Here at the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, we have used the month of February to educate ourselves and our youth on Black History. Our Youth for Unity Coordinator, Mr. De’Vonne Jackson, has taken the initiative to get our staff involved and excited about Black History by coordinating activities such as cooking soul food for the team and sending daily emails highlighting important moments of Black History in America. As we continue our education, here are some ways you and your family can continue to celebrate Black History in the comfort of your own home.

1. Support Black-owned businesses and restaurants
Supporting Black-owned businesses not only helps to close the racial wage gap and increase the businesses' wealth, but it also helps establish a sense of camaraderie for the locals. Here are some local Black-owned companies in the local central Wisconsin area:
Restaurants:
-Everythang Tacos (Port Edwards, WI)
-The Jerk Joint (Appleton, WI)
-The Cozzy Corner (Appleton, WI)
Beauty:
-Intrigue Fashions & Beauty Supply (Appleton, WI)
-Envy Fits and Fashion (Appleton, WI)
-Plagrnd Clothing (Ashwaubenon, WI)
Other:
-Souled Out Ministries (Appleton, WI)
-Star Roller Rink (Racine, WI)

2. Read a non-fiction or fiction book written by a Black author
Reading together is a great way to bond with and educate your child(ren). The following books and authors are good places to start and continue your children's Black History education:
Youth:
-Change Sings by Amanda Gorman and Loren Long (2021)
-Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (2014)
-Listen, Layla by Yassmin Abdel-Magied (2021)
Young Adult:
-Becoming: Adapted for Younger Readers by Michelle Obama (2021)
-The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017)
-Black Birds in The Sky by Branndy Colbert (2021)

3. Focus on Black Youth
Immerse yourself and your child(ren) in stories about young members of the Black community and how they have made an impact. Talk about and learn about the causes that some fantastic teens are fighting for. Here are some amazing youths who are making a difference:
-Nupal Kiazolu (She/Her)
While 20-year-old Nupal Kiazolu is no longer a child, she started her journey at a very young age. She organized her first protest at age 13 and has been making incredible waves in activism ever since.
-Naomi Wadler (She/Her)
In 2018, at the age of 11, Naomi made a speech at the “March for Our Lives” in Washington, D.C. She asked millions to remember the Black girls and women affected by gun violence. Now at the age of 15, Naomi has spoken at international levels and even had her own series on “The Ellen Show,” called “DiversiTEA with Naomi Wadler.”
-De’Jaun Correia (he/him)
At the age of 16, Correia was chosen as one of The Roots 25 young futurists and innovators. With his uncle on death row, Correia has been speaking out against the death penalty, even becoming the keynote speaker at the Amnesty International Youth Summit in 2011.

4. Create a Black History Month playlist.
Music is just at our fingertips, making it a perfect way to celebrate Black history! Branch out and discover Black musicians that changed the depiction of music. Create your own playlist featuring some of these famous Black artists:
-Aretha Franklin (1942-2018)
Looking for an introduction into the heart of the soul? Aretha Franklin is a perfect introduction to soul music, having been deemed “The Queen of Soul.” As the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it's no wonder she has multiple Grammys to her name. RESPECT!
-Louis Armstrong (1901-1971)
With a career spanning five decades, Louis Armstrong was one of the most influential figures in Jazz. If you’re looking for a rich, gravelly voice accompanied by trumpets with an “intense rhythmic swing,” Louis Armstrong is the perfect artist for you.
-Marvin Gaye (1939-1984)
Would you like a Prince to accompany the Queen of Soul? Well, look no further. Marvin Gaye, nicknamed “The Prince of Soul,” was known for his four-octave vocal range and his contribution to the sound of Motown.
-Whitney Houston (1963-2012)
It’s almost impossible to get through life without hearing the name Whitney Houston. As one of the best-selling artists of all time, Whitney Houston has influenced many singers and continues to be one of the 25 milestones of the last 25 years.
-Beyoncé (1981-Current)
Beyoncé is one of the world's best-selling recording artists and is the first solo artist to have their first six studio albums debut at number one on the Billboard 200. She is the highest-earning black musician of all time and is included on TIME's list of 100 women who defined the last century. What better way to support Black History!

5. Watch Films or Tv Shows Written and Directed by Black Creators
Music isn’t the only media you can use to enjoy Black history. Movies and TV shows are a wonderful way to spend time with your child(ren) and teach them about our magical and diverse world! Some great options include:
Movies
-Harriet (2019)
-Hidden Figures (2016)
-Soul (2020)
-Rise of the Guardians (2012)
TV Shows
-The Proud Family (2001)
-Karma’s World (2021)
-Family Reunion (2019)
-Rise Up, Sing Out (2022)

6. Decorate Your Home with Black History Inspired Art
While Black History Month has come to an end, it is never too early to start celebrating and decorating for next year. Educate and entertain your child(ren) by creating Black history-themed decorations. Here are some ideas to become inspired!
-Decorate Your Fridge
-Decorate Your front door or windows
-Recreate art made by famous Black artists

These are just a few ways you and your child(ren) can celebrate Black History. As we here at the Boys & Girls Club continue to celebrate and appreciate Black History, we hope these ideas inspire you to celebrate with us.