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 are 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 are 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), Black English Bookstore or Cultured Books (St. Petersburg). Visit their website to see available hours and inventory. Check out these awesome books below:
- We March by Shane W. Evans
- Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
- A History of Me by Adrea Theodore
- A Sky Full of Stars by Linda Williams Jackson
- The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez
- Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford
- Fearless Mary: Mary Fields, American Stagecoach Driver by Tami Charles
- Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
- Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King by Coretta Scott King
- Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
- Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford
- Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe
- Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison
- Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre by Brandy Colbert
- No Small Potatoes: Junius G. Groves and His Kingdom in Kansas by Tonya Bolden
- Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan’s Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal by Karyn Parsons
- Beyond February: Teaching Black History Any Day, Every Day, and All Year Long, K–3 by Dawnavyn James
- The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne by Lesa Cline-Ransome
- Black Heroes: A Black History Book for Kids: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day U.S.A. by Arlisha Norwood PhD
- When the Schools Shut Down: A Young Girl’s Story of Virginia’s “Lost Generation” and the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Decision by Yolanda Gladden & Dr. Tamara Pizzoli
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
- The Six Triple Eight
- 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 Black History Month Crafts
One of the easiest ways to celebrate Black History Month with children is by making 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.
Watch the video below to see how to make 10 different Black History Month crafts for kids. Make sure to follow me on YouTube for more fun content!
Support Black-Owned Businesses
One of the best ways to celebrate Black History Month with kids is supporting Black-owned businesses throughout the month and beyond. You can check social media for local businesses to support as well as Yelp or Google. There is an organization named Tampa Bay Black Excellence Challenge that shares local businesses to support with a fun bingo game. Make sure to check out their directory for Tampa Bay businesses like bakeries, restaurants, apparel shops and more.
Attend a Local Black History Month Event
There are many places around the country that are hosting events to celebrate Black History Month. Check your city or county’s website for Black History Month kid-friendly events. Thankfully we have so many cool events happening in the Tampa Bay area. Check out the list below!
Black History Trivia Night at The Woodson African American Museum of Florida
- Date: Wednesday, February 5 at 6:00 pm
- Location: 2240 9th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
- Link to website for event information
The Black Love Classic Movie Series Hosted by Tampa Theatre
- Date: Sundays, February 2-23 at 3:00 pm
- Location: 711 N Franklin St. Tampa, FL 33602
- Link to website for event information
Plant City Heritage Educational and Cultural Festival
- Date: Saturday, February 8 at 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Location: 102 N. Palmer Street Plant City, FL 33563
- Link to website for event information
UNCF Tampa Bay Black History Month 5K Walk
- Date: Saturday, February 8 at 8:00 am – 11:00 am
- Location: 1000 E Harrison St. Tampa, FL 33602
- Link to website for event information
Pasco County Black Heritage Festival at Wesley Chapel District Park
- Date: Saturday, February 8 at 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Location: 7727 Boyette Road Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
- Link to website for event information
Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival
- Date: Saturday, February 15 at 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Location: 2240 9th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
- Link to website for event information
Black History Month Celebration at Water Street Tampa
- Date: Sunday, February 16 at 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Location: 971 Water St Tampa, FL 33602
- Link to website for event information
37th Annual City of Tampa Black History Month Celebration
- Date: Monday, February 17 at 11:00 am
- Location: 711 N Franklin St. Tampa, FL 33602
- Link to website for event information
St. Pete Youth Farm Community Workday
- Date: Saturday, February 22 at 9:00 am – 11:00 am
- Location: 1664 12th St South St. Petersburg, FL 33705
- Link to website for event information
Watch the video below to learn about Tampa’s Black History. Make sure to follow me on YouTube for more amazing content!
Learn about Black History Month with these awesome books for kids and teens. You can find these books on Amazon (As an Amazon Associate, I’ll earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. This only applies if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!), your local library or visit your local book shop. If you’re looking for a Black-owned business in Tampa Bay to support, check out Cultured Books or Black English Bookstore. You can also order from them online.
- We March by Shane W. Evans
- Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
- A History of Me by Adrea Theodore
- The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez
- Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford
- Fearless Mary: Mary Fields, American Stagecoach Driver by Tami Charles
- Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King by Coretta Scott King
- Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford
- Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
- Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan’s Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal by Karyn Parsons
Looking for easy and engaging Black History Month activities for home, school or event? Check out these digital products from my ETSY shop.
Looking for more Black History Month crafts and activities? Visit my Pinterest board for great ideas or check out these fun art projects below:
Blow Art Hair Craft Inspired by Lorna Simpson
Paper Plate Ice Cream Cone Craft
Pan-African Flag Popsicle Stick Craft
DIY Microscope for Dramatic Play
