Black History Month is around the corner, and we’re focused on taking the time to reflect, learn, and get involved. If you are looking for thoughtful ways to honor Black History Month this year, we’ve compiled a list of meaningful actions to get started, from daily gestures to creative, yet impactful commitments.
Explore our top five ideas below for this honoring this important month, and beyond. And if you have more ideas to add, we’d love to hear from you.
5 Thoughtful Ways to Celebrate Black History Month
1. Take a Tour of a Black History Museum
One of the best ways to understand the Black experience is by empowering yourself with the right information. If you’re the type who likes to learn visually, we highly recommend visiting a local Black history museum in your area, or taking a trip if there’s one that piques your interest. Since our home base is Seattle, we always encourage folks to stop by the Northwest African American Museum, which offers incredibly interactive exhibits.
2. Try a Black-Owned Restaurant
A simple way to support the Black community is by being conscious of your purchase decisions in everyday activities, such as ordering takeout. Try using an app like EatOkra, which connects you with local Black-owned restaurants that may just become your new favorite spot. For more ideas, you can also head to The Intentionalist, an expansive directory where you can easily search for minority-owned businesses.
3. Get Your Workplace Involved
How does your company honor Black History Month? If you’re not sure where to start, consider reaching out to your human resources director to see what initiatives you can help organize. Perhaps you can bring in a speaker to lead an educational session or organize a volunteer day. See if your company has, or is open to, an Employee Resource Group, which is a voluntary, employee-led group that works to promote a diverse, inclusive workplace. If one doesn’t yet exist, see if you can create it.
4. Host a Book Club to Honor Black History, Authors & Stories
Whether you’re already in a monthly book club or are hoping to kick one off, there are tons of books about the Black experience. Incorporate black authors, history, and stories into your ongoing book choices and discussions to celebrate, cherish, and learn more about black perspectives, achievements, and obstacles. And for a creative idea that moves beyond the print medium, you can also explore relevant podcasts for discussion, or discuss articles from this series from the New York Times, Black History, Continued.
5. Support a Historically Black College or University (HBCU)
Before the pivotal Civil Rights Movement, there was no structured higher-education system for Black students. The first HBCU was established in 1837, and now there are over 100 incredible HBCU institutions throughout the United States. As it stands today, these colleges and universities celebrate Black culture and offer a wide range of high-quality programs.
To create more opportunities, these schools often offer accessible tuition rates and scholarships as well. Some notable figures have attended HBCUs, including Martin Luther King Jr., Oprah Winfrey, Thurgood Marshall, Kamala Harris, Erykah Badu, and Spike Lee.
As an important part of our collegiate apparel collection, we are proud to carry a wide array of HBCU apparel for schools featured below—and beyond. Explore a few options below so you can root for your favorite team and support the ongoing success and immense societal, cultural, and educational importance of HBCUs.
HBCU Apparel Available at Cutter & Buck
Florida A&M University Rattlers
His Style: Florida A&M Rattlers Cutter & Buck Forge Eco Heather Stripe Stretch Recycled Mens Polo
To beat the heat in humid Florida temperatures, you’ll need breathable gear. This lightweight men’s polo does the trick with its moisture-wicking fabric. And for sunny days cheering in the football stands, you’ll stay protected with its strong UPF 50+ UV protective coating.
Polo Features:
- 60% Recycled Polyester, 36% Virgin Polyester, 4% Spandex Jersey
- Tonal Heather Stripe Pattern
- UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection
- Moisture Wicking
- Machine Wash
Price: $104.99 - Ships free!
Shop The Florida A&M Rattlers Forge Eco Heather Stripe Stretch Recycled Mens Polo
Howard University Bison
Her Style: Howard Bison Cutter & Buck Mainsail Sweater Knit Womens Full Zip Vest
A great layering piece, this women’s vest is a great way to show a subtle pop of school pride on chillier days. Made with one of our softest materials, this sweater-knit vest packs incredible warmth. And with a flattering contoured structure, you can go casual with a quarter-zip or classic with a button-up.
Vest Features:
- 100% Polyester Sweater Fleece
- Exceptionally warm brushed fleece interior with sweater-knit exterior
- Princess seams and contoured hemline create a flattering fit & shape
- Secure zip front pockets
- Machine Wash
Price: $139.99 - Ships free!
Shop The Howard Bison Mainsail Sweater Knit Womens Full Zip Vest
Spelman College Jaguars
His Style: Spelman College Jaguars Cutter & Buck Stealth Heathered Quarter Zip Mens Pullover
Rock the iconic Spelman blue with this versatile pullover for men. With its high-quality DryTec super-smooth polyester and spandex blend, you can throw this easily over a polo, or fit it nicely under a jacket. And for extra storage, check out the handy chest pocket.
Pullover Features:
- 89% polyester, 11% spandex heather jersey knit
- UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection
- CB logo zipper pull
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Machine Wash
Price: $109.99 - Ships free!
Shop the Spelman College Jaguars Stealth Heathered Quarter Zip Mens Pullover
North Carolina A&T State University Aggies
Her Style: North Carolina A&T Aggies Cutter & Buck Response Lightweight Hybrid Womens Pullover Windbreaker
Made for in-between weather, this women’s windbreaker will be your go-to for rainy or cooler conditions. It also makes for great workout gear, as its sleeves are crafted with our dependable stretchy spandex for a four-way stretch. And so everyone knows exactly who you’re rooting for, the bold yellow logo stands out nicely on the bright blue background.
Windbreaker Features:
- Front & Back Panel: 88% polyester, 12% spandex 4-way stretch fabric
- Sleeves: 94% polyester, 6% spandex heather jersey
- UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection
- Moisture-wicking
- Machine Wash
Price: $124.99 - Ships free!
Shop The North Carolina A&T Aggies Response Lightweight Hybrid Women’s Pullover Windbreaker
Let’s Continue Learning from the Past & Moving Forward Together
We appreciate you taking the time to join us as we come together to celebrate Black History Month. To move forward, it’s important to understand and learn from our past—and take action together to ensure a more equitable future.
