February is Black History month and if there is anything this past year has taught us, it’s that we need to do better. Black culture is all around us, in so many ways that we don’t even realize it. So this month I really wanted to round up a few different ways we can celebrate this month whether it may be through a book, a movie, a recipe, or even just a purchase at a black owned business.

RECIPES TO TRY

1) Collard Greens by Divas Can Cook

2) Braised Short Ribs by The Hungry Hutch

3) Creole Seafood Courtbouillon by Beyond the Bayou

4) Buttermilk Biscuits with Fried Chicken and Tabasco Honey by Food Is Love Made Edible

5) Candied Bourbon Peach Cobbler by Meiko and the Dish

BOOKS TO READ

1) The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

2) How To Be An Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi

3) The Autobiography of Malcolm X (As Told to Alex Haley) by Malcolm X

4) Between The World And Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

5) Native Son by Richard Wright

MOVIES TO WATCH

1) One Night in Miami by Regina King

2) Do The Right Thing by Spike Lee

3) Moonlight by Barry Jenkins

4) Get Out by Jordan Peele

5) Black Panther by Ryan Coogler

CHARITIES TO SUPPORT

1) Black Girls Code - On a mission to increase the number of black women in computer programming

2) Million Hoodies - Inspired by the death of Trayvon Martin this organization aims to stop the mass incarceration and criminalization of young black men

3) Fierce NYC - This NY based organization aims to uplight the underserved LGBTQ youth of color

4) The Black Youth Project - BYP studies the cultural norms of black millennials to help maximize their life experiences

5) The Innocence Project - With multiple branches throughout the US, they work to exonerate those wrongfully convicted of crimes with free legal assistance

SHOPS TO BUY FROM

1) Rooted Woman - A vegan & ethically made nail polish brand that also offers self-care online courses

2) 228 Grant Street Candle Co. - These candles, made with all-natural soy wax, braided cotton wicks, and scented oils, are hand-poured and packaged in Baltimore

3) Brave + Kind Bookshop - The diverse books offered focus on early readers and young adults to help us all do better as human beings

4) Good Vibes All Purpose Cleaner - A plant-based formula with a short ingredient list and lots of beautiful fragrances

5) Nude Barre - A line of tights, bralettes and underwear that come in 13 shades so they can match any skin tone

BOOKS TO READ TO YOUR KIDS

1) Hair Love, Written by Matthew Cherry and Illustrated by Vashti Harrison

2) I Promise, Written by Lebron James and Illustrated by Nina Mata

3) What If We Were All The Same by C.M. Harris

4) Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison

5) Black is a Rainbow Color, Written by Angela Joy and Illustrated by Ekua Holmes

Whether you choose to read a book, follow someone on Instagram, buy a new candle or just donate a $1 to the cause of your choice, every piece helps us to become better allies to the black community.

Happy Black History Month!