Black History Month is a call for all of us to recognize, celebrate, and learn more about the history and accomplishments of African Americans. Intentionally doing so helps counteract the ways in which contributions, achievements (and even the everyday humanity) of Black people have historically been left out of our larger narratives. Here are a few family-oriented ways you can include your children in this important course correction:
1. Read books as a family.
Here are a few Black History Month children’s book suggestions:
The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson
A book about segregation and friendship. Woodson shows two girls living in a world where a fence separates their families based on color, but these girls forge a friendship as they sit on top of the fence.
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
The thoughtful simplicity of this picture book is sure to help a child understand what was going on in the world during MLK’s time. A Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book.
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford
This one is a little bit more religious and focuses on Harriet Tubman’s conversations with God. A Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Award Winner.
Teammates by Peter Golenbock
Jackie Robinson was the first Black player in the MLB, playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers. This is a great story about friendship and the importance of standing up for your friends.
Who Was Rosa Parks? by Yona Zeldis McDonough
This book outlines the life of Rosa Parks, starting with her childhood experience of not being able to take the bus to or from school because it was meant for white children. Part of the popular “Who Was” series.
Need more ideas? Keep it going!
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
Little Legends: Exceptional Black Men in History both by Vashti Harrison
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (so many awards and accolades for this one)
Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis by Jabari Asim
Black Women in Science: A Black History Book for Kids by Kimberly Brown Pellum, PhD
Black Heroes: A Black History Book for Kids: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day U.S.A. by Arlisha Norwood
2. Make soul food recipes together.
Smokey Creole Gumbo with Hot Sauce
Brown Butter Honey Cornbread
Shrimp and Grits
Alabama Mud Cake
3. Learn more about historical Black excellence.
Inspire your kiddos and learn a little something yourself!
8 Black Inventors Who Made Daily Life Easier
10 Important Black Inventors in U.S. History
Related children’s books:
Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? by Patrice McLaurin
Gary and the Great Inventors: It’s Laundry Day! by Akura Marshall
4. Check out these local 2021 Black History Month educational exhibits.
The City of McKinney has an extensive virtual exhibit called Black History of McKinney, TX that includes lots of historical records, text, and photos. This one is geared more toward older children and adults, FYI.
Allen Public Library begins an Online Black History Month Scavenger Hunt February 1 and is recommended for grades 4–6. Put on your puzzle caps and answer the questions to solve the hunt and learn awesome new facts about Black history.
Check out Science Spotlight: STEM Leaders from the Perot to learn more about the African American STEM Leaders featured in their current Field Street staircase design. They’ll be adding more to this list as the month goes on!
