Our observance shouldn’t be limited to studying Jewish involvement in the Civil Right Movement (we see you, Freedom Riders). Black History Month isn’t about patting “white saviors” on the back but rather about celebrating the accomplishments of African-Americans.
We harm the black community – Jewish and not – when we appropriate black culture. We reinforce the idea of black culture as a commodity to be sampled, mocked, and tossed aside when we’re finished.