Every year in Febru­ary, Black History Month prompts the oppor­tu­nity to cele­brate the impact that Black Amer­i­cans have had through­out history. Along with being a cele­bra­tion this month also serves as a time of reflec­tion. So, as you roll into Black History Month in 2024, consider some ways you can cele­brate and honor this impact­ful month. “Black history is amaz­ing because it cele­brates famous Black people,” said Junior Daniel Damayo.

Support Black Owned Businesses

Due to the long stand­ing struc­tural disad­van­tage that Black owned busi­nesses have had, it is always very impor­tant to support and high­light Black busi­ness owners. Black History Month serves as a great reminder to find local Black Owned Busi­nesses that you can support. From restau­rants to online venues, busi­nesses come in every shape and size and there are many ways that you can encounter these busi­nesses. The support that we give to these estab­lish­ments helps create posi­tive oppor­tu­ni­ties and influ­ences in our commu­nity. As we move forward into the future, make sure that you’re look­ing for great Black Owned Busi­nesses that you can support!

Here Are Three Local Black Owned Businesses:

Haram­bee! Book and Artwork shop

A great place for awesome artwork and great new books to read. 

1132 Prince St, Alexan­dria, VA 22314

Good­ies Frozen Custard and Treats

Some of the best treats you’ll ever taste!

200 Commerce St, Alexan­dria, VA 22314

Milk & Honey Café

An awesome new café you need to try.

9518 Main St. Fair­fax, VA 22031

Supporting Black Art

The immense contri­bu­tion African Amer­i­cans have had towards the arts can be seen in every aspect of culture today. That’s why it’s always impor­tant to continue to strive for more repre­sen­ta­tion in every field of art and to support those who continue to inspire and educate while harness­ing their art. 

Support­ing these artists starts with some­thing as simple as giving them your atten­tion on social media.

Here are three ways you can support Black Artists:

The Zenith Gallery Exhibit, “Aware­ness”

Tempes­tu­ous Elements @ Arena Stage 

Education on Black History

Under­stand­ing Black history is under­stand­ing the back­bone and foun­da­tion of our nation’s history .Every part of this coun­try’s history has been impacted by Black history and far too often are those impacts ignored and diluted. There­fore make sure you take the time to educate your­self on African Amer­i­can history by watch­ing docu­men­taries, going to muse­ums, books and histor­i­cal landmarks.

Here are 3 ways we suggest you learn about black history

National Museum of African Amer­i­can History and Culture

Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia 

African Amer­i­can Heritage Trail waterfront

Black History Month Celebrations

Black history month cele­bra­tions are a great way to honor the impact and contri­bu­tions of African Amer­i­can culture while also inspir­ing and educat­ing your­self. Espe­cially in the modern age of tech­nol­ogy there are no short­ages of cele­bra­tions offered. These cele­bra­tions are able to bring commu­ni­ties together and are a great way to acknowl­edge this historic month. So look out for any cele­bra­tions that you can partic­i­pate in in 2024. “Black History month is one of the most impor­tant cele­bra­tions of the year,” said sopho­more Nahom Lemma.

Under­stand­ing Black history is under­stand­ing the back­bone and foun­da­tion of our nation’s history. Every part of this coun­try’s history has been impacted by Black history and far too often are those impacts ignored and diluted. There­fore make sure you take the time to educate your­self on African Amer­i­can history by watch­ing docu­men­taries, going to muse­ums, books and histor­i­cal land­marks. Some places one could visit to educate them­selves that are nearby are the; National Museum of African Amer­i­can Culture, Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia and The African Amer­i­can Heritage Trail water­front. The immense contri­bu­tion African Amer­i­cans have had towards the arts can be seen in every aspect of culture today. That’s why it’s always impor­tant to continue to strive for more repre­sen­ta­tion in every field of art and to support those who continue to inspire and educate while harness­ing their art. Visit the Smith­son­ian Museum of African Art so that you can see the art that the African Amer­i­can commu­nity has contributed to the artis­tic world.