February is Black History Month, a time designed to highlight the achievements and contributions of Black Americans while honoring and uplifting Black heritage.
According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the theme for Black History Month 2024 is African Americans and the Arts. Celebrating the influence of Black lived experiences through visual arts, literature, music, and other forms of cultural expression is just one way to empower marginalized voices.
Check out five additional resources to help you learn more about and support Black culture:
The History Channel: Black Americans have played a key role in shaping U.S. history. Explore big moments, milestones, and figures in Black history this month with The History Channel. Their ‘More to History’ segments highlight central figures and the foundations they created that extend into society today. They also feature a Civil Rights Movement timeline and stories revisiting the groundbreaking contributions of Black leaders. Check your local listings with TDS TV®+ here: TDS TV+ Channel Lineup | TDS (tdstelecom.com).
The National Museum of African American History and Culture: Following this year’s theme, the National Museum of African American History and Culture will feature Black artists and their “art of resistance.” As art collides with justice to build community and inspire action, take a look through the digital toolkit to see how the museum will be spotlighting artists, performers, and literary greats alike. You can also virtually explore the Cultural Expressions exhibit for an introduction to African and African American diaspora culture.
The King Center: Founded in 1968, The King Center is dedicated to promoting the dynamic power of Black history. Throughout February, you can explore A King Center Digital Experience which features graphics and educational tools from current Black activists, creatives, business leaders, and more. You can also explore the historic timeline of Coretta Scott King, wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and her unwavering devotion to cultural and social change.
PBS: PBS is celebrating Black History Month with a slate of new programming to bring forth stories from diverse perspectives within the Black community. The Block Party social campaign will continue this year, pushing new digital content across all PBS platforms. PBS KIDS also debuted a new series “Lyla in the Loop,” an animated series with relatable and representative characters.
National Education Association: For educators, the National Education Association is offering several beneficial resources to help build Black culture and history into the curriculum. Lesson plans organized by grade and book lists for classroom reading are there to make your history lessons more meaningful and impactful for students. Consider participating in the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action to spark honest conversations for all ages.
Written by Celia Reid, TDS Communications Intern
