Five Ways to Celebrate Black History Month

This blog is sponsored by the Social Justice and Inclusion Council at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC). The council was formed in 2017 with the purpose of fostering a socially just and inclusive NMC community, and establish full and equal participation of all groups in a society mutually shaped to meet their needs.

Over the past several years, the council has facilitated many programs, including implicit bias training, hosting guest speakers and conducting surveys in order to work towards our goal. 

February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans. To bring awareness to this designated month, the Council created a list of five ways to celebrate Black History Month.

1. Engage

Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) is displaying the “Charting our Path: 50 Years of Black Studies (1971-2021)” exhibit on campus in January and February. 

The four-panel traveling exhibit shares the history of one of the oldest Black studies departments in the country. 

Created by the University of Nebraska Omaha Department of Black Studies and UNO Libraries, the exhibit celebrates the 50th anniversary of UNO’s Black Studies Department.

The exhibit, which is open to the public, is located in NMC’s Clark Center dining area Jan. 5 through Feb. 28.

Other opportunities for engagement include:

• Undesign the Redline virtual exhibit.

2. Read 

There are so many great books to read this month.  Whether you want to educate yourself on the role racism still plays in our society (The New Jim Crow) or learn about the many amazing accomplishments of African Americans throughout history (Hidden Figures), there is something for everyone on this list.

3. Listen

Don’t have time to read all the great books listed above?  Try listening to a podcast on your next drive  to and from work.  One of our favorites is Code Switch. This podcast is hosted by journalists of color, Shereen Marisol Meraji and Gene Demby. It hit the top of Apple’s podcast chart in May 2020 following the killing of George Floyd, and is now one of the most popular podcasts for fearless conversations about race and identity.

4. Act

Give your time, talents or money to an organization that supports the Black community. ShareOmaha.org is a great resource to discover volunteer and philanthropic opportunities. Here's a list of Black-led or Black-benefitting organizations. No matter what you do this month, we encourage you to be intentional about recognizing and supporting the achievements of the Black community. 

5. Don't Stop on Feb. 28

Although Black History Month is recognized one month during the year, you shouldn’t stop engaging, reading, listening and acting at the end of the month. We encourage you to continue recognizing and celebrating Black history and the achievements of Black and African Americans all year long.  One way to do this is to sign up for Anti-Racism Daily. This daily newsletter provides education and opportunities to take action every day of the year.