MAKE IT CUTE

Black History Month is an awesome time to learn about Black icons in American history, but sometimes it can feel a little bit too much like, well, a history lesson. But Black history is anything but boring, and it's about way more than a series of events—it's also about arts, culture, music and literature. And what better way to celebrate that than with your own BHM poetry slam?

Ahead, everything you need to have the coolest BHM celebration *ever.*

A slam-worthy space
Create a coffee house effect by setting up shop in your kitchen or bedroom. Draw the curtains to dim the lighting, light some candles and stack cushions or beanbag chairs on the floor. Instant ~vibes.~

Mood music
Head to Pandora or Spotify and cue up the perf playlist—Miles Davis, Etta James, Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone…the possibilities are endless! Still stuck? Seach "Harlem Renaissance."

Awesome inspo
Kick things off by reading a selection from some of the greatest poets of our time, like Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes and Nikki Giovanni. Then, check out some of the coolest contemporary performance poets on YouTube (Def Poetry Jam and Button Poetry are great places to start).

Words, words, words
Now it's your turn. Perform a poem you've previously written, or go extemporaneous with an improv piece. It's time to make your *own* history!


How will you celebrate Black History Months, GL girls? Let us know below!

by Taylor Gardner | 2/19/2016