As we reach the middle of Black History Month, I wanted to take a moment to remind you of our Black History Month Challenges and encourage you to use this long weekend to rest and reset. To use a racing metaphor, we are in the midst of a Norwegian Birkebeinerrennet, not a sprint, and we need to take every opportunity we have to step back and breathe, to reconnect with ourselves, and explore all the amazing people, places, and moments that make this experience worthwhile. We are fighting for a future for the children of our children, and it is exhausting and sometimes feels overwhelming…so rest, relax, release. We start again on Monday!
DAY #12: Help Build the Wall of Resistance
On the Twelfth Day, we challenged you to decide on a specific action to resist today. Select one small, concrete act—such as writing to your representative, joining a local advocacy group, or educating someone about the stakes.One step, taken today, helps build our wall of resistance.
DAY #11: Do the Research: Find Out Who You Are
On the Eleventh Day, you were encouraged to take time, learn your history, and share your story. Teach the next generation that our ancestors were more than just property or bridges; they were survivors, choosing every day to endure for us.
Day #10: Lift Your Voice and Sing
On the Tenth Day, I called on everyone to memorize the words to our Black National Anthem, write them down, speak them aloud, and etch them into your heart.
Day #9: Today, Commit to Standing Tall On the Truth
On the Ninth Day, you were invited to commit to cutting through the noise and pushing through the haze to stand tall on truth because we are truth tellers, truth seekers, fighters, resisters, and clear-eyed survivors.
Days #6-#8: Say It Loud, “I’m Black, and I’m Proud”
On Days Six through Eight, you were encouraged to get up, put down your phone, and declare, “I’m Black and I’m Proud,” so the world can hear. Then do one positive thing for yourself: take a walk, read a book, play with your children, join a protest, cook a good meal, or watch ASALH Black History Month videos.
Day #5: Ask and Answer the Hard Questions
On the Fifth Day, I challenged and encouraged you with my grandfather’s words:
Ask the hard questions and work relentlessly to find the answers. Be the change you wish to see. Remember, your life is meant to answer a question the world has been asking. Remind yourself of your best actions. Fight for America; she is worth it.
Day #4: Follow ASALH’s North Star
On the Fourth Day, you were encouraged to follow our North Star and take one small act of resistance. Get off the sidelines and into action—there are no spectators in the changing tide of history.
Day #3: Become a Gardener: Help Us to Dig Up Our Past & Plant Some Seeds
On the Third Day, I challenged everyone to plant a seed by learning one new fact about Black History and sharing it with someone else.
Day #1-2: We Proclaim It!
On the First and Second Days, we invited you to join us as we once again claimed the space and proclaimed this February 2026 as Black History Month. We called on you to celebrate with us and center the incredible contributions that we have made and are making as we continue to survive and thrive in this beautiful, imperfect union.
BHM VIDEOS
Bending toward social justice,
Karsonya Wise Whitehead
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