Black History Open-source resources

Many open-source resources provided by government and nonprofits have specialized aggregation of information for Black History Month. Here are some suggestions.

• BlackHistoryMonth.gov: This website is a joint project between multiple government institutions created to highlight the contributions of Americans of African heritage. Multiple online events offered during February.

• Library of Congress: The premiere government library has packaged various materials by topic specifically to share via social media. Also available is a legal overview to the official establishment of Black History Month as a research guide, and a crowd-sourcing project to support the transcription of hundreds of items in the William A. Gladstone Afro-American Military Collection.

• National Parks Service and California State Parks: Both parks agencies have websites dedicated to the various parks resources and locations directly connected to Black history.

• National Proclamation: The White House published the official proclamation on January 31.

• Museums: There are hundreds of museums and nonprofits highlighting Black History Month. Some notable ones: The National Museum of African-American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History – both Smithsonian institutions -- have dedicated websites, the California African-American Museum has ongoing program celebrating Black history and culture in the golden state.

• California State Archives: California’s agency in charge of keeping the state’s government records has created a series of exhibits for Google Arts & Culture on various topics appropriate for Black History Month. Learn about the California Legislative Black Caucus, the historic Allensworth community, and various California documents and information honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.