February is Black History Month, a federally recognized celebration that honors the achievements and contributions of African Americans to the American society and culture. From community dinners to art exhibitions, from parades to literacy programs, people across the nation are finding various ways to celebrate and learn about the rich and diverse history of Black Americans.
Community dinner in Kingston honors Black history
In Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, more than 100 people attended a community dinner on Sunday afternoon to celebrate and honor the last days of Black History Month. The event, organized by the Kingston Historical Society and the NAACP Wilkes-Barre Branch, offered multiple elements to showcase the Black experience, such as music, poetry, food, and guest speakers.
One of the speakers was Dr. Anthony Stevens-Arroyo, a professor emeritus of Brooklyn College and a columnist for the Times Leader. He spoke about the history of Black people in the region, from the Underground Railroad to the civil rights movement. He also highlighted the contributions of local Black leaders, such as George C. Brown, the first Black mayor of Wilkes-Barre, and Gwendolyn Evans, the first Black woman to serve as a Luzerne County judge.
Another speaker was Dr. Crystal Lucky, an associate professor of English and the director of the Africana Studies program at Villanova University. She shared her personal story of growing up in Kingston and how she was inspired by her parents, who were both educators and activists. She also encouraged the audience to continue the legacy of Black history by supporting the next generation of Black scholars and leaders.
The event also featured musical performances by the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir and the Wilkes University Chamber Singers, as well as poetry readings by local students. The attendees enjoyed a variety of dishes, such as fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potato pie, prepared by volunteers from the Kingston Historical Society.
Opinion piece advocates for Black literacy and literature
In Toronto, Canada, a student newspaper published an opinion piece on Monday that argued for the importance of Black literacy and literature in celebrating Black History Month. The piece, written by Amira Dirie, a fourth-year student at the University of Toronto, stated that Black literacy is not only a skill, but also a form of resistance and empowerment.
Dirie cited the historical examples of how enslaved Africans were forbidden to read and write, and how Black writers and activists used their literacy to challenge oppression and injustice. She also mentioned the contemporary challenges that Black students face in accessing and engaging with Black literature, such as the lack of representation, diversity, and inclusion in the curriculum and the publishing industry.
Dirie urged the readers to celebrate Black History Month by reading and supporting Black authors, especially those who are marginalized and underrepresented, such as women, LGBTQ+, and disabled writers. She also recommended some resources and initiatives that promote Black literacy and literature, such as the Black Canadian Studies Association, the Black Writers Collective, and the Black Lives Matter Book Club.
Dirie concluded her piece by saying that “Black History Month is not a token, but a reminder of the ongoing struggle for liberation and justice that Black people have been fighting for centuries. Therefore, on the first day of Black History Month, it felt right to celebrate Black literacy.”
Black Joy Parade showcases Black culture and creativity in Oakland
In Oakland, California, thousands of people gathered on Sunday for the annual Black Joy Parade, a celebration of the Black experience and the community’s contribution to history and culture. The parade, which started in 2018, featured more than 150 groups and performers, such as dancers, drummers, singers, rappers, poets, artists, and activists.
The parade also highlighted some of the themes and issues that affect the Black community, such as health, education, justice, and entrepreneurship. Some of the participants included the Black Nurses Association, the Black Teachers Project, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the Black Panther Party.
The parade was followed by a festival at the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, where the attendees enjoyed live music, food, vendors, and workshops. Some of the performers included Grammy-nominated singer Ledisi, rapper Too Short, and DJ D Sharp. Some of the workshops included yoga, meditation, and financial literacy.
The organizers of the parade said that their goal was to create a space where Black people can express themselves, connect with each other, and celebrate their joy. They also said that they hope to inspire other cities to host similar events and to spread the message of Black joy.
