Cristian Mejia Montiel, features editor

Black History Month is a time to observe and pay respect to historical Black figures who have made a significant contribution to society. Some popular known historical Black figures are Martin Luther King Jr, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Maya Angelou, Barack Obama and many others. The list can go on forever. Below is a list of different ways you can respectfully celebrate this month. 

1. Visit a civil rights museum: I recommend checking out the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery. It might be of interest to take photos and tag along with family and friends.

2. Support a Black owned business: With the current pandemic leaving people vulnerable to economic instability, family-owned businesses are suffering and need our help. I would recommend taking a look at Soul Bowl. Their delicious signature bowls and classics will surely drive you back there.

3. Explore Black music: Broaden your music taste with soul music and rap music that will surely get you pumped while studying. You could check out “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. You can also check out “I Need A Dollar” by Aloe Blacc and “For Whom The Bell Tolls” by J. Cole.

4. Watch TV shows and films by Black creators: I recommend watching “When They See Us”, created by Ava DuVernay. I also recommend watching “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” which talks about the tensions between a female blues singer and her manager. Another recommendation is “Loving”; The film is about an interracial couple who struggle with marriage. The people in this society don’t see interracial marriage as ethical. These are all available on Netflix. 

5. Show appreciation through apparel: What better way to show appreciation than through clothing! Clothing can consist of only black-colored clothing. Clothing can also have encouraging messages. You can gather other people from the community and the University to join you.

6. Read and share books by Black authors: You’re not only broadening your reading horizons, but you also support Black authors who want to convey emotion through their writing. It would be a great idea to read with your friends and family. You never know, you might fall in love with a book.

I hope that my recommendations on different activities you can do to help show your support for Black History Month are useful. There are many places on campus where you can get further guidance on better understanding Black History Month and its meaningfulness.