There are so many things I want to say and so many things that should not need to be spoken in 2025, but here we are. We don’t need permission to celebrate Black History Month. We deserve honor and respect. We are here and accounted for.
Black History is American history, and we will not let our centuries of contributions, sacrifices, inventions, and legacies be erased or watered down – despite who is intimidated, infuriated, or indifferent. We will be seen and heard.
Our stories are unique and similar. Harsh and happy. Interesting and instrumental. Deadly and dynamic. Collective and individual. Calculated and spontaneous. Expansive and selective. Honorable. Magnificent. Unimaginable. Resilient.
The United States of America could not exist as a self-proclaimed “superpower” without the input, inventions, influence, and impact of Black people.
Now is the time to share our stories loudly and proudly! Do all the things:
- Buy the banned books.
- Recite the poetry.
- Watch the movies and documentaries.
- Create new videos.
- Take more photos.
- Sing our songs.
- Celebrate our art.
- Write new books.
- Visit the landmarks and museums.
- Support the organizations.
- Interview your elders.
- Enroll in the courses.
- Participate in family gatherings.
- Attend the parties, parades, and performances.
- Study in our schools.
- Support our businesses.
- Wear our fashion.
- Retrace the history of your ancestors.
- Speak your truth.
- Get involved in our progression.
- Defend our legacy.
Throughout the month of February, I will be sharing one Black History resource or recommendation each day. I thought about writing long posts but decided to make the graphic simple and easy to read which makes it shareable. A simple name and category give the reader the opportunity to do their own research. Because the teacher in me thinks independent study and research are skills we all need to brush up on, of course I’m providing an opportunity to put them into practice.
Please feel free to share your own recommendations and celebrate your own Black history, achievements, and dreams.
If you are looking to hire a speaker or trainer for Black History Month, Women’s History Month or Social Work Month, I’d love to share my experience and expertise with your staff, community or university. Schedule a free consultation and let’s chat.
We are our ancestor’s wildest dreams!
Nicki Sanders, MSW, is committed to career development, professional development, and organizational development. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams, volunteer recruitment and retention, and social impact programming. She is a thought leader dedicated to dismantling the outdated, narrow view of social work and an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. She is a lover of nature, cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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