5 Creative Ways to Elevate Black History Month

February 1, 2024

By Mori Oriowo

Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, providing an annual opportunity to honor the remarkable contributions of Black Americans, highlight their achievements, and explore ongoing challenges facing communities of color. 

For communicators, the challenge can often be finding fresh ways to amplify and share Black History Month-themed stories and messages.

To help address that challenge, we identified some unique and effective approaches.

Many of these ideas can also be modified for Women’s History Month in March, as well as the many other months and days that have been designated to honor a segment of the population, a worthy cause, or a culturally observed holiday.

Here’s our top five:

1. Roll out a blog or newsletter series: Every year in February, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation celebrates Black History Month by honoring local heroes, both past and present. Through these stories, FCCF recognizes the contributions and impact of these “Equity Trailblazers”. Last year, the foundation told the stories of Marian Anderson, the first African American opera singer, and Col. Ruth A. Lucas, the first Black woman to be promoted to colonel in the U.S. Air Force.

2. Shoutouts on your social channels: America’s Charities this year is recognizing the efforts and contributions its nonprofit members have made throughout history and the ways they continue to help shape our country. Through its social channels, the organization is also spotlighting leaders and the work they’ve done to support the Black community.

3. Create a theme: Last year, the Seattle Foundation celebrated Black History Month by emphasizing the importance and power of community. With the theme #MakingBlackHistoryNow, the foundation honored its Black-led and Black-serving partners that have helped make a significant impact in the region.  

4. Share stories of success. The Silicon Valley Community Foundation focused its most recent Black History Month content on Black Resistance. The foundation recognized a list of local nonprofits that demonstrated Black resistance by strengthening and elevating the voices of the Black community.   

5. Capture compelling video In 2022, the Communities Foundation of Texas celebrated the month by creating a 2-part video series, Black at CFT, where members of its Black Affinity Group shared their experiences of being Black in philanthropy. Last year, the foundation invited its staff and community partners to participate in a series of events where they could all learn more about Black History and engage with one another. 

Now it’s your turn to show everyone how you honor Black History Month and remember to share your stories with us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.