Each February, we celebrate National Black American History Month  which celebrates the contributions that Black Americans have made to history in their struggles for freedom and equality and deepens our understanding of our Nation's history. Each year there is a specific theme and this year we are focusing on representation, identity and diversity. There are many ways to celebrate Black History Month in your home and community.

• Support black businesses in your community
• Look up a soul food meal
• Trace your family history
• Read a book by a Black author
• Call out racism and prejudice in your community
• Sign up to mentor or volunteer

For those in the workplace, it’s up to us to set the standard of how to eradicate discrimination and bias and encourage the inclusion of all employees. Recognizing and celebrating employees’ racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds can be effective in building safety and employee engagement. There’s always an opportunity to learn something insightful when you listen to a new perspective. From unconscious bias training to volunteering to starting a workplace book club, there are lots of ways to recognize Black History Month. The City of Menlo Park has a few virtual events that you can participate in: 

MoAD: Early Black family photos
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 3-4 p.m.
Docents from the Museum of the African Diaspora will share photographs of Black families in the United States from the mid-19th century to early 20th century, discussing esthetics, cultural context, and the capacity of photography in forming social representation.

Virtual Film Screening: Healing from Hate
Saturday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m. to Monday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m.
Presenting our very first virtual film screening! Healing From Hate: Battle for the Soul of a Nation follows former hate-group members as they work to heal communities torn apart by racism. Join us Monday, Feb. 22 for a discussion with Healing from Hate director Peter Hutchison.

Conversation with "Healing from Hate" director Peter Hutchinson
Monday, Feb. 22, 6-7 p.m.
Enjoy our virtual screening from Feb. 20-22, and then join us for a chat with the director! Peter Hutchison spent several years working with anti-hate activists Life After Hate, a group of former neo-Nazis and Skinheads now working to de-radicalize (or as they prefer, “re-humanize”) White Nationalists.

The Menlo Park Senior Center will also be celebrating its 21st Black History Month Gospel Fest during the last week of February with virtual events you can participate in. Check the city calendar for updates!