February: Celebrating Black History and Love
February is a month for celebrating black history and love. You couldn’t ask for a better duo. Some will argue that the month has become so commercialized. I counter that by emphasizing how important it is to celebrate in a way that pleases the individual. On that note, there is so much to do during the month of February.
Kick off Black History Month by watching some awesome documentaries. Netflix is my go-to source and they have some great titles playing. My top three are:
The Black Godfather
“Follows the life of Clarence Avant, the ultimate, uncensored mentor and behind-the-scenes rainmaker in music, film, TV and politics.”
13th By Ava Duvernay
“13th is a 2016 American documentary by director Ava DuVernay. The film explores the “intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States;”
Hip Hop Evolution
This series on Netflix offers a deep dive into the origins of Hip Hop and its cultural impact. “Hip-hop legends share the stories and sounds that changed the game.”
Not quite feeling the large crowds at the restaurants? Switch it up a bit by preparing a nice Valentine Day meal at home. Check out some these amazing meal, desert and drink ideas from some fantastic black food bloggers.
Appetizers
Shrimp in Creole Sauce by Angela creator of “Kitchenista Diaries”.
Photo: Kitchenista Diaries
Meaty Vegan Nachos by Jenne Claiborne creater of “Sweet Potato Soul”
Photo: Sweet Potato Soul
Main Course
Cowboy Butter Salmon from Monique creator of “Divas Can Cook”
For the recipe and video click here.
Photo: Divas Can Cook
Four Ingredient Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak by April creator of “Whisk It Real Gud”
Photo: Whisk It Real Gud
Fluffy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream by April Creator of “Whisk It Real Gud”
Photo: Whisk It Real Gud
Peruvian Fried Rice by April creator of “Whisk It Real Gud”
Photo: Whisk It Real Gud
Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Pork Belly by Quin of “Butter Be Ready”.
Photo: Butter Be Ready
Desserts
Chocolate Covered Strawberries by Monique creator of Divas Can Cook. For the recipe and video click here
Photo: Divas Can Cook
Caramel Pecan Cheesecake by Quin creator of “Butter Be Ready”
Photo: Butter Be Ready
Drinks
Pomegranate Pineapple Shrub Mojito by Quin Creator of “Butter Be Ready”
Rainbow Ginger Beer Spritzers by Quin Creator of “Butter Be Ready”
Photo: Butter Be Ready
Want to get out of the house instead? check out some of these great establishments perfect for learning about black history.
National Museum of African-American History and Culture. – Washington, DC
“Since the museum opened in fall 2016, visitors will be able to explore more than 400 years of artifacts and historical information detailing the African American experience.”
Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History – Detroit, MI
“Established in 1965, this Detroit museum holds the world’s largest permanent collection of African-American culture. Among the more than 35,000 artifacts, find interactive kids stations, displays on trailblazers in science and engineering, and stained-glass windows by Samuel A. Hodge that depict stories of notable African Americans from dancers to civil rights activists.”
Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum – Detroit, MI
“The museum details their training and the role they played in desegregating the military. Also find monuments to the men who served as “Red Tails” all over the country, including a National Park Service site in Tuskegee, Alabama, in their honor.”
National Memorial for Peace and Justice – Montgomery, AL
“The Memorial for Peace and Justice was conceived with the hope of creating a sober, meaningful site where people can gather and reflect on America’s history of racial inequality. EJI partnered with artists like Kwame Akoto-Bamfo whose sculpture on slavery confronts visitors when they first enter the memorial. “
The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Incarceration – Montgomery, AL
“The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration is situated on a site in Montgomery where enslaved people were once warehoused. A block from one of the most prominent slave auction spaces in America, the Legacy Museum is steps away from an Alabama dock and rail station where tens of thousands of black people were trafficked during the 19th century. “
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum – Houston, TX
“Buffalo Soldiers, comprised of former slaves, freemen and Black Civil War soldiers, were the first to serve during peacetime.”
Black American West Museum – Denver, CO
“The Black American West Museum & Cultural Center (BAWM) was originally founded to tell the story of “Black Cowboys”. The museum has widened it’s scope and tells the “stories” of those early Blacks who came west and performed as miners, soldiers, homesteader, ranchers, blacksmiths, schoolteachers, lawmen and every other professions needed to build up the West.”
Black cultural experiences abound. February is about celebrating Black History and love, let that be your guide.
