Black History Month honors and celebrates Black culture and the achievements made by African Americans, acknowledging their integral role in American society and the struggle, the fight, the resilience, and the beauty that are ingrained in them. This is a month to be celebrated and embraced by all – from our littlest munchkins to our seasoned saints.

I’ve had the privilege of working with kiddos and families from all different backgrounds and I want to recognize and acknowledge that how we celebrate Black History Month with our kids may be different. If you are a Black family, you may celebrate your own culture and personal family history, teaching your kids about the resilience and strength of those who came before them and the own beauty and rich history that is within them. If you are a transracial family of non-Black parents of Black children, you may celebrate your Black children in specific ways this month through books, movies, activities, or events that teach them about their rich heritage and show them you think they are strong and beautiful. If you are a non-Black family, you may provide education to your children about the history of racial injustice in America and fill your days with materials and activities that celebrate and point to Black heroes.

Below is a list of resources for ways to engage your kiddos in celebrating Black History Month through books, movies, crafts, and activities. These lists scratch the surface of resources out there to share with your kids about Black history, resilience, and culture. No matter your family’s racial identity or the age of your children, there is something in Black History Month for us all. Happy learning, growing, and celebrating!

Books

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
Freedom’s a-Callin Me by Ntozake Shange
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes
All Because You Matter by Tami Charles
Magnificent Homespun Brown by Samara Cole Doyon
The Blacker the Berry by Joyce Carol Thomas
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem by Amanda Gorman

Movies

The Princess and the Frog (G – first Black Disney princess!)
The Journey of Henry “Box” Brown
Rudy Bridges (NR – Disney movie)
Soul (PG)
Hair Love (Oscar®-Winning Short Film)
Hidden Figures (PG)
Akeelah and the Bee (PG)
A Ballerina’s Tale (Unrated, documentary-style – most suited for 10+)
Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story (animated short film)
The Gabby Douglas Story (NR, documentary-style)
Selma (PG-13)
Just Mercy (PG-13)

Crafts & Activities

Coloring Pages of African American greats
Use your body to play the Hambone
George Washington Carver Paper Plate Peanut Craft
Hey Black Child: The Podcast (hosted by kids and discussing the accomplishments of some of the lesser known African American Heroes from the past and present)
Draw Yourself as an Advocate
“I Have a Dream” Vision Board
Learn About Black Leaders Bingo