Today’s Action: Learn something new for Black History Month!

February is Black History Month, four weeks dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the significant and often overlooked contributions of Black Americans to our nation’s history and culture.

This month, we encourage you to balance your overt political activism with some personal enrichment, actively partaking in Black history to learn or experience something or someone new. While most of our daily OD actions involve outward energy (contacting other voters, communicating with our elected officials), this action is inward: the focus is on you!

1. Read a book by a celebrated Black author. Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, Octavia Butler, Ralph Ellison, Alex Haley, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, and Alice Walker are just a handful of authors you can start with. Essays, novels, plays, poetry, and memoirs…whichever your preferred literary experience, you’ll find it all within just this handful of incredible writers.
2. Visit a Black history museum. If you’re more into a more interactive experience, at least 39 states plus D.C. have one or more museums dedicated to Black history! From slavery to WWII to civil rights to the present day, from music to fine arts and more, there’s something new to learn.
3. Celebrate Black filmmakers and history through film. Notoriously un/under-represented at the major awards shows, Hollywood nonetheless holds incredibly talented Black filmmakers. Explore the filmography of contemporary directors such as Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, Barry Jenkins, Spike Lee, Steve McQueen, Jordan Peele, Dee Rees and so many more. We also like this curated NY Times list of films that begins in 1920, PBS’ documentary recommendations, and this Netflix binge-list.

And more! There are endless ways to celebrate and explore Black history this February and every month of the year. The most important thing is to make sure it’s more than a phrase or gesture – commit to your own education this month, even if it’s just one new book, film, or museum day. And, consider keeping this list to continue your education in every month remaining in 2020!