Black History Month + a Playlist
Words by: Maggie Laubscher | Music by: Abby Yemm
February is a month about strength and perseverance. It’s in the air, in the long final stretch of winter, and ingrained in Black History Month. It’s in the poetry of Toni Morrison when she wrote, ‘I get angry about things, then go on and work.’ From our country’s history to the news cycle, to be Black is to be forced to persevere, constantly.
And so we are here, in February, celebrating Black History and Black excellence. Each year, our country gives the month a specific theme. This year that theme is ‘Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.’ The month is meant to celebrate the achievements of Black people and was originally created by historian Carter Woodson.
As we know, Black culture is often ignored. We don’t often find it fitting to quote President Gerald Ford, but in 1976 he described Black History Month as aiming ‘to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans.’
We cannot encompass Black history in one post. But we can celebrate and honor and read and listen. Here are some starting points, if you’d like. We have more to come throughout the month.
TO READ
We’ve mentioned White Tears/Brown Scars: How White Feminism Betrays Women of Color in a previous post, but it’s worth repeating. Author Ruby Hamad nails every chapter and topic, it’s 100-percent worth a read or listen. Another strong choice is Angie Thomas’s latest, Concrete Rose. Anything Angie writes, we will read. We have yet to dive into this one, but our library hold is almost up. The book is set 17 years before the events in The Hate U Give, Angie’s breakout hit of a novel. And again, this new novel is said to be a searing, poignant exploration of Black boyhood and manhood.
TO WATCH
Dear White People has been a strong series since 2017. It’s fourth and final season is debuting this year, so if you’re not caught up, get on it. The Netflix series is based on the 2014 movie Dear White People, with the storyline following a group of students of color at a predominantly white Ivy League college. The series will make you laugh out loud while holding your hand through discomfort. Please press play on it, if you haven’t already.
TO EAT
Fannie's African Cuisine, always! Fannie’s is a tried and true restaurant for us, with legit authentic food from all parts of Africa. Farm-fresh, organic ingredients, with a menu designed to reflect ethnic, cultural and traditional themes. The restaurant’s mission is wonderful and one that fits perfectly in Black History Month: ‘Our mission is to have people from all walks of life within Kansas City enjoy amazing native African cooking under one roof.’ Ooh, and also try out King’s Table Restaurant this month. And then every month. We’ve featured it on The Nelle before and it’s been voted best soul food in Kansas City. As a Black-owned family business, the restaurant should be in every story about this year’s family themed Black History Month.
TO DONATE
We are long-time supporters of United WE, a local nonprofit that advances women’s economic and civic leadership. February is an excellent month to support United WE, as one of their primary missions is to promote equity for women of all ages and color. Donate here and read our profile on CEO and Nellie Wendy Doyle here.
TO LISTEN
Another bomb playlist by our resident artist and Nellie Abby Yemm. All the best beats for your day, week, month. Abby curates music mixes for literally every mood. When you don’t know what to play, just browse her playlist library. You will find your next favorite song, we promise you.
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