Black History Month is about celebrating the history and culture of Black Americans, as well as gaining more knowledge about the plight of Black Americans. Here are some activities you can do with your family to help teach your children more about Black history in a fun way.
The Smithsonian has thousands of artifacts that take you through the journey of Black Americans. You are sure to be shocked, humbled, and most of all educated during your visit. If you can’t visit in person, you can browse the collection online by topic, date, or place.
If you’re looking for more reading activities, these picture books help celebrate Black History Month and educate your children on how these people helped shape history. Plus you can Read books with Black characters in honor of the young hero Marley Dias. Dias is a young activist who started the #1000blackgirlbooks campaign as a sixth grader. She has compiled an excellent guide to books with Black girl characters. Check out WeAreTeacher’s list of books with Black protagonists as well.
Research your city’s Black-owned businesses and see if you can purchase a sample of their products, invite some of the entrepreneurs to speak in your community, or take a trip!
Watching videos can be some of the most meaningful Black History Month classroom activities. Check out this list of Black history videos for children in every grade level.
Your future legal eagles will enjoy learning about the key Supreme Court cases that helped Blacks secure rights, the events and efforts that sparked the cases, and the aftermath of those court decisions. Be sure to recognize Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court justice and the lead lawyer in the Brown case, along the way.