Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of black Americans throughout history.
It's a time to honor the sacrifices and struggles of black activists, artists, educators, scientists, and leaders who have helped shape our society. As parents, it's important to instill in our children a deep appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of this month.
In this blog post, we'll explore seven engaging Black History Month ideas that can help make your kids familiar with the significance of Black History Month, and inspire them to celebrate the diversity and richness of our nation's history.
These Black History Month ideas are designed to be educational, interactive, and fun, so that your kids can learn and have a great time at the same time.
Honoring the legacy and celebrating the achievements and triumphs
The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to 1915 when African American historian Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.
The organization's goal was to promote a greater understanding of African American history and culture.
In 1926, Woodson initiated Negro History Week, which was held during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
Over time, Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month, which is now celebrated annually in the United States and Canada.
Black History Month is an important time to reflect on the contributions that African Americans have made to our country and society. It is also a time to celebrate the achievements of black people throughout history with some fun Black History Month ideas.
Did you know? Fun and fascinating facts about Black History Month
- Some notable inventions and contributions by African Americans include the traffic light (Garrett Morgan), the ironing board (Sarah Boone), and the first successful open-heart surgery (Dr. Daniel Hale Williams).
- The first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress was Shirley Chisholm, who represented New York's 12th congressional district from 1969 to 1983.
- Barack Obama, who served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017, was the first black person to hold the office.
Nine inspirational ways to celebrate Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to reflect on the contributions of Black Americans to our country and world. It's also a time to celebrate those accomplishments with creativity and style.
Here are some ways you can celebrate Black History Month in a fun and meaningful way.
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Plan a field trip to a local museum or gallery that features Black artists
When it comes to field trips, there's nothing quite like exploring a local museum or gallery that features Black artists.
Not only is it educational and informative, but it can also be one of the most incredibly exciting Black History Month ideas for schools to see art that represents your own culture and history.
By seeing paintings, sculptures, and other works created by Black artists, students can gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and creativity of this culture.
This type of field trip can also help students to understand the importance of supporting Black artists and their work.
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Plan a movie night featuring films by or about Black people
Looking for something fun to do to celebrate Black History Month? Why not plan a movie night featuring movies about or by black people?
This is a great way to let your students know about the importance of black people in history, and it can be a lot of fun too!
There are plenty of great movies out there to choose from, so you should have no trouble finding something that everyone will enjoy. Here are a few of our top favorites:
- Malcolm X
- Just Mercy
- 12 Years a Slave
Start a discussion afterward about what you saw and how the movie night made the students feel.
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Read books by or about Black authors
Make it a point to read books by Black authors during Black History Month (and beyond!). Expand your worldview and learn about new cultures and perspectives.
It's so important to see the world from different viewpoints, and reading is one of the best ways to do that.
You'll be surprised at how much you can learn about other cultures through the pages of a book.
So commit yourself to pick up a few books by Black authors this month. You might just find a new favorite!
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Host a dinner party featuring African-inspired cuisine
What better way to celebrate Black History Month than by hosting a delicious African-inspired dinner party? This is a great opportunity to learn about and sample traditional African cuisine, while also celebrating the amazing culture and history of the continent.
There are so many wonderful dishes to choose from when it comes to African cuisine.
A few popular options include Jollof rice, which is a flavorful rice dish cooked in tomato and spice-based sauce, and fufu, which is a starchy paste made from cassava or yams.
Other tasty options include African chicken stew, plantains, and sweet potato pie.
So what are you waiting for? Get planning your African-inspired dinner party today!
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Learn about the history of Black music genres
As we celebrate Black History Month, it is important that we take the time to teach our students about the history of Black music genres.
From blues and jazz to soul and hip-hop, Black music has had a profound impact on American culture. And what better way to learn about this history than by listening to the music itself?
So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove, because you're going to take a trip through time and explore the origins of some of your favorite music genres while celebrating Black History Month.
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Plan a game night
Black History Month is a great time to get your students together for a fun game night! Have a game night featuring games created by or for Black people.
There are so many great games that highlight important figures and events in Black history. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- The Black History Month Edition of Trivial Pursuit is a perfect way to test your students' knowledge of Black history while also having some fun competition.
- The card game UNO has a special Black History Month edition that celebrates Black culture and history. This is a great option for a more relaxed game night.
- Last but not least, don't forget about classic party games like charades or Pictionary! You can make up your own categories based on famous African Americans or important events in Black history.
No matter what games you choose, your students are sure to have a blast celebrating Black History Month together!
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Create social media posts
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and to raise awareness of the African American experience.
As we commemorate this important month, let's take a look at some Black History Month social media post ideas to celebrate it.
- Share articles, blog posts, and infographics that educate your followers about the history and culture of African Americans. You can also share personal stories about what Black History Month means to you.
- Share social media posts that highlight the accomplishments of Black leaders, thinkers, and pioneers.
- You can also share personal stories about how African Americans have made a positive impact on your life.
You can also use these Black History Month social media post ideas to encourage others to participate in celebrations of Black History Month.
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Educate kids on the current state of affairs
This Black History Month, take the opportunity to educate kids on the current state of affairs of Black people.
While it is important to celebrate the accomplishments of Black people throughout history, it is also essential to teach young people about the challenges that Black people face today.
Doing so will help them better understand and empathize with the Black community, and perhaps even inspire them to fight for change.
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Create a classroom display celebrating Black history and culture
Creating a classroom display that celebrates Black history and culture can help educate and inspire students, and foster a sense of inclusivity and appreciation for diversity.
Here are some Black History Month drawing ideas for a display that highlights important events, figures, and contributions from the Black community:
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Black History timeline
Create a timeline that showcases important events and achievements throughout Black history, including the civil rights movement, the Harlem Renaissance, and significant milestones such as the first Black president, scientists, and artists.
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Famous Black Figures
Another fun Black History Month drawing idea is to create a display that features influential Black figures, including writers, artists, musicians, and scientists.
Some examples include Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington, and Mae Jemison. Include brief biographies and photos of each person.
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Black Inventors and Innovators
Display the contributions of Black inventors and innovators, including Jan Ernst Matzeliger, who revolutionized the shoe industry with his invention of the machine that could attach a sole to a shoe in seconds, and Garrett Morgan, who invented the traffic signal.
By doing such activities in the classroom, you’ll give your students a sense of inspiration and equip them with the knowledge to navigate this diverse world.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the significant contributions and accomplishments of Black people throughout history.
Celebrating this month is not only important, but it is also a necessary step in acknowledging the systemic racism that has existed for centuries.
By incorporating some of the inspiring Black History Month celebration ideas discussed in this blog, we can honor and learn from the struggles and achievements of Black people while also promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We must continue to celebrate Black History Month beyond February and strive to create a more equitable and just society for all.