Celebrate Black History Month 2024
Black History Month is observed every February to celebrate the accomplishments of Black and African Americans. It is an opportunity to recognize the many ways Black history, culture, leadership, and innovation have influenced all facets of life in the United States. This year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Minority Health (OMH) is celebrating Black History Month by acknowledging the role Black and African Americans have historically played in enhancing the health and well-being of all Americans and highlighting health equity promoting policies, programs, and practices focused on addressing the health disparities that affect this population.
OMH is committed to Advancing Better Health Through Better Understanding for Black and African American individuals and communities by ensuring connections to culturally appropriate healthcare services, information, and resources. When patients are provided with culturally and linguistically appropriate information, they are better able to create healthier outcomes for themselves and their communities.
The self-reported health status of Black and African Americans continues to improve each year; however, nearly 19% of adults still report being in fair or poor health, compared to 10% of Asian Americans; 13.6% of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders; 13.6% of white Americans; and 16% of Hispanic/Latinos. This Black History Month, join OMH as we highlight resources, programs, and events that focus on improving the health of Black communities through enhanced health literacy, culturally and linguistically appropriate health care services, and community-based interventions:
- Visit OMH’s Black/African American Population Profile to learn about the unique health concerns disproportionately impacting Black and African Americans.
- Read HHS’s Equity Action Plan Summary to learn what HHS is doing to advance health equity for Black and African Americans.
- Explore Think Cultural Health’s free e-learning programs designed to help healthcare professionals provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
- Visit the U.S. Census Bureau’s Black History Month website to access population statistics.
- Read President Joseph R. Biden’s remarks on National Black History Month 2024.
African Americans and the Arts
The national theme for Black History Month 2024, "African Americans and the Arts", highlights the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more.
The arts can play an important role in improving health outcomes at the individual and community level. Arts-based strategies can contribute to greater social cohesion, cultural connection, health equity, and community well-being. Interventions to help people get the social and community support they need are critical for improving health and well-being.
In honor of this year’s national theme, the OMH Knowledge Center has developed a reading list focused on the connection between art and wellness in Black communities.
Get Involved in Black History Month
Participate in conversations about health equity on social media by tagging @MinorityHealth on X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram for additional events and resources.