All of February celebrates Black History Month in honor of the contributions, Black Americans and Black people in the diaspora have contributed to American life. In September 2016, the new National Museum of African American History opened on the grounds of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. The museum holds objects, photographs, and artifacts that showcase African Americans in history.
Black History Lessons
In a series of podcasts called “Historically Black”, to celebrate the museum’s opening, The Washington Post, interviewed and asked African Americans to share some of their personal objects that connect them to Black History. Alot of history is shared and discussed in the series.
In one podcast titled, “Black Love Stories” discusses the history of marriage in the black culture from slavery to today. A participant in the podcast shared and a photograph of her parents who had been married more than 50 years. Historically, enslaved black people were not allowed to marry and when they did the made commitment with rituals like ‘jumping the broom’ to embrace their African roots.
In another podcast, called “The Path of Founding an HBCU”, tells the story of Alabama’s ‘greatest secret’, William Hooper Councill who founded Alabama A&M, a historically black college that was founded in 1875 only ten years after slavery was abolished.
National Museum of African American History
A visit to the museum is a must for all who want to learn more about the history and celebrate black culture. Since its opening, the museum boasts more than 750,000 visitors so far. Obtaining tickets to the museum will require some planning as there are scheduled times when tickets become available for groups and individuals. Visit the website here.
Besides online and museum, Black history can be celebrated every day by learning more about black people and their culture through conversations and connections. Join us for upcoming Unieros events where you can connect with people across ethnicity and race.