Black History Month -- All Year

Thoughts on Black History Month from Kanani…

The reason Black history should be discussed outside the month of February is because Black folks make up a big portion of the United States, have a deep history with America since it was founded, and in a lot of ways built this country – physically, economically and culturally. Black History is American History. Black folks have a history with America as old as white America does. We have to live with the systems everyday that white America created after our free physical, emotional, mental labor and lives -- that should be learned outside of an assigned month. 

There are other groups deeply affected by racism and patriarchy as well, so keep learning about history and cultures throughout the year. 

Documentary

Last fall, CHOOSE 180, Sankofa Impact, Converge Media, and Seattle Seahawks embarked on a social justice Pilgrimage to the South. We visited critical locations in the Civil Rights Movement and learned from foot soldiers and activists still advocating for equal rights. In honor of Black History Month, the Seattle Seahawks released a documentary of the trip. Watch it on Youtube.

Events

1. Kijiji Night at Langston Hughes

2. Black History Month Vendor Market at Auburn Collection

3. Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center presents Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope. Mixture of gospel and R&B

Businesses

1. Intentionalist

2. Black Business Directory - Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle

Mental Health Resources

1. The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle has a page called “Healthy Black Minds” that serves as a resource hub for Black Mental Health.

2. BEAM is an acronym for Black Emotional And Mental health, and they have resources for Black practitioners of all different types of care from therapists, to doulas, to yoga teachers to mediators

3. Inclusive Therapists offers mental healthcare in many different languages, and seeks to connect care-seekers with culturally responsive, LGBTQ+ affirming, social justice oriented therapists, and center the needs of Black, Indigenous and People of Color and the systematically marginalized 2-Spirit and LGBTQIA community, and amplify voices and expressions of the Neurodivergent and Disabled Communities

4. This is an article from Self Magazine by Zahra Barnes highlighting 44 support resources for Black People

5. National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network is an intersectional justice movement and directory to connect Queer and/or Trans people and/or People of Color with support that represents and identifies with this community

6. WA Therapy Fund is a non-profit resource that is seeking to provide free therapy for Black folks in Washington.

Other resources

1. The Innocence Project - 15 Things You SHould Check out this BHM

2. Equal Justice Initiative

3. Northwest African American Museum

4. Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle

5. NAACP