Black History Month is the time when we celebrate the culture and achievements of notable figures in our nation’s history. From elementary school assemblies to workplace events, we have some ideas to help leave a lasting impact on your audience!
About Black History Month
Black History Month celebrates cultural heritage and recognition of African American contributions to U.S. history and its development. It traces back to the visionary efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an influential historian and scholar.
In 1926, he started what was first known as “Negro History Week.” February’s second week coincides with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. During this time, we aim to recognize the significant contributions of African Americans.
The celebration of Black History Month has grown and become more widely recognized and supported in the United States. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially declared the month of February was to honor the heritage, achievements, and resilience of the Black community.
🏫 School Assemblies
We know that educators want to offer impactful school assemblies that ignite the spark of curiosity. This February, infuse Black History into your school gatherings with dynamic and interactive performances!
Soulful Storytellers
Most children love listening to stories! Make your Black History Month assembly more engaging and informative by inviting a skilled storyteller. They can share inspiring stories about the lives of historical characters of the past, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. These include people like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and many others.
Purposeful Puppet Shows
School assemblies provide a great opportunity to combine entertainment and learning in one place. To keep younger students engaged, puppet shows can be an excellent option! Many puppet shows have an educational aspect that can introduce children to American history and culture. Additionally, they can expose children to new cultures or celebrate their own heritage.
Drum and Dance Party
Bring some fun and excitement to your assembly with a kid-friendly drum and percussion show. Students will get the chance to explore a new instrument and culture in an interactive way. It’s also a great way to encourage the little ones to burn off some energy!
🤩 You might also like: Ideas for a School Assembly Guaranteed to Engage Students
🎓 Campus Events
Celebrating Black History Month through campus events should foster a sense of unity and inclusivity. Create an atmosphere that celebrates diversity and gives students an enlightening experience.
Empowering Speakers
Elevate your campus event with a powerful motivational speaker who can inspire and motivate your audience. Invite a prominent figure from the Black community or a thought leader on diversity and inclusion. Their words will resonate through the halls, leaving a lasting impact on students and faculty alike.
Cultural Dance Performances
Add a touch of cultural flair to your campus celebration with African entertainment and dance performances that celebrate diversity. From traditional African dances to contemporary fusions, the dancers can showcase the beauty of different cultures coming together!
Inspiring Sports Stories
The world of sports has changed dramatically over the years thanks to African-American athletes. Figures like Muhammed Ali, Hank Aaron, and Althea Gibson have had a huge impact on them! An athletic speaker can inspire both your college sports teams and general students. Most speakers can tailor their presentation around specific content, such as prominent black athletes in sports history.
👩🎓 You might also like: 20 Great Event Ideas for College Students
👨👩👦 Community Celebrations
Curate a community event that celebrates unity, diversity, and the rich cultural tapestry of the Black community! Whether you’re planning a fundraiser, library activities, or another social event, these talented performers will turn your gathering into a kaleidoscope of joy and understanding.
Social Issue Stand-Up
Nothing brings people together quite like laughter! The right stand-up comedian can actually shine a light on the Black experience without being too serious. Their delivery can result in a good time while also making your audience think about important issues.
Inspirational Instruments
African history and culture have a rich musical tradition. Today, many Black artists keep it alive by specializing in playing traditional instruments. Consider booking a world music group focused on instruments such as the kora, djembe, and marimba.
Tribute to the Trailblazers
There is no doubt that history is filled with amazing musicians and singers from the last few decades. You can honor them by bringing a musical tribute artist to your community event! Highlight amazing Black artists such as Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, and Diana Ross. Both tribute bands or impersonators can bring these legends to life.
💼 Corporate Events
Craft a corporate event that celebrates Black History Month and embraces the spirit of diversity within the workplace. Your colleagues will appreciate rich experiences like cooking classes, workshops, and inspiring speakers.
Inspirational Business Speakers
Kick off your Black History Month corporate event with an inspiring keynote speaker! A great business speaker can weave together the threads of history, resilience, and achievement. Look for a speaker specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their stories of triumph will serve as a catalyst for meaningful conversations about diversity in the workplace.
Interactive Cultural Workshops
Transform your corporate event into a hub of learning and creativity with interactive cultural workshops. Offer sessions in traditional African drumming, dance, or art. These hands-on experiences help employees to explore and appreciate the artistic expressions rooted in Black culture. It’s a fantastic way to break down barriers and foster teamwork through shared experiences.
Curated Culinary Experience
Food has an incredible ability to bring people together. Organize a cultural culinary experience that celebrates the rich flavors of African and African American cuisine. This experience allows an immersive opportunity to explore diverse cultures in the corporate world. A local caterer can help with a colorful spread for the group.
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👩🏿 Honoring Black Women
Black women have been trailblazers, pioneers, and forces of change throughout history. Their contributions deserve to be celebrated and acknowledged. Use these ideas to incorporate Black women into your Black History Month event!
Celebrate Self-Expression
Art has always been a powerful form of self-expression and celebration. Hire a fine artist or painting party to lead a workshop for women. The instructors will assist you with choosing an image that will inspire your group to appreciate the power of Black women.
Queenly Keynote Speakers
Help your group of ladies tap into their inner queen! Seek out a leadership and success speaker who specializes in highlighting the achievements, resilience, and unique experiences of Black women. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the strength, intelligence, and grace that Black women embody.
Soulful Sisterhood Soiree
Celebrate the bonds of sisterhood with an intimate event featuring live performances from soulful female artists. Some great choices include a solo musician, a soulful singer, or a spoken-word artist. An atmosphere of unity allows women to connect, share stories, and revel in the beauty of their shared experiences.
Black History Month celebrates stories of strength, resilience, and unity. Make your event leave a lasting impression all year with some unique entertainment! Through spoken words, art, and dance, your event can become a beacon of celebration and enlightenment. 🖤
🎉 Keep the celebration going! Get a head start on your summer plans with Juneteenth Party Ideas to Empower and Entertain.
Ready to book someone inspiring for your Black History Month event? Find the best performers, musicians, and speakers on GigSalad.
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.