YES! Must-Reads: Black History Now
Explore these stories from the YES! archives to understand why Black history—and Black futures—are essential to building a better world.
Black History Month
How Black Hair Practices Can Inspire Architecture
An exhibit at the University of Houston explores how Black hair techniques can be translated into innovative building materials, designs, and methods.
This Is What Black Resistance Looks Like
We asked three Black artists to create pieces inspired by this year’s national Black History Month theme: Black Resistance.
How Black History Paves the Way for a Just Black Future
Alicia Garza is searching for Black-led solutions to some of the biggest problems of our democracy—solutions that go far beyond a hashtag.
Black Placemaking in Rural Oregon
Despite the region's anti-Black past (and present), there is rich Black history being preserved amid the Columbia River Gorge and the Wallowa Mountains.
How Black Actresses Fought for Science Fiction Roles for Nearly a Century
Hollywood didn’t decide on its own to portray Black women as heroes and women of power in science fiction. Their central roles in sci-fi film and television were the result of more than 80 years of Black-led struggle and strategy.
The Everyday Resistance of Enslaved Women
Studying history is like detective work—especially when the rebellion of Black women has been left out of the story.
Donations to Black-Led Food and Land Organizations Shift from Charitable Giving to True Reparations
Transferring wealth to Black-led groups is a particularly potent form of reparations with immediate benefits to communities of color.
The Origin of Black History Month—and Why It Still Matters
While the roots of Black History Month began 94 years ago, there is still much inspiration and guidance to be gleaned from the past, says the Secretary of the Smithsonian.
A Supreme Symbol of Hope: The Life of Paul Robeson
A new comic depicts the life of the legendary Black singer, star, and activist.
What Everyone Should Know About Reconstruction
During the period after the Civil War, African Americans gained political power yet faced the backlash of White supremacy. Understanding Reconstruction is also essential for exploring Black power, resilience, and excellence.
The Movement for Black Lives Has Always Been Spiritual
When the Rev. Al Sharpton implored White America to “get your knee off our necks” at the memorial of George Floyd, his words were carried by news outlets across the globe.
What Fugitive Slave Ads Reveal About the Roots of Black Resistance in the United States
Freedom on the Move is a database collecting these ads, which help form a more complete picture of slavery and the enslaved.
How the Supreme Court Undermined the Black Vote
Black Americans braved police violence at Selma and galvanized support for the Voting Rights Act. Fifty years later, the Supreme Court’s Shelby decision ushered in a new era of racially targeted voter suppression.
Meeting the Most Famous Black Woman in the World
Mary McLeod Bethune founded a college, defied the Klan, advised presidents, and like my grandmother, was a fierce warrior for justice.
Harvard Students Connect the Dots Between Slavery and Prison
Students suing the Ivy League say rather than helping to dismantle the system of “human caging,” the school is profiting from it.
Poetry at a North Carolina Biscuit Chain Brings People Together
For five years Biscuitville has observed Black History Month with poetry gatherings.
How Black Culinary Historians Are Rewriting the History of American Food
African American food culture is one of many aspects of African American identity that represents an unbroken line from Africa to present-day America.
On the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Leagues, a Look Back at What Was Lost
The integration of Major League Baseball was a giant step forward in racial equity, but it also spelled an end to the era of the Negro Leagues.
Sleepovers in Slave Cabins Are Helping to Create Healing Conversations
The Slave Dwelling Project creates transformational experiences for Black and White participants.
Uncovering Stories of Slavery Under Water
Diving With A Purpose is training Black divers to assist in the documentation and preservation of slave ship wrecks.
The Sex Education Expert Speaking Up About Medical Racism
Ericka Hart is uplifting the experiences of historically marginalized people.
Truth and Reconciliation for Lynching Victims and Their Families
Maryland becomes the first state to consider recommendations for addressing its legacy of lynching.
How to Be an Antiracist: A Conversation With Ibram X. Kendi
In his new book, the professor challenges traditional definitions of racism, and who can be racist.
22 Race-Related Films That Will Make You Laugh, Cry, and Think Differently
Research has shown that certain movies have caused social justice change, or simply inspired good things to happen.
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