It’s that time of the year when Black, Red, Yellow and Green colors fill our homes in expression of solidarity and celebration of Black History Month. The colors in order represent resilience; bloodshed; optimism, justice, equality; and the rich greenery of Africa that together instill pride in highlighting contributions, honoring the achievements and history of African Americans through time.
In 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson started the Negro History Week along with the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), it was scheduled for the second week of February to coincide with Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays and consider a step to inculcate cultural appreciation and understanding. Today, the rebranded Black History Month is a show of spirit and celebration of the black contributors that has grown past a theme; it’s a universal expression, much beyond the African diaspora.
This is a realization of the idea of equality and fair representation, observed more effectually than ever before. If you’re in the free spirit of celebration and the willingness to showcase your cohesion, there are many ways to do it. You can start right at home by infusing thematic decor and sprucing up your house for Black History Month.
Decoration Ideas Inspired by Black History Month
Drape Your Home in African Fabric
Black History Month is not a time-bound affair. It is a celebration of eminence, grit, and progress despite all odds, which can be rejoiced around the year with lovely tapestry bought from online marketplaces or by DIYing a throw pillow cover using fabric made or representing African descent for a personalized touch. Decorate the house with textiles celebrating traditional African patterns and prints; pillow covers, rugs, table runners, curtains, bedding, and wall hangings are a few stylish, warm, and long-lasting examples of how to drape your home in African fabric.
Afrocentric Artwork and More
Walls present a perfect canvas for you to play with your unique selections. Whether it is to get into the Black History Month mood or dedicate a focal point in your home for the celebrations; go ahead and display the black history on your living room wall. Elevate the impact with powerful personality pictures, historical photographs, personal memoirs, and Afrocentric artwork.
Bookshelf of Black History
Black history and literature are ways to reflect on the past filled with struggle, hope, and the grit in face of adversity. Introducing literature by Black authors and the history of eminent figures of color should be a good way to celebrate Black History Month this year. You can clear up a shelf and arrange these books about black history prominently or maybe designate a reading nook full of books exploring black history, culture, and burning issues – spanning both fiction and non-fiction – to resonate with them personally and intellectually.
Door: The Gallery of Achievements
Unlike the tapestry or the wall art, the idea of turning the door into a gallery of achievement is reserved for schools and their learning of the black contributors’ curriculum. But you can get this interesting idea to your front door and celebrate the myriad achievements of Afro-Americans throughout Black History Month. You can create a collage of notable figures and quotes that can serve as daily reminders of resilience and empowerment as you walk in and out.
Display Words You Cannot Shout
An effortless and effective decoration idea would be to put up decals with inspiring quotes from prominent black leaders or activists on the walls or doors. Quotes are more than words, they let you carry out your innermost thoughts without you having to shout them out loud. Moreover, there is nothing that grabs attention more than an inspirational quote or a quick wit note illustrating black pride.
Mask in the Cultural Artifacts
You cannot leave out the deep-rooted cultural significance of decoration options for Black History Month. To that accord, your home can become a showcase of sculptures and artifacts symbolic of significant moments and vivid African culture. Ethically sourced artifacts, such as African masks, can make handsome artifacts for your wall décor and display cultural heritage with a tale of their own to narrate.
Jazz up Your Décor
Jazz and its creators were crucial to the Civil Rights Movement. The story of life these creators wrote and performed touched the hearts of millions so much that many of these songs became anthems of the movement. If you want the genre that threads realities of life in musical notes to form the basis of your Black History Month décor, you can get home instruments and posters inspired by the Jazz era. Thematic parties with Jazz music and attire can add to the celebratory atmosphere.
Conclusion
It’s imperative to recognize and celebrate people of color around the year, but the month of February provides that extra opportunity to pledge support. And infusing your living space with thoughtful decor is the most effective way to show your love and celebrate Black History Month.
