Walks that Celebrate Black History Month

Black History Month is a natural theme for your next walk. You can interpret the original meaning of this commemorative observance in ways that uniquely affirm you! The organization that started it all, Association for the Study of African American Life and History, provides a free, downloadable Black History Month Theme Kit and Event Planner in case you want to get fancy with a special invite for your walking buddies or club members.

Here are five ideas to get you started.

TALK WALK
Themed conversation is an easy addition to any walk, anywhere. For a Black History Month twist, consider what inspires you about Black history and culture. Create a list of 10 or so topics you'd like to chat about that are related to the meaning Black History Month holds for you. Want to know more about the celebration's  mission and purpose? Go to the founding organization, Association for the Study of African American Life and History for quick background. When your list is done, write each topic on a 3"x5" index card (a la Table Topics). If you're walking solo, use the cards to spark reflection and inner thought. If you're part of a group going on a walk, simply pass the cards around and ask each walker to make a comment.

INVENTIONS WALK
From the stop light to the Supersoaker, a walk around your town probably reveals many products and devices created by African Americans. Challenge yourself to find as many as you can on a walk where you bring along a list of inventions by African American inventors. Really into the subject of invention? You can dig deeper using a universally-recognized learning tool that librarians create for all major topics, called a pathfinder.

HONORS WALK
Create a walking tour to spotlight your town’s public art created by Blacks from across the diaspora -or- public places named for them. Where to find your list? Start with your city hall's website (here's an example for King County, Washington), local historical society or art museum.

FREEDOM WALK
Slavery opponents operated an Underground Railroad across more than 20 states, Canada and the Caribbean. Harriet Tubman, the railroad's most famous conductor, led slaves on the journey to freedom. Supporters maintained secret rooms in safe houses along the way. Many homes that were part of that liberation movement are still standing today. Design a walk that takes you to see one or more of the historic residences. If you don't live in an Underground Railroad state, do a symbolic trek using your own freedom theme. Think personal triumphs, family goals or broader community/cultural/social issues.

HEALTH WALK
Participate in a charity walk that supports work to promote African American wellness. The Center for Disease Control reports significant health disparities (see the section called "Health Conditions")--African American mortality is higher for heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma, diabetes and HIV/AIDS. You can walk and be part of a solution! Non-profit health organizations organize fundraising walk events that include: Cancer - Relay for Life; Asthma - Asthma Walk; Diabetes - Step Out to Fight Diabetes; Heart disease – Heart Walk; HIV/AIDS - AIDS Walk; Stroke – Train to End Stroke.

Here's another way to carry out the same focus by providing educational materials at a Black History Month walk. Just contact the non-profit organizations (e.g. Lung Association, Heart Association) for pamphlets that specifically address African American health concerns. If printed copies are in short supply, find a downloadable factsheet at their sites online. Other resources for materials to hand out include your own health care providers, local medical centers and government health agency websites. For-profit insurance and pharmaceutical companies frequently have the budget to provide promotional but still health-related "freebies" for you. Use the materials you collect to inform and inspire.

Walk Proud,
Elizabeth