【Deborah Sullavan Archives】

I'm sure you've seen tons of articles over the past few weeks with suggestions on Deborah Sullavan Archiveshow to make the most of your Black History Month. 

Maybe you learned something about supporting Black-owned businesses, uncovering overlooked Black historical figures, or even getting involved with (or amplifying existing) social media challenges. I hope you took some of those suggestions and made this month count. In fact, some of you may have enjoyed participating in Black History Month events so much that you're sad it'll end.

But here's a novel idea: What if I told you that you could celebrate Black excellence and accomplishments beyond February?

As a Black American, I'm happy to see white people and other people of color taking an interest in honoring the occasion. But it's disheartening to see the way our existence is overlooked during the other months of the year.

If you're wondering how you can take this momentum with you throughout the rest of the year, I got you. Here are just a few ways to transform Black History Month into a year-long celebration.

1. Keep learning

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The best way to extend the spirit of Black History Month is by continuing to read and do research. There's no rule that you can only learn about Black historical figures and unsung heroes in February.

And now, that's easier than ever. For example, there are plenty of subscription box services like Noir Reads and Call Number that deliver study guides and book club picks right to your door. If you can't afford to sign up for a monthly subscription, consider starting your own book club with books at your local library. That way you can help others keep it going, too.

Check out some book suggestions here and here, and don't forget to celebrate our living heroes when you celebrate those of the past.

2. Keep growing

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One of the best ways to honor the spirit of Black History Month is by strengthening your allyship. Use this month and the rest of the year to seek out resources that allow you to be the best ally you can be.

Chances are, you’ll disappoint yourself every now and then, but by regularly dedicating time to learning how you can support marginalized communities, you'll see more progress than backtracks.

The White Ally Toolkit, Teaching Tolerance, and the Safety Pin Box are all great resources for stepping up your ally game. And many of the things you'll learn while studying how to be a great ally to the Black community will also apply to other marginalized groups. 

Check out additional tips and suggestions for being a better ally here and here. 

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3. Pay it forward

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People of color — particularly Black Americans — often lack the access to professional resources that white Americans typically have. You can use your own network and privilege to continue the benefits of Black History Month. If you find yourself in a position of hiring, take a moment to evaluate the demographics of who you've been bringing on board.

I'm not suggesting a quota-based system, of course. Just remember that representation is crucial. If you notice Black Americans or any other marginalized groups are underrepresented on your team or at your company, consider being a mentor and helping those individuals find access to your organization. Black individuals don't lack skills; we lack networks.

Twitter pages like Writers of Color and Black Writers can be extremely useful to help you find Black creatives and signal-boost opportunities. 

4. Diversify your support

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Remember that many people have multiple marginalized identities. For example, when thinking of ways to support the Black community, don't just think of Black men. Black women face the stressors of both racism and sexism. And Black people who identify as LGBTQ often experience marginalization at the intersection of racism, homophobia, anti-trans sentiment, and other factors.

As an ally, you should support organizations and initiatives that work with people with multiple marginalized identities. Follow their pages on social media, such as Center Black LGBT, the UndocuBlack Network, and Echoing Ida.

5. See us as individuals

Black Americans are often put into the same category by historical experience, but it's important that you see us as individuals and not just members of a collective group.

In the words of my father, the best way to describe what it feels like to be Black is "to walk into a room and always be expected to be different." That perceived difference excludes us from many things. We have subdivisions of uniqueness: nerds, LGBTQ folks, artists — just like everyone else. Sometimes the best way to help marginalized communities is to ensure they have the right to exist without always being seen as different.

One of the most important things to realize about extending Black History Month through the rest of the year is that there's no time limit to supporting the Black community (or any other marginalized group, for that matter). By spending your time doing research, using your privilege to help those in need, and making intentional decisions to fight injustice, you're playing a vital role in reducing systemic inequality.

There's no better way to honor Black History Month than that.

This story was published in 2018 and updated in 2020.