By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
We get it. You’ve gotten caught up in work, or family responsibilities, or watching the latest season of “Emily in Paris” and you forgot to sober yourself and reflect on Black History Month. The good news is, Black history is never confined to a calendar month.
In May 2020, when the nation was protesting the wrongful death of George Floyd, you may have vowed to yourself to do the work as an ally for BIPOC (Black Indigenous Person of Color) and to be an active part of positive change. That dust has since settled and now is the time to continue the commitments we made in 2020.
Here are six ways to celebrate Black History Month and continue to incorporate these practices into everyday life:
Visit Local Historically-Black Landmarks
South Jersey offers plenty of education when it comes to Black history. The Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey was recently opened in Cape May, focusing on Tubman’s life in Cape May in the 1850’s. She worked as a cook for businesses and families, and the money she earned funded exoduses of slaves she rescued from Maryland. In addition to visiting the museum, check out other spots like Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City (which talented Shore Local writer Krystle Bailey covered this past summer), and Richardson Avenue School in Gloucester County. The school is the last standing “separate but equal” school in New Jersey, and after the school’s closing in 1942, the structure has served as a meeting place for Black locals.
Read Black Authors
The book world has become much more diverse in recent years. One of my favorite reads is “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson. The book illustrates the struggles of Black men facing a racist and unjust criminal justice system, often leading to the deaths of innocent people. The book will make you cry, and you can shed tears again after Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Support Black-Owned Businesses
Kelsey’s restaurant in Atlantic City has fantastic soul food and a great reputation in South Jersey. QC Waterworks offers car washes and power washing of homes and businesses. Reviews say that the staff is professional and knowledgeable, and their work exceeds all expectations. With a little research, you can help Black business owners overcome the unequal American business economy and succeed on all levels.
Watch Black History Documentaries and Films
One of the best ways to learn something is by watching movies. When I saw “13th” (named after the thirteenth amendment) in college, I cried throughout the whole thing. The documentary addresses how the Constitution legalizes slavery as a punishment for crimes, so racist police officers would arrest Black men unfairly. Other films that celebrate Black lives are “The Hate You Give,” “The Color Purple,” “Get Out,” “Hidden Figures,” “Black Panther,” and “Do the Right Thing.” If you are looking for a documentary, try “I am Not Your Negro” and “King of the Wilderness.”
Listen to Black Musicians
It’s easy to listen to Beyonce and feel empowered, but try and enjoy Black artists from all kinds of genres. For more of a soulful feel, give a listen to Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Prince, Tina Turner, James Brown and Andra Day. If you want to awe at new, raw talent, turn on Tyler the Creator, Shamir, Sza, Ivy Sole, The Weekend, and H.E.R. Of course, if you love Bob Marley, play Bob Marley. Spotify has tons of Black History Month playlists, so put one on while you’re cooking, cleaning or commuting.
Reflect on How Racial Discrimination In Your Own Life
Black History Month highlights the best and worst times in American history. We love to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black athletes, inventors, scientists, and difference makers. We are also reminded of the traumas that generations of Black Americans have endured. Self-reflection holds power and healing. After visiting, watching, or reading some of the aforementioned suggestions, take time to reflect in a journal about how racism and prejudices have played a role in your life.
