Each year, the month of February is dedicated to honoring the historical impact, achievements, and larger than life figures in the black community.

In 2020, we collectively began to take a look at the state of our world and how we can strive toward a better future.

Now more than ever, we work towards building a better, kinder future and the celebration of Black History Month is so important for all of us to partake in.

We invite you to visit Montgomery County and celebrate Black History Month at our numerous sites below.

Visit the Monument at Valley Forge National Historical Park
When most people think of the Valley Forge National Historical Park, they think of the Revolutionary Army’s encampment in the winter from 1777 to 1778. The park is full of monuments and markers that indicate where major historical figures stayed and where major happenings occurred on its grounds. 

One such monument is dedicated to Patriots of African Descent. The statue depicts three soldiers; one faces forward, the second faces left and the third faces right.

On the back of the monument the words, “In Honor of the Patriots of African Descent who served, suffered and sacrificed during the Valley Forge Encampment 1777-1778” are inscribed.

Followed by the description, a quote from Charles L. Blockson, founder of the Blockson Collection of African American historical documents at Temple University, reads, “Throughout these historic and hallowed campsites were courageous Black Patriots who participated in our nation’s bitter fight for independence”. 

To learn more about the Patriots of African Descent monument, click here.

Shop at Black Owned Business Across Montco
Montgomery County is home to many black owned businesses across the county. This February participate in the celebration of Black History by shopping and supporting your local black owned business.

Check out some of Montgomery County’s thriving black owned businesses below:

Buutchiis Grill | Ambler
Buutchiis Grill is Ambler’s top destination for authentic West African & Caribbean cuisine. Buutchiis started off with a food truck and with hard work and delicious meals, their Ambler location came to be. Stop by Buutchiis for delectable home cooked, authentic cooking.

Madelange Laroche Bridal Design Studio | Elkins Park
Brides-to-be need look no further than Madelange Laroche for classic, timeless and luxurious gowns for brides and bridal parties. Madelange’s work has been critically acclaimed by dozens of publications and was recently featured on NBC Philadelphia’s Philly Live.

The Cheesecake Lady | Elkins Park
Owned and operated by Vanessa Jackson of Elkins Park, The Cheesecake Lady is a one-of-a-kind bakery that has Montgomery County hooked! Vanessa specializes in cheesecakes and her recipe is so perfected that even those who don’t like cheesecake will LOVE her cheesecake. 

Black Reserve Book Store | Lansdale
The Black Reserve Bookstore is one of downtown Lansdale’s greatest treasures. Located right on Main Street, The Black Reserve Bookstore is a one of a kind experience that focuses on providing customers with access to culture and history they may not have been privy to in school. 

While the primary focus of the store revolves around literature by black authors, the store is not limited to just books. At The Black Reserve Bookstore, patrons can find art, jewelry, clothing and more made by black creators. 

D’IYANU | Norristown
D’IYANU is Norristown’s first retail clothing store dedicated to African inspired prints and clothing. The name D’IYANU perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the brand; The “D’” means “of” or “from“ in French, and “IYANU” means “miracle” or “wonderful” in the Nigerian language, Yoruba.

When put together, the literal translation is “of or from something wonderful”. D’IYANU aims to promote high quality affordable fashion while celebrating the blend of West and African culture in their clothing.

Holland and Milan Organics | Ardmore
Holland and Milan specializes in making products that are 100% naturally sourced, plant based and clean. With the goal of providing the most potent essential herbal blends in their products, Holland and Milan client can expect their hair and skin to reach their highest quality of health.

Lavish & Lit Candle Company | Bridgeport
Lavish & Lit is a fragrance company specializing in soy wax candle blends and melts. All Lavish & Lit products are made by hand out of the highest quality ingredients coupled with premium 100% soy wax blends.

Moody Jones Gallery | Glenside
Moody Jones is an art gallery located in the heart of Glenside, PA.

The gallery boasts a rich collection of original paintings and sculpture work done by a variety of artists.

Read more about the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Bureau Black History Month celebrations here.