At Talent Citizen, we believe Black History Month is not just a moment of remembrance but a call to engage—deeply and intentionally—with the stories, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped our society. In this moment, as we continue to grapple with the ongoing fight for racial justice, it is more important than ever to honor the legacies of Black leaders, thinkers, and communities who have paved the way for change.
This month, we’re sharing resources to help individuals and organizations engage with Black history in a deeper, more intentional way with a collection of resources that offer historical context, storytelling, and ways to actively participate in Black History Month—in February and beyond. We encourage you to explore these tools, engage in conversation, and consider how you can integrate these lessons into your own work and communities.
StoryCorps is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing personal stories, fostering connection, and amplifying diverse voices. Their Brightness in Black initiative specifically focuses on celebrating the depth and complexity of Black life in America by providing a platform for Black individuals to share their personal experiences of resilience, triumph, and gratitude. This initiative is critical to Black history as it challenges one-dimensional narratives and ensures that the full spectrum of Black experiences is documented and honored. By partnering with the Library of Congress, StoryCorps helps preserve these voices for future generations, solidifying their place in history and affirming the power of storytelling in shaping cultural identity and collective memory.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, is the driving force behind Black History Month and remains dedicated to preserving and disseminating Black history. Each year, ASALH selects a theme to highlight critical aspects of Black life, with 2025’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” exploring the profound role of Black workers across history—from enslaved laborers and sharecroppers to union leaders and entrepreneurs. Black labor has been central to shaping economies, communities, and movements for justice, yet it has often been undervalued and exploited. By examining the contributions and struggles of Black workers, this theme encourages deeper reflection on racial and economic justice, the fight for fair wages and working conditions, and the enduring impact of Black labor activism. In a time when systemic inequities persist, studying Black labor history remains essential to understanding the broader fight for equity and inclusion.
This article highlights the significance of Black History Month and offers 37 actionable ways to honor and celebrate Black history. It emphasizes that Black history is often overlooked or whitewashed and stresses the importance of intentional engagement, learning, and advocacy. The guide includes recommendations for books, films, and podcasts by Black creators, encourages support for Black-owned businesses and nonprofits, and suggests ways to advocate for racial justice in workplaces, schools, and communities.
The WeGOJA Foundation has launched the SC Preservation Toolkit, a free online resource designed to help individuals and organizations preserve Black history in South Carolina. The toolkit provides guidance on historical research, funding, and connecting with preservation experts such as historians, architects, and grant writers. Inspired by the creation of The Green Book of South Carolina, the toolkit addresses the challenges many community-led projects face, including lack of expertise and financial barriers. This initiative is crucial for Black history as it empowers local groups to protect and restore historically significant sites—such as cemeteries, schools, and churches—ensuring that Black heritage and contributions are recognized, honored, and passed down to future generations..
The Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh program, funded by The Heinz Endowments and The Pittsburgh Foundation, has awarded $1.2 million in grants to support Black artists and arts organizations. This funding helps sustain and grow the Black arts sector by providing financial resources for individual projects, residencies, and general operating support. Since 2010, the program has contributed over $13 million to promote collaboration, elevate Black artists, and address racial disparities in the arts. Preserving and promoting Black arts ensures that Black voices, culture, and creativity are recognized, supported, and shared with broader audiences. The arts play a critical role in storytelling, preserving heritage, and fostering dialogue on important social and historical themes, making investments like these essential for both cultural enrichment and historical legacy.
