How to Plan a Black History Party

If you're planning a Black History Party, this will probably be one of the easiest parties to plan mainly because there are no traditional rules to follow. Of course you'll want to make sure the event focuses on the contributions of African-Americans, but it's all right to entertain while educating, too. Here are some party tips to make the event one to remember.

What types of food do I bring to a Black History party? Traditionally black people are associated with soul food so if you want to make the main dishes soul food, suggest items like collard greens, hot water cornbread, candied yams, macaroni and cheese, pound cake, black eyed peas and whatever meat dish you desire. The only downside to having a soul food dinner party is that your guests may be too full to focus on anything so consider making the dishes lighter. Less salt. Bake instead of fry. Use vegetable broth instead of meat broth. (See "Feeding a Vegan Thanksgiving Guest: Six Vegan Recipes.")

What types of party decorations should I use? The African flag has black, yellow, red and green. Red is for bloodshed, green is for land and black is for black people. Gold is also common for natural resources like gold. Use these colors as your party color scheme for tablecloths, balloons, streamers, welcome poster board, plates, cups and invitations. Using American flag colors red, white and blue are okay if you wish, but then it'll look like the Fourth of July. FYI, slaves weren't free on Independence Day in 1776. However, the holiday is an American one so it's up to you.

What types of games should my guests play? This is your opportunity to make the party educational. Let your guests enter a raffle for a bigger prize but only if they can answer a history question. You can give them the opportunity to sign a raffle ticket and answer one of a few questions. When you pull out that raffle ticket number, check to make sure the answer is correct. If that person has the correct answer, he or she is the winner. You can announce the correct answer before you start pulling out raffle tickets. If you really want to make it fair, have several questions so if a person doesn't know the answer to one question, he or she has the opportunity to answer another. Five bowls, five questions, five prizes.

What should I wear to a Black History party? It doesn't have to be a costume party, but if somebody wants to go all out and dress up like Carter G. Woodson, who was the creator of Negro History Week, which later expanded into Black History Month, go for it. If the guests really want to get into it, they can dress up like Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, who were the two people being honored for their birthdays during Negro History Week. But if everybody is dressing up like three people, that'll get old fast. Suggest everybody dress up like their favorite African-American hero.

Should I charge for a Black History party? If you want to take donations, consider using the money to support a cause like the victims of Hurricane Katrina or Haiti relief. Or, help out with an organization in your own hometown.

What music should be played at a Black History party? Provide a variety of music, but keep it peaceful and uplifting. If you want to go for hip-hop, consider artists who are taking positive stands in the community like Mos Def, Talib Kweli and KRS One. Don't forget about sistas like Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys and Queen Latifah. African-Americans were also essential in jazz, blues, R&B, neosoul, gospel and rock n' roll (ex. Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters). Make sure your deejay has a music selection that all guests can relate to so everybody of all ages can get their turn on the dance floor.