Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Celebrate Black History Month:


The theme of Black History Month 2021 is "The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity," chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH).

Here are just a few ways that you can learn about Black history, contemporary Black culture and experiences, and continue to commit yourself to antiracist action in your professional and personal life:

Find out what programs your local public library is hosting. For example, Denver Public Library will host Medicines of the Black American Captive with Community Herbalist Monticue Connally on Feb 22 and Jefferson County Public Library will host a conversation about How to Talk to Kids About Race with Janet R. Damon on February 17.

Let families know about EMBRace, a culturally-based therapeutic program that encourages African American youth ages 10-14 and their families to confront and resolve racial stress and trauma together. Participating families will meet online with a trained therapist once a week for 7 weeks with the goals of reducing racial stress, promoting family bonding, and improving psychological well-being. Families who complete the program receive a $100 gift card. Interested families should contact theembraceprogram@gmail.com for more details          

Virtually attend one of ASAALH's events, including their marquee event on February 20, a conversation with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham about popularizing Black history through the heritage of African American families and their search for roots. 

Read a book - or read to the children in your life. Start by checking out the Black History Picks! curated by Detroit Book City or Children's Books that Celebrate Diverse Stories curated by Anti-Racism Daily (ARD) Reads.

Get ideas for actions you can take to dismantle white supremacy by signing up for the Anti-Racism Daily newsletter.

Celebrate Black legacy in the U.S. by signing up for the 28 Days of Black History virtual exhibition.

Watch Happy Birthday, Dr. Justina Ford anytime this month to learn more about the first female African American licensed doctor in Colorado. Dr. Ford worked in Denver's Five Points community and provided medical care to everyone, regardless of race, class, or citizenship status. Dr. Ford's home now houses the Black American West Museum.   

Explore the works and voices of Black artists online at the Denver Art Museum, including the art of Colorado Springs-based visual artist Senga Nengudi.


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