February is one of our favorite months of the year. Of course, we celebrate our kids EVERY day--not just in February--but we do like that Black History Month offers us the opportunity to focus even more on our children's culture, history, and confidence.
Now, how to celebrate?
If you're like me, you know that a coloring sheet, a single book, or one event isn't going to cut it. It's time to get creative and do some activities as a family that are fun and educational. Here are some ideas to help get you started:
1: Host a Black history movie night.
This is a great option for families--and feel free to include friends! Bring on the pjs, sleeping bags, and plenty of snacks. Depending on the ages and maturity of your attendees, will determine which movie you watch.
Here are a few we recommend. You can click on the picture to read plot summaries and reviews:
2: Add Black history books to your home library.
It's important to keep your book collection fresh and woke! Yes, you can get loads of books free from the library--which we do often--but we also like having books that we own so the kids can pick them up whenever they choose.
Here are some children's black history books that we love. Click on the cover to read a summary, reviews, and purchase if you wish:
3: Attend a Black history event or place.
Attend a talk at your local university or an author book signing. Go to a festival or museum exhibit. Find local historical sites. Attend a concert. Learn more from nearby resources. And while you're at it, visit your library and offer--if it's not already done--to help compile books and movies for a Black History Month display.
4: Visit a Black-owned business.
Research local Black-owned businesses and make it a point to try somewhere new, as well as visit favorites. Here in St. Louis, we love browsing books at EyeSeeMe--one of the only African American bookstores in the country. It is important to our family to support Black-owned businesses--and to show our children that where they spend their money matters.
5: Create a Black artist music playlist.
This is one of our favorite things to do! Our music interests are vast. My oldest and I love jazz, so we listen to Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong. We enjoy country music artists like Mickey Guyton, Kane Brown, and Darius Rucker. Our kids also listen to our local Christian music radio stations at night, so they love to hear Jamie Grace, Tauren Wells, KB, Mandisa, and Lecrae. We also like top 40/pop. Explore you child's interests!
Happy February, and happy celebrating the amazing accomplishments of Black people!
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