February is Black History Month! Join us as we honor, celebrate, and commemorate the achievements and contributions of African American people throughout U.S. history. The theme for 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts.” This theme explores the influence African American people have had in performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, and the culinary arts.
Below are some highlighted topics to read, watch or listen to, along with some happenings around the Omaha metro to commemorate Black History Month.
Read
The Lighthouse Effect by Steve Pemberton
In this stirring follow-up to his memoir, Steve Pemberton gives practical encouragement for how you can be a “human lighthouse” for others and through these inspiring stories will renew your hope for humanity.
Young, Gifted and Black by Sheila Wise Rowe
Young, Gifted and Black gives voice to the real-life stories of Black millennials and younger adults. If life was a race, it’s assumed that every runner has a fair shot at winning. However, it’s not always the case for young, gifted, and Black folks.
Miseducated by Brandon P. Fleming
An inspiring memoir of one man’s transformation from a delinquent, drug-dealing dropout to an award-winning Harvard educator through literature and debate-all by the age of twenty-seven.
Watch
An intimate account of legendary U.S. Representative John Lewis’ life, legacy and more than 60 years of extraordinary activism – from the bold teenager on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement to the legislative powerhouse he was throughout his career.
Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise
This film celebrates Dr. Maya Angelou by weaving her words with rare and intimate archival photographs and videos, which paint hidden moments of her exuberant life during some of America’s most defining moments.
On the night of Feb. 25, 1964, in Miami, Cassius Clay joins Jim Brown, Sam Cooke and Malcom X, and they discuss the responsibility of being successful black men during the civil rights movement.
Listen
Black History is American History, yet it often isn’t treated that way. Join in discussions about the misunderstood and ignored history with experts and friends.
Witness History: Black History
Through interviews and historical research, this podcast explores topics such as civil rights, media representation, economics, culture and much more.
Learning your history makes you – and your people – stronger. As Black people, we know we’re left out of the history books. Black History Year connects you to the history, thinkers, and activists. that are left out of the mainstream conversations.
Events in Omaha
Annual Black History Luncheon at Butler-Gast YMCA
February 15,2023
This annual soul food luncheon is held at Butler-Gast YMCA. Guest speaker, Lavonn Stennis-Williams (Curator of Mama’s Attic, Venter of African Culture & Humanities), will speak about Black history in the field of medicine.
RSVP to Mike Robinson at mrobinson@metroymca.org
Black History Month “Hungry Club” with Black Men United
Every Wednesday in February from 12-1pm
Big Mama’s Kitchen & Catering
Inspire, honor and celebrate African American achievement at Big Mama’s Kitchen every Wednesday this month as we highlight the excellence within the modern black community and feature dynamic speakers on a variety of topics.
Register here.
Legacy Quest: A Black History Month Scavenger Hunt
February 24 from 1-5pm
Great Plains Black History Museum
Join the Great Plains Black History Museum, and Mister K!, Nebraska’s first ever Black Host of a Children’s Show, as guests go on a scavenger hunt learning about the rich history of African Americans. Admission is free, there will be raffles for prizes.
RSVP here.
Visit the Great Plains Black History Museum
Open for tours Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 1pm - 5pm (by appointment)
Visit the Malcom X Memorial Foundation & Museum
Open for tours Friday and Saturday, or by appointment Sunday-Thursday
