This February, we are putting to good use our "Good. Works. Wednesday" program and giving 20% of our sales (at Penny Post and Red Barn Mercantile) every Wednesday this month to an organization that specifically advocates for local Black community wellness, equity, education, representation, empowerment, and activism.

It's a small thank you to the incredibly important work they are doing in the DMV region. The schedule is as follows:

February 2: Capital Youth Empowerment Program is a unifying force in the National Capital Region - one that connects industries to disenfranchised families and fathers to the needs of the community. Their work teaches skills and equips the underserved with the tools and empowerment needed to strengthen lives and change communities.

February 9: The Alexandria Black History Museum includes the Museum, the Watson Reading Room, and the Alexandria African American Heritage Park, all dedicated to educating our community. The mission of the Black History Museum is to enrich the lives of Alexandria's residents and visitors, foster tolerance and understanding among all cultures, and stimulate appreciation of the diversity of the African American experience.

February 16: The Black Swan Academy (BSA) is a non-profit organization in the District of Columbia that concentrates its efforts on empowering Black youth through Civic Leadership and Engagement. The Black Swan Academy empowers black youth in under-served communities through civic leadership and engagement, giving them a comprehensive set of tools needed to succeed in life and become active social catalysts in their communities. They are committed to creating a pipeline of Black youth leaders that are committed to improving self, as well as their communities.

February 23: African Communities Together (ACT) is an organization of African immigrants fighting for civil rights, opportunity, and a better life for our families here in the U.S. and worldwide. ACT empowers African immigrants to integrate socially, advance economically, and engage civically. They connect African immigrants to critical services, help Africans develop as leaders, and organize our communities on the issues that matter.

If you'd like to learn more about Black History in Alexandria, then take a look at all the learning opportunities from Alexandria's Black History Museum. They have a robust lineup of events. And, if you can't make it anywhere, there are plenty of opportunities to learn from home, starting with the 30-Day Challenge: Alexandria Social Justice Edition.