Black History Month graphic for emails and blogs

February marks Black History Month and we are celebrating, honoring, and recognizing the achievements and sacrifices Black people have made over the years. Their impacts on society are indelible and undeniable. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing information on our social media channels about local events you can participate in, key historical figures, as well as current Black leaders.  

As we unite in solidarity with the Y’s commitment to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism, we’ve put together some resources that will help immerse you in the Black experience.  

Listen to the 1619 Podcast 

Created by The New York Times, “1619” is an audio series that explores “how slavery has transformed America, connecting past and present through the oldest form of storytelling.  

Learn About Black-led Nonprofit Organizations 

Read about these impactful organizations with a focus on issues that are important to Black Americans in our communities. You can even take it a step further and volunteer your time or set up a recurring donation! 

Read These Books by Black Authors 

Take the time to immerse yourself in these literary pieces by Black authors, many of which center around racial justice and the Black experience in America. 

Nonfiction 

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo 

Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments by Saidiya Hartman 

The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks about Race, an anthology edited by Jesmyn Ward 

Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine 

How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi 

Fiction 

Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi 

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones 

Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead 

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler