By: Joanne Dowdell (board member representative) and Fran Teplitz (staff member representative), co-chairs of Green America’s Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Team
Green America Staff Contributors: Brooke Bennett, Anya Crittenden, Emma Kriss
Black History Month February 2023
The national theme of this year’s Black History Month, Black Resistance, recognizes how Black communities have resisted oppression in the United States throughout history, to this very day. This special time of celebration was originally chosen by the historian Carter G. Woodson, because February includes the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Woodson, known as the “father of Black history” created “Negro History Week” that ultimately became Black History Month. The holiday brings Americans together to remember, honor, and be inspired by Black history and culture.
To help enhance your celebration with content you can use all year long, Green America is pleased to share Black History Month resources that highlight Black accomplishment and the racial justice still needed in society, the economy, and the environment. We do this as a reflection of our vision: “to work for a world where all people have enough, where all communities are healthy and safe, and where the abundance of the Earth is preserved for all the generations to come.”
Together, let’s celebrate and recommit ourselves to building a just society.
Black History Month Resources:
Holiday Background & Social Justice:
Association for the Study of African American Life and History
Black History Month: HBCUBuzz (Historically Black Colleges & Universities)
National Museum of African American History & Culture
UNCF: Black History is Every Day Because Black Lives Matter Every Day
W.E.B. Dubois, Black History Month and the Importance of African American Studies
We are Teachers: Black History Month
Yes! Magazine: How Black History Paves the Way for a Just Black Future
Economy:
AFL-CIO Black History Month: Union Leaders Profiles
Berkeley Economics, University of California: Black History Month/Economics
Green American Magazine Divided We Fall: Investigating the Costs of Racism to All of Us
Remaking the Economy: Black Food Sovereignty, Community Stories (webinar)
Environment:
Bridging the Gap: Black History Month: Black authors on environmental justice
Bullard Center for Environmental & Climate Justice: 2023 Black History Month
Celebrating Black Environmentalists During Black History Month
Green America: How Environmental Justice Can Work for Everyone
Earthshare: The Critical Role of Black Environmentalists Throughout History & Today
Virtual Black History Month Events:
African Symbols Decoded: An Online Black History Month Presentation (Donation)
Black History Month Paint Party (Free; virtual attendees must purchase their own supplies)
Black History Month - Press ON!!! (Free)
Black History Month Nia and Healing Arts Jam ($30)
Black History Every Month: The History of Black People in America 1619-2023 ($22)
BOPSers 18th Annual Black History Month Celebration (Free)
Black History Month Youth Panel Discussion: Our History, Our Future (Free)
Black History Month Panel: Breaking Barriers in the Legal Profession (Free)
Library of Congress Events (Free)
SBA Black History Month Event: How to Thrive as a Black Owned Business (Free)
Ways to Celebrate Black History Month 2023
Why Black History? ($20)
2023 Black History Month - Resistance to Restoration (Free)
Understanding Black history is crucial to understanding U.S. history and the present. Let’s keep learning and working for justice.
