Hey, mamas! As February rapidly comes to a close, there’s still time to dive into the beauty, history, and culture of Black History Month (BHM). As a mom, it’s so important to teach our children about the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the Black community, not just in February but every day.
But let’s be honest, it doesn’t always have to be super formal or heavy. We can make learning fun, creative, and interactive!
Here are five ways to celebrate Black History Month with your kids that will keep them engaged and help them understand why BHM is such an important part of our history.
1. BHM Coloring Pages
You might be surprised by how much fun coloring can be for both you and your little ones. Black History Month coloring pages are a simple but powerful way to introduce kids to important figures and events in Black history. Look for pages that feature well-known heroes like Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, or even everyday Black life. It’s an interactive way to talk about why these figures are important while letting your kids use their creativity.
Where to find them:
- Teachers Pay Teachers offers a wide range of Black History Month coloring pages for all ages.
- You can also check out Crayola for themed printable coloring sheets.
This might seem small, but while your kids are coloring, you can easily sprinkle in fun facts about the people they’re drawing!
2. Books about BHM Characters
Reading books that highlight Black history and culture is one of the best ways to instill a sense of pride and awareness in your kids. There are so many amazing children’s books that feature influential Black figures, important moments in history, and cultural stories.
Here are a few you might want to add to your bookshelf:
- “The Story of Ruby Bridges” by Robert Coles – A beautifully illustrated book about the brave young girl who helped desegregate schools.
- “Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry – A heartwarming story about a dad learning how to do his daughter’s hair, a beautiful portrayal of Black family love.
- “Rosa” by Nikki Giovanni – A poetic and simple retelling of the iconic Rosa Parks’ act of courage.
Where to find them:
You can grab books from Amazon or your local bookstore, and even check out Reading Rockets for a list of diverse book recommendations.
3. Virtual Museum Visits of BHM Exhibits
Who says you need to leave the house to experience art and history? Thanks to virtual museum tours, you can bring the museum to your home. Several museums have BHM-themed exhibits that you can explore together, virtually.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture has tons of exhibits available online, from the history of slavery to the Harlem Renaissance.
- The National Civil Rights Museum also offers online tours that take you through the major moments of the Civil Rights Movement.
Where to find them:
- Just visit their websites or look up “virtual museum tours” on Google to find more free exhibits.
- Google Arts & Culture is another great resource for exploring museums all over the world.
Virtual tours make learning about Black history feel like a fun adventure, and it sparks great conversations about the importance of these spaces.
4. Watch Inspiring Movies with Black Main Characters
Movies are a great way to bring history to life, and there are so many films with Black characters that inspire and teach important lessons. Watching movies with positive Black representation will leave a lasting impact on your little ones.
Some movie picks:
- “The Princess and the Frog” – Tiana is a beautiful and hardworking Black princess, and her story is full of lessons about perseverance and following your dreams.
- “Hidden Figures” – The true story of three Black women mathematicians who helped NASA send the first man to space. It’s powerful, inspiring, and relatable for older kids.
- “Akeelah and the Bee” – A young Black girl’s journey to the National Spelling Bee that teaches the value of hard work and believing in yourself (and makes you miss jumping rope).
Where to find them:
These movies are on Disney+, Netflix, or Amazon Prime! They’re easy to find and often free to watch with your subscription.
Snuggle up with the fam, grab some popcorn, and let the films do the teaching.
5. Talk to Them! They Understand More Than You Know
Sometimes the best way to honor Black History Month is to have a simple conversation with your kids. Our children are incredibly perceptive and often understand more than we think. Ask them questions like: “What do you know about Black History Month?” or “How do you think we can help protect people’s freedom?”
This is the perfect time to encourage your kids to think critically about social justice, equality, and empathy. Explain how Black History Month is not just about February, but about appreciating Black culture, history, and contributions every day. You’d be amazed at how much they already grasp and how their little minds can offer fresh perspectives.
Black History Month is Every Month
Black History Month is an opportunity to teach our children about the richness and resilience of the Black community, but it’s also a time to spark conversations about justice, equality, and love. Whether you’re coloring together, reading books, or watching movies, make sure that you’re celebrating with joy and an open heart.
How do you celebrate Black History Month with your little ones? Share your ideas and let’s keep the celebration going!