How You Can Celebrate Black History Month in Orange County

February is just right around the corner (which is hard to believe!), which means it will be Black History Month once again. This month is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the people, both historic and in the present day, who have given their lives for civil rights and continue to support the African-American community. If you’re looking for things to do in Orange County for this important month, then look no further, because we at OC Helper have got you covered. 

Destinations and Events

California African American Museum (All Month)

If you’re willing to travel outside the area, the California African American Museum in Exposition Park, Los Angeles is a great choice. Since 1981, the CAAM has served as an educational institution built by African-American architects to inform the public about civil rights for people of color. Best of all, admission is completely free! The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays.

Orange County Black History Parade (Saturday, February 5, 2022, (9 am – 5 pm) 

Celebrate the 42nd Annual Black History Parade in Downtown Anaheim. Local African American clubs and civil rights organizations will march to remember those who fought before them as well as continue to reach for the stars now and forever. You will also be able to enjoy music performed by talented black musicians.

Watch an Educational Film

You may be interested in watching a movie or a documentary to commemorate Black History Month. Movies such as Freedom Riders and documentaries like King In The Wilderness are just a few of the great options out there. Much of African American culture has actually built a foundation for this nation, not just in civil rights but also in the music and the arts, and watching some of these films will serve as a reminder of that. Just because you are no longer taking compulsory social studies classes doesn’t mean you should stop learning about history. You can find an extensive list of movies to watch here. 

How You Can Help the Community

There are many black-owned businesses throughout Orange County that you can support during this month and you may even find yourself becoming a permanent customer. There are also a number of black non-profit organizations you can donate to support underprivileged African-American citizens, including those who do not have equal access to essential needs such as housing and education as well as those who belong to the LGBTQ+ community. It’s also important to remember that supporting civil rights does not stop when March rolls around. The African-American community deserves our support year-round, even when it’s not trending on Twitter. One person’s actions can go a long way, to remember to be a good neighbor to people of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds when you’re looking for things to do in Orange County. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “the time is always right to do what is right.”

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