At Commonwealth, we consider the histories, tales, and voices of Black Individuals needs to be honored and uplifted throughout Black Historical past Month—and each day. Pandemic or no pandemic, there are nonetheless loads of methods for us to rejoice and be taught. Our workers has gathered a wide range of sources, together with music, books, movies, and conversations, that can assist you rejoice our nation’s wealthy cultural heritage and perceive our shared historical past.

Keep in mind: Educating ourselves within the title of humanity and justice for all isn’t meant to be restricted to at least one month. Neither is it a prescribed listing of actions or to-dos; slightly, we hope these sources spark your curiosity and assist us all—regionally and globally—change into extra conscious
residents.

Learn

Choosing literature by Black writers is particularly essential throughout Black Historical past Month. By celebrating and supporting Black authors and publishers, we will allow extra genuine storytelling that displays Black experiences, identities, and voices. Listed here are a number of you may take a look at:

• The 1619 Venture: A New Origin Story. This e book by Nikole Hanna-Jones weaves collectively 18 essays that discover the legacy of slavery in present-day America with 36 poems and works of fiction that illuminate key moments of oppression, wrestle, and resistance.

• The Deeper the Roots: A Memoir of Hope and House. In his e book, Michael Tubbs shares what it was like rising up Black and broke in Stockton, California. He talks about being raised by his household of sturdy girls, the life-altering encounters he had with Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama, and the challenges of being a pacesetter within the twenty first century.

• So You Need to Discuss About Race. Ijeoma Oluo gives a dialogue of the racial panorama in America, addressing the problems that divide us and bridging the hole between folks of coloration and white Individuals battling race complexities.

• Talking of Race: Why All people Must Discuss About Racism―and The best way to Do It. A PBS host, award-winning journalist, and self-described “light-skinned Black Jew,” Celeste Headlee has been compelled to talk about race since childhood. In her e book, she teaches us the right way to have productive conversations about race and gives insights, recommendation, and help.

Hear

From podcasts to playlists and politicians to performers, we’ve compiled a spread of content material to tune in to for Black Historical past Month. So, as you grind by way of the center of winter, hearken to our suggestions to be impressed, enlightened, and moved.

• 1619 Venture. Nikole Hannah-Jones says the contributions of Black individuals are typically omitted of the American story. Her mission is to reframe U.S. historical past by way of the lens of slavery.

• The Life and Losses of Politian Michael Tubbs. Former Mayor of Stockton, California, from 2017 to 2021, Michael Tubbs tells listeners why “Whenever you’re championing points that go in opposition to 400 years of historical past, you would possibly lose generally.”

Watch

How higher to honor the contributions and achievements of Black Individuals than by studying extra about their tales? We share this listing of talks and movies to shine a lightweight on new voices and historic trailblazers.

• 23 Nice TED Talks to Rejoice Black Historical past Month: A roundup of insightful talks that provide recent, considerate views on Black id. Most are 20 minutes or much less. View the listing.

• Hidden Figures: Set in Sixties Virginia, this inspiring film is predicated on the true tales of three pioneering African American girls who had been NASA mathematicians. Their calculations helped America obtain a few of its best accomplishments in area. Watch the trailer.

• Selma: This 2014 historic drama starring Cuba Gooding Jr. recounts the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis main the march from Selma to Montgomery to safe equal voting rights. Watch the trailer.

• The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman: This 1974 tv film starring Cicely Tyson
  depicts the lifetime of a 110-year-old Black lady (sure, 110!). She was a former slave who lived by way of the Civil Warfare and the Civil Rights Motion. Watch the trailer.

Store

With residence workplaces in Waltham, Massachusetts, and San Diego, California, we want to
make you conscious of a number of Black-owned companies in our communities. From eating places
to bookstores, we hope you’ll take into account visiting and supporting these
companies.

Go to

Visiting a museum or library is a vibrant technique to immerse your self within the richness of different cultures, take within the tales of the previous, and depart along with your eyes opened a bit wider to the world. These instances are filled with challenges, however exploring a digital assortment is straightforward. Plus, you get to set the hours—and snacks are inspired. In honor of Black Historical past Month, listed below are a number of digital visits to contemplate:

Native to our residence workplaces, Boston has the Museum of African American Historical past, and there’s the San Diego African American Museum of Positive Arts. The Museum of African American
Historical past is internet hosting a number of on-line occasions celebrating Black Historical past Month which are price trying out. When the time is correct—and the doorways are open—maybe an in-person go to is in retailer.

Make a Lasting Impression

As dad and mom know, younger minds could be impressionable. Story time is the proper alternative to show youngsters about Black trailblazers and pioneers in our historical past. This roundup of 24 books to learn to your youngsters in honor of Black Historical past Month makes it simple to get

began.Even should you don’t have little ones to learn to, take a spin by way of the listing. Scrolling by way of the duvet artwork and fascinating summaries is sort of nearly as good as searching an precise bookstore or library. Virtually.

Inform Us About Your Celebration

Whether or not you’re trying to educate your self about Black tradition in America otherwise you wish to be part of the dialog, we hope these sources assist encourage motion, connection, and consciousness. If you happen to learn any of those books, watch any of those movies, or go to any of those Black-owned companies, cease by our Fb web page to inform us all about it.

Third-party hyperlinks are offered to you as a courtesy. We make no illustration as to the completeness or accuracy of knowledge offered at these web sites.

Editor’s notice: This put up was initially printed in February 2021, however we’ve up to date it to deliver you extra related and well timed data.