Free State PTA Honors Black History Month

 

Every February, we honor the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs, and adversities that are an indelible part of our country's history.​

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Learn More

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While Black History Month is a time to celebrate the fullness of African American history and culture, it cannot be contained in one month alone. There is no American history without African American history so take time this month to learn more about how for generations, African Americans have worked collectively to serve and strengthen their communities, paving the way for social change. ​

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Watch

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Explore a sampling of the triumphs and challenges of the African American experience with this list of movies. Or, check out PBS's list of films and peek into the lives of various Black Americans who have made their mark in history. Sit back and consider these documentaries from PBS: 

• Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space – Meet the influential author and key figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Also a trained anthropologist, Hurston collected folklore throughout the South and Caribbean—reclaiming, honoring, and celebrating Black life on its own terms. 

• Ron Carter: Finding the Right Notes – Enjoy an intimate portrait of the quiet genius who speaks with his music, and who brought the upright bass out from the background into the spotlight.​

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​Read

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Check out The Century Foundation's curated list of recommended reads that serve as an introduction to the often overlooked accomplishments of Black people in America; but also to the ongoing journey for equality. Consider the following books to get started:

• Our Time is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America – Explore a blueprint to end voter suppression, empower Black citizens, and build a fairer country.  

• Homegoing – Follow the parallel paths of two Ghanaian sisters and their descendants through eight generations: from the Gold Coast to the plantations of Mississippi, from the American Civil War to Jazz Age Harlem.

• The City We Became – Enjoy the first book in The Great Cities Duology, a crackling tale of culture, identity, magic, and myths in contemporary New York City.

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Visit

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This Black History Month is a great opportunity to learn more about the histories of Black freedom movements—from slavery and abolition to other ongoing struggles for civil and human rights. Explore those themes and more at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Or, grab a bite to eat at one, or more, of DC's thriving Black-owned restaurants and bars. Take a look at this curated list ranging from local favorites to Creole and Caribbean cuisine, and help support the talented chefs and local business owners of color who call DC home. ​​

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