What to watch on PBS
PBS has a great selection of films and programs available to watch in the month of February! “Celebrate Black History Month this year with a closer look at the lives of various Black Americans who have made indelible marks on history with their artistry, professional achievements, and community activism. We've compiled a list of films premiering this month, as well as programs available to stream in February.”
Bridge-builders are always in learning mode.
We recommend these resources the Be the Bridge foundation has compiled and provided.
Voices of Fire
Checkout this inspiring series on Netflix!
In this faith-based docuseries, Bishop Ezekiel Williams builds an inspiring, nontraditional gospel choir with the help of superstar nephew Pharrell.
The Black Church
PBS Special
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of African American religion beginning with the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the extraordinary ways enslaved Africans preserved and adapted their faith practices from the brutality of slavery to emancipation.
Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition
Maverick City Music
Special Edition Spotify playlist.
Juneteenth.
A holiday celebrated on 19th of June to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on that date in 1865 (3 years after the Emancipation Proclamation), in the aftermath of the Civil War, slaves were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.
A new national holiday.
Previous efforts have failed to make it a national holiday, and few have fought harder for the recognition than Opal Lee, an activist in Fort Worth who campaigns for the cause.
On June 17, 2021, it became the 11th holiday recognized by the federal government. The Senate on June 15 passed a bill to recognize the day, and the House approved the measure the next day. President Biden signed the bill into law the day after that, immediately giving federal employees the day off this year.
Learn more.
More Resources:
Support Black-Owned Businesses
A local Black-owned business that gives back! Chi Fresh Kitchen
Use this great tool before you shop! blackownedchicago.com
And here’s more great ways to find locally Black-owned businesses:
More on Juneteenth
The History and Meaning of Juneteenth — a 30 min podcast conversation.
So you want to learn about Juneteenth? — New York Times article with great extra links and resources.
Sources:
So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth
Photo by Heather Mount on Unsplash
Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi on Unsplash