Black History Month is a celebration of black heritage and culture in the United States that takes place every February. Though it might be emphasized in your child’s classroom during this time of year, only 12 states have made Black history a mandated part of the K-12 school curriculum. Here are several kid-friendly activities you can do as a family to explore and uplift black history.
1. Talk to Your Child about their Black Heroes
The contributions of black artists to music, film, fashion and sports are significant, and your child might already feel an affinity towards someone whose art they admire. After watching a film, attending a sporting event or buying a product made by a black artist or entrepreneur, ask your child questions:
- What do you like about what you saw, heard or bought?
- Why has this person made an impact on you?
- What black history story does it tell you about or remind you of?
These discussions can help your child foster a deeper appreciation of black culture.
2. Take a Virtual Class or Museum Tour
If you’re not near a cultural center that features work by black artists, taking an online class or museum tour to appreciate art is the next best thing to educating your kids about the African American experience. The National Museum of African American History and Culture has online resources for families to learn about black history. The National Gallery of Art features paintings and sculptures from the Chicago Black Renaissance and Harlem Renaissance online; you can read about each one with your kids to inspire a future visit.
3. Support Black-Owned Restaurants or Food Brands
Though you could also make soul food at home, it’s important to recognize the impact of food in black culture as a way of sharing community and expressing identity. Search for local restaurants in your area with black owners for your next family dinner, or search for culinary brands owned by black chefs and order their products online. A few kid-friendly ones to try include Ghetto Gastro, Mama’s Biscuits and Partake Foods.
4. Plan a Black History Trivia Night
How much do you and your family know about black history? Black history is also American history. Taking the time to create flashcards with questions on one side and multiple-choice answers on the back is an easy way to research and learn about black pioneers and milestones.
5. Listen to Educational Audio Interviews
During Black History Month, the American Archive of Public Broadcasting provides access to In Black America, a collection of interviews and conversations in its archive. Listen or watch to hear from community leaders, activists, entertainers and organizations about the black experience in America.
