Celebrating Black History Month with Kids
Photo Credit: Kido
Most of us are aware that February is Black History Month, and it allows us an opportunity to celebrate contributions and accomplishments made by African Americans.
It is just as important today as ever before because it preserves the memory of the past as well as the culture of an entire group of people. Even more so, Black History Month encourages us to raise children that appreciate differences and resist prejudice. It is important to expand your child’s awareness of racial differences while encouraging them to be open and respectful to all people.
Kids are very impressionable, and it is important to remember our role as parents, caregivers, nannies, teachers, etc. in leading by example.
We are excited to share some great ways that you can celebrate and learn about Black History Month with your little ones this year!
Read books by Black authors
This is of course important, always, and not just during the month of February! Thank you, FamilyEducation® for a great list of must-read children’s books for Black History Month:
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine (recommended for ages 6 and up)
This Jazz Man by Karen Ehrhardt (ages 3 and up)
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox (ages 4 and up)
Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter (ages 5 and up)
The Other SIde by Jacqueline Woodson (ages 5 and up)
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport (ages 5 and up)
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford (ages 5 and up)
Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold (ages 5 and up)
Teammates by Peter Golenbock (ages 6 and up)
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African-Americans by Kadir Nelson (ages 8 and up)
Who Was Rosa Parks? by Yona Zeldis McDonough (ages 8 and up)
What Color Is My World?: The Lost History of African-American Inventors by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld (ages 8 and up)
Shop Local
Brown Sugar Bakery, 328 E. 75th St., Chicago
Cakewalk Chicago, 1741 W. 99th St., Chicago
Dat Donut, 8251 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago
Hecky’s BBQ, 1902 Green Bay Road, Evanston
KIDO (children’s clothing, gifts, books), 1137 S. Delano Ct., Chicago
Mimi’s Tots Closet, 8442 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago
Semicolon Bookstore, 515 N. Halsted St., Chicago
The Silver Room (children’s clothing, accessories, home goods), 1506 E. 53rd St., Chicago
Vee Vee’s African Restaurant, 6232 N. Broadway Ave., Chicago
Sweet Maple Cafe, 1339 W. Taylor St., Chicago
Celebrate From Home
Although the pandemic may impact the way/places in which we are able to celebrate in-person, there are many opportunities to celebrate, virtually.
The Chicago Children’s Choir will host its annual Black History Month Concert virtually where you can enjoy genres such as gospel and jazz.
Celebrate Black History month with New York Public Library — Join the staff at Tottenville Library & Richmondtown Library & Great Kills Library on Google Meet to celebrate and honor the achievements of African Americans throughout history.
Best for kids ages 5-10. This program is geared toward parents/caregivers and their children.
Celebrate Black History Month with Best-Selling Authors via virtual book readings , sponsored by Sam’s Club.
We look forward to continuing to add to these lists, and to celebrating Black History Month along with you!
Dower, E. (2021). Top 15 Children’s Books for Black History Month. FamilyEducation®. https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/black-history-month/top-15-childrens-books-black-history-month?slide=11#fen-gallery
