Don’t Let the Pandemic Keep You from Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month honors the many significant accomplishments of Black Americans. These valuable contributions represent a key part of American history.

For our nation to grow and evolve in a positive way, we must also understand how they fit into the narrative of the United States as a whole. Fortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t have to curtail your African American History Month celebrations. In fact, with so many virtual programs available, it opens up new opportunities to join the festivities from all across the nation. Here are some of our favorite online and in-person celebration ideas.

Take in special online programming from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Although the museum is currently closed to visitors, it is hosting an array of fascinating virtual programs throughout February in honor of Black History Month. In addition to book discussions and poetry readings, programming on prison reform, social justice, a Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon, and Friday youth-focused activities are included.

Follow the footsteps of Frederick Douglass.

Take a drive and celebrate the life of Maryland's famed abolitionist, writer, and orator. Discover the places that shaped the Father of Civil Rights during a captivating tour that begins on the Eastern Shore and extends through Annapolis, Baltimore, and near our nation’s capital.

Pay your respects at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

Situated on a four-acre site in the West Potomac Park area of Washington, D.C., the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial features a 30-foot statue of the great leader of the Civil Rights Movement. It is carved into the ‘Stone of Hope’, which stands beyond two other pieces of granite known as the ‘Mountain of Despair’. Both of these titles are references to his infamous “I Have a Dream” speech. Visit the memorial’s Inscription Wall to read remarkable quotes from Dr. King’s speeches, sermons, and writings.

Visit the African American History Month virtual museum.

This Web portal is a collaborative project of the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. In addition to important historical information, it contains hundreds of relevant exhibits and collections, audiovisual tools, images, and educational materials.

If you are a business owner, you don’t want to miss Black History Month Program 2021.

On February 24th from 6 PM to 8 PM, join this virtual event designed to help African American business owners maximize their economic opportunities. Sponsored by the U.S. Black Chambers (USBC) and USBC Community Economic Development Corporations (USBC-CEDC), in partnership with Wells Fargo and the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), the event highlights the efforts the USBC is making to increase access to capital for Black-owned businesses. The conference will provide attendees with a look back at Black history and celebrate the accomplishments of businesses large and small, especially amid the pandemic. Companies and chambers from across the country will share the secrets to their financial success. There is no cost to attend but registration is required.

Stop by the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum.

Located in Baltimore, America’s first and only wax museum celebrating African American history and culture houses more than 150 lifelike wax figures presented in dramatic historical scenes. The displays include amazing lighting, realistic sound effects, and vivid animation to transport visitors through history. Notable African American figures from Maryland and across the U.S. are chronicled, including Benjamin Banneker, Harriet Tubman, Thurgood Marshall, President Barack Obama, and many others.

February provides a special opportunity to reflect on the many life-changing contributions of African Americans. If you need additional resources for Black History Month or want to learn more about the services we provide, we are here for you.  Please reach out to us anytime.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For 25 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.