by Black creators, like The Artist: Basquiat in New York on the Calm app.
Black History Month FAQs
What is the meaning of Black History Month?
Black History Month is a time to recognize the history, achievements, challenges, and cultural impact of Black Americans. It helps bring attention to the effects of racism, while also celebrating strength, creativity, and progress.
It’s about making sure Black stories are seen and heard. Not just the well-known ones, but the full picture of Black life, past and present. At its core, it’s about respect, learning, and visibility.
What is the history behind Black History Month?
Black History Month began in 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson started “Negro History Week.” His goal was to make sure Black history was taught in schools and shared in communities. He chose the second week of February because it includes the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two leaders connected to Black freedom and progress.
As the civil rights movement grew, more people pushed for greater recognition. In 1976, the week officially became Black History Month. Today, it’s still growing and changing. It’s a time to celebrate, remember, and think deeply about the past and present.
How can I celebrate Black History Month respectfully?
Respectful celebration begins with being open to listening and learning. Focus on books, art, music, and other work created by Black authors, teachers, and artists. But don’t treat Black history as just a list of famous names or the hard moments.
Try to avoid participating in virtue signaling during Black History Month. Instead, take real steps that show care, like supporting Black-owned businesses, giving to Black-led groups, and sharing Black voices without taking up the spotlight.
Are there Black History Month activities or ideas I can do at home?
Yes, there are plenty of meaningful ways to honor Black History Month at home. You can read books by Black authors, watch movies or documentaries made by Black filmmakers, cook meals from Black food traditions, or learn about Black history in your own city or town.
Families might make a calendar with daily activities, create art inspired by Black artists, or watch a movie together and talk about it. What matters most is making time to learn, reflect, and connect on purpose.
Is it okay to celebrate Black History Month if I’m not Black?
Yes. Black History Month is for anyone who wants to learn the truth about the country's history and honor the impact of Black communities. It’s about listening, showing respect, and being thoughtful in how you take part.
But it’s important not to make it about yourself or treat it like a trend. Everyone has a role in building a fairer, more informed society.
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