Black History Month is celebrated yearly in February. It was established in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson to raise awareness of African American contributions to this country. The annual celebration later became a month-long event in 1976. Although the month is almost over, you can continue learning about important leaders, innovators and racial equity. Here’s some great ways to celebrate Black History Month with kids.
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Visit an African American History Museum
Check online to see if there’s a museum in your area. If not, go on a road trip with your kids. Visit different exhibits that focus on Black history, culture, and ideas. Here’s a great list of museums:
- The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture (Washington, D.C.)
- Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum (St. Petersburg, Florida)
- African American Heritage Museum (Bartow, Florida)
- The Bing Rooming House Museum (Plant City, Florida)
- Wells’ Built Museum (Orlando, Florida)
- Hurston Museum (Eatonville, Florida)
- Old Dillard Museum (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
- The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum (Delray Beach, Florida)
- The Blanchard House Museum of African American History and Culture (Punta Gorda, Florida)
- Julee Cottage (Pensacola, Florida)
- The Ritz Theatre and Museum (Jacksonville, Florida)
- John G. Riley Museum and Center (Tallahassee, Florida)
- National Civil rights Museum in the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn.
- Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, Michigan
- Northwest African American Museum in Seattle, Washington
- African American Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- California African American Museum in Los Angeles, California
Read a Book
Celebrate Black History Month with stories of important Black leaders including politicians, athletes and musicians. Your children can also learn about the history of slavery and the Civil Rights Movement. There’s so many age appropriate books for kids. You can visit your local library or bookstore to learn more about Black History Month. If you’re in Florida, stop by Dare Books (Longwood), Pyramid Books (Boynton Beach), Kizzy’s Books & More (Winter Garden) or Cultured Books (St. Petersburg). Visit their website to see available hours and inventory. Check out these awesome books below:
Support BLACK-OWNED Businesses
A great way to celebrate Black History Month with kids is supporting Black-owned businesses. Check out this directory to find a business in your area. Also, visit a new restaurant or order clothes from small businesses online. Here’s a few shops to check out:
Epic Sleepover
Little Likes Kids
The Black Toy Store
Paper Play and Wonder
Puzzle Huddle
Capptivating Play
JL Fun Colorz
Visit Historic African American Landmarks and Sites
We took a trip to the Perry Harvey Sr. Park in downtown Tampa for a mini photo session with Miya Jones Photography. It was a great opportunity to tour the historic district that was once Tampa’s oldest and largest African American neighborhood. We learned about the music and entertainment scene as well as Tampa’s Civil Rights Movement. The boys loved the Gateway Sculptures by James Simon as well as the Leaders’ Row by Mike Parker. If you live in Florida, click here to get more information about landmarks in different counties.
Have a Movie Night
Watching a movie is a fun way to learn about Black history and culture. First, search for films that are age-appropriate for your kids. Next, set up a popcorn bar that includes your favorite snacks. Finally, gather everyone and watch a new movie. There’s a lot of streaming services that offer animated films for kids and movies for teens. Make sure to watch movies that are directed by Black filmmakers or feature Black actors with leading roles. Be prepared to answer questions your child may have after watching the movie. Also, make sure you are able to have an open and honest discussion as a family. I recommend the following movies:
- The Tuskegee Airmen
- Hidden Figures
- A Ballerina’s Tale
- 42
- The Great Debaters
- Glory
- Selma
- Loving
- The Help
- Black Panther
- Garrett’s Gift
- Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story (rated G)
- A Raisin in the Sun
- The Watsons Go to Birmingham
- 12 Years A Slave
- Crooklyn
- Eve’s Bayou
- Fruitvale Station
- Daughters of the Dust
- Bessie
- Something the Lord Made
- Polly
- The Hate You Give
- Soul
- Hair Love
- Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse
Make Fun Crafts
One of the easiest ways to celebrate Black History Month with children is by making cool crafts. We have created fun art projects based on important figures like Dr. Charles R. Drew, John C. Robinson, Alma Woodsey Thomas and Rebecca Lee Crumpler. Check out these awesome Black History Month crafts that kids will love.
