Join us throughout February as we celebrate and learn more about Black History! The emails will come out each Monday of the month and will expand our knowledge of the impact Black History has had, while encouraging us to learn more. As you scroll through the email, you'll find highlighted historical Black figures, Black arts/education, and featured local Black owned businesses in the area!

Shirley Chisholm was a woman of many firsts! Her fame came from being the first Black woman in Congress and also the first Black woman to seek the nomination for U.S. president. She lived a whole life prior to this though, even though her political skill was notice back in high school debate. She began her adult life working with children as she thought the path to working in politics would be extra tough for her since she was both a woman and Black. She was always aware of inequality and joined various groups to continue pushing them forward, which eventually led to her entrance into the political spectrum. Learn about Shirley being a trailblazer in more detail by clicking the link below, while your kids color in a picture of Shirley!

Garrett Morgan may have only had an elementary school education, but he was every bit of an intelligent individual. He grew up to become an inventor through success in the sewing business. His breathing device invention helped save lives after an underground explosion, but also hurt sales as it lead to people learning that he was black. After becoming the first Black man in Cleveland, OH to own a car, he invented a traffic light that our current traffic lights are based off of. His inventions helped people and he should always be remembered as a brilliant man who fought against racism to become a successful business man. Teach your children of his life while allowing them to color in a Garrett Morgan coloring page to engage their artistic side. Learn more about his background by clicking the link below.

Help us celebrate Black history by also celebrating the arts. Just below this paragraph you'll find various recommended books detailing Black history or written by Black authors. Purchase them for yourself or seek them out at William Jeanes Memorial Library or another local library! If you have any recommendations of your own, please let us know by email.

Books for Children -

• Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport

The perfect picture book introduction into Martin Luther King Jr. A stunning biography that will teach your children about a man who helped to shape the U.S.A. into what we see today.

• Teammates by Peter Golenbock

The story of Jackie Robinson and how his teammate Pee Wee Reese stood up for him against the adversity and declared him as a teammate.

Books for

Teens and Adults -

• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

While her story may not be well known, it should be. Henrietta Lacks lives on through history, as her cells are still living even though she's been dead for 70 years. Her cells have been crucial for solving many medical mysteries and should be celebrated.

• When You Look Like Us by Pamela N. Harris



A brother sets out to fight for his sister who's gone missing as no-one else is going to fight for her. Fighting against the misinterpretation that she brought it on herself, he starts doing what he can to track her down.

Woodmere Art - Chestnut Hill

If you ever want to stay close to home, don't hesitate to visit Woodmere Art Museum! Filled with art from local artists, they also feature local Black art as well. Featuring works by Moe Brooker, Syd Carpenter, and more, Woodmere is one of the places to go to see Black art made in Philadelphia. Not only is it beautiful inside, the outside is also a spectacle to behold. If you haven't been to an art museum in awhile, take advantage of this one that's so close to home.

While learning about Black History, you can also support local businesses with Black owners! Read about some local businesses here and then visit them in your travels or order from them online to show your support! If you have recommendations for local Black owned businesses that we should feature this month, please let us know by email!

• Chick-A-Boom - Cathedral Park



In recent past, there was a debate over the best chicken sandwich and whether it was from Chick-fil-a or Popeye's. Locally that crown might need to go to Chick-A-Boom, as they specialize in chicken sandwiches and chicken and waffles! Take a short trip and treat your taste buds!

• Lavish and Lit Candle Company



What is better than walking into a house or store and being greeted by a glorious scent? Lavish and Lit Candle Company can provide that for your home or office with their fantastic candle scents. They're closed until the end of this week (February 26th), but will be ready for your business come Friday!

• Holland & Milan Organics



One of the toughest parts of finding care products that work for you is knowing that what you're using isn't filled with unnatural ingredients. Thankfully Holland & Milan only use organic materials for their hair and skincare items! Check them out at their website below.

There is so much more that you can discover about Black history. If you are interested in learning more, please visit the link below, as The Free Library of Philadelphia has compiled a fantastic amount of resources.

The celebration of Black History doesn't end with the end of February or the end of these weekly emails, so never stop learning more than you knew the day before. As we continue through our lives, let us always appreciate and understand the amount of barriers the Black community has had to and is still overcoming.