9 Meaningful Ways to Honor Black History Month (and Practice Allyship All Year Long)
Feb 26, 2024
Why I Celebrate and Reflect During Black History Month
I want to share a few ways I’ve learned to honor Black History Month — not just in February, but throughout the year.
This month is an important reminder to reflect on how I’m showing up as an ally and to take new actions that expand awareness, inclusion, and connection.
To be clear — I’m not an expert.
I’m a white woman from a small town in Wisconsin, raised and educated in predominantly white spaces. Growing up, diversity wasn’t part of my daily life. But that’s changed over time — and so have I.
After college, I moved to Chicago, where my family now lives on what I lovingly call “Sesame Street.” Every family here is different — in race, religion, orientation, and ability. My kids are growing up surrounded by diversity, and we’re all better for it.
As a sober coach, most of my clients are white women like me, but I am always honored when someone of a different race chooses to work with me. It’s an opportunity to listen, learn, and grow.
I’m committed to action and equality, not perfection. Here are a few ways I actively honor Black History Month and celebrate diversity all year long.
1. Follow and Support Black Sober Coaches
One of the easiest — and most impactful — ways to show support is by following and engaging with Black creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs on social media.
It costs nothing to follow, like, comment, and share — but it makes a big difference.
Following diverse voices broadens your perspective and helps amplify underrepresented leaders in the sober and wellness space.
2. Buy Alcohol-Free Drinks from Black-Owned Businesses
Support Black entrepreneurs in the non-alcoholic beverage industry. Here are a few of my favorites:
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Mocktail Club — elevated canned drinks with flavors like Manhattan Berry and Capri Spritz.
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AVEC Drinks — crafted with real juice and botanicals for low-sugar mixers.
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Hella Cocktail Co. — bitters, sodas, and mixers perfect for any mocktail recipe.
These are delicious, creative options to stock your bar cart or gift to sober-curious friends.
Read Books by Black Authors
Books are powerful teachers. Here are a few that have inspired and educated me:
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Stash: My Life in Hiding by Laura Cathcart Robbins
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Finding Me by Viola Davis
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The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
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All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols
You can find these and more in my Ditched the Drink Amazon Store.
4. Add Diversity to Events
I’ve made it a personal policy not to participate in events that lack diversity.
This means inviting Black speakers, declining opportunities that exclude diversity, and using my platform to create inclusive spaces.
Diversity makes every conversation richer — and every community stronger.
5. Commit to DEI Values
As a SheRecovers® Designated Coach, I uphold their DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) principles:
“DEI must go far beyond being anti-discriminatory. We strive to create a culture of inclusivity, empathy, respect, and belonging.”
These words aren’t just statements — they’re a call to action.
6. Learn Black History
Education is essential.
This year, I visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. It was powerful, heartbreaking, and inspiring — my favorite museum experience ever.
You don’t need to travel to learn. Watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, and read about Black leaders, artists, and activists.
Knowledge builds compassion.
7. Volunteer or Give Back
In 2019, I visited Sierra Leone and became involved with Koinadugu College, a new institution still under development at the time.
8. Have Honest Conversations
It’s okay to be uncomfortable.
I worry about saying the wrong thing too — but silence doesn’t help anyone.
Ask questions. Be willing to be wrong. Listen more than you speak.
That’s where real learning begins.
9. Represent Diversity in Your Work
As a content creator, writer, and coach, I intentionally use diverse images in my courses, posts, and presentations. Representation matters.
When people can see themselves reflected in your work, they feel seen and included.
The world is diverse — our storytelling should be, too.
A Final Thought
“Won’t it be wonderful when Black history and Native American history and Jewish history and all of U.S. history is taught from one book. Just U.S. history.”
— Maya Angelou
Black History Month isn’t about guilt or checking boxes — it’s about awareness, gratitude, and ongoing action.
Let’s keep listening, learning, and doing our part — all year long.
