During Black History Month, the Mission Society invites our community to celebrate and explore the stories and achievements of Black Americans who helped shape our country. Black history is American history, and this month we rounded up a few ways we can dig deeper into the past and uplift Black voices in the present - from uncovering historical figures around our city and honoring justice system trailblazers, to supporting Black musicians and discovering new authors. Together, we hope to look for more opportunities to share these stories throughout the year and create a future of social equity for all.
We hope you will join us in reading about the rich history and heritage of African American cuisine, and engaging in a few upcoming events and resources that will help you launch your own mission to learn more.
4 Ways To Celebrate Black History Month
Visit a variety of parks across the city to find monuments, sculptures, and murals of Black historical figures like Fredrick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, and more.
Design your own gavel and celebrate the work of Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court Justice, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to be on the Supreme Court today.
Harlem Chamber Players Concerts
Commemorate Black History Month through jazz, a soulful and vibrant genre developed by Black musicians! Enjoy free musical performances by the Harlem Chamber Players at the Brooklyn Public Library and Schomburg Center in Harlem.
Black Liberation Reading Lists
Celebrate Black voices through illuminating stories for kids, teens, and adults. This curated reading list includes a variety of genres to add to your reading rotation year-round.
We hope you and your families found these resources helpful and learned something new along the way. Happy Black History Month!