In February, we have the opportunity to learn more about the strength and history of Black individuals. Check out these ideas for celebrating Black History Month with your family.
By Leslie Barner
God has one big, beautiful diverse family! And though we are of many tribes, nations, languages, and ethnicities, as believers, we are one in Christ and members of the same body. As we learn to love one another as He has loved us (see John 15:12), it’s important for us to understand and appreciate our cultural and experiential differences. But it’s equally important for us to acknowledge we really do have more in common—physically, emotionally, relationally, spiritually, and so on, as members of the human race.
In the month of February, we have the opportunity to learn more about the strength and history of Black individuals through Black History Month. Check out the ideas below for meaningful ways to celebrate this month with your family.
1. Check out these eight online exhibits on Black history, racism, and protest.
2. Attend the Chicago Children’s Choir’s Black History Month virtual concert, Preserving and Persevering, on Thursday, February 25th.
3. Explore Black history together. Search the National Archives for information and discuss why it’s important.
4. Visit a Black history or civil rights museum in your local area.
5. Attend a Black History Month celebration in your community (with CDC safety measures in mind).
6. Discover what the Bible says about justice and oppression, then write out what you learned from those verses.
7. Visit a Black church.
8. Read about Black missionaries and heroes of the faith. Here’s a good place to start.
9. Watch a documentary about Black History: Check out these recommendations from PBS.
10. “Check out” a Black author. Go to your local library and check out one or more of the books they have featured for Black History Month.
11. Research Black inventors throughout history. Start here.
12. Explore the history of Black music or art.
13. Volunteer at a local Black-owned business or a nonprofit organization serving the Black community.
14. Support a Black business. Whether it’s a local Black-owned restaurant, bookstore, salon/barbershop, or retail boutique, get outside your usual spots and see what new favorites you find!
15. Cook a soul-food meal for your family or friends. There’s a wealth of recipes online and on Pinterest. Or ask a friend for one of her own or for one of her grandmother’s famous recipes!
Copyright © 2021 by FamilyLife. All rights reserved.
Leslie J. Barner is the senior director of operations for FamilyLife. She is the author of numerous articles and several books and has overseen the development of numerous books and resources, including The Art of Marriage®, Stepping Up®, The Art of Parenting®, and The Story of Us—A Couples Devotional. Leslie and her husband, Aubrey, have four grown daughters and a number of grandchildren. They reside in Little Rock, Arkansas.
