7 Ways to Honor Black History Month With Your Kids

Black History Month, observed annually in February, provides a unique opportunity to educate children about Black Americans' rich heritage, achievements, and historical contributions. As responsible caregivers, engaging our kids in meaningful conversations about diversity, equality, and understanding different cultures is vital. This article explores creative and educational ways to honor Black History Month with your children, fostering empathy, appreciation, and a deeper connection to the past and present.

Let's begin.

Key Takeaways

Explore Black History Books

In Black history books, narratives record historical events and highlight diverse African American experiences. To enhance this exploration, consider introducing children to a curated selection of books spanning various periods, genres, and themes. From biographies featuring trailblazers like Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr. to contemporary stories showcasing resilience and triumph, each book serves as a gateway to honor Black history. 

Watch Educational Films and Documentaries

Watching educational films and documentaries is a great way to learn more about Black history. Choosing films suitable for different ages helps us understand the essential events, achievements, and challenges of the African American story. 

Specific films like "Our Friend, Martin" and "The March on Washington" can start meaningful conversations and make learning about Black history more interesting. To watch more educational films and documentaries and honor Black history in Texas, you can try the following:

Film Festivals and Screenings

1. BlackStar Film Festival (Austin): Happens every January, showing independent films about Black people, some with connections to Texas.
2. Pan African Film Festival (Houston): Well-known for showing various films about African and African diaspora, including documentaries about Black experiences in Texas.
3. MLK Now Film Festival (Dallas): Around Martin Luther King Jr. Day, featuring documentaries and films about social justice and racial equality with a connection to Texas history.

Local Libraries and Community Centers

Many show films and have discussions throughout the year, including ones focused on Black history in Texas. Check their schedules for upcoming events.

Educational Institutions

Many Texas colleges and universities show films and discuss Black history. Check their event listings. The Texas Historical Commission also directs films and has discussions throughout the year, especially during Black History Month in Texas.

Local Filmmakers and Organizations

Follow Black filmmakers and film groups in Texas on social media to stay updated on film showings, discussions, and festivals. Contact local Black-owned businesses and organizations; they might know about your area's film showings or events during Black History Month.

Visit Museums and Cultural Centers

Explore Texas museums during Black History Month for a valuable learning experience. Visit renowned museums showcasing African American contributions and culture, covering challenges and achievements. Engage with interactive displays, educational programs, and guided tours for a more enjoyable and insightful visit. These museums deepen understanding of the complexities and honor Black history.

Here are some notable museums in Texas:

1. The African American Museum (Dallas, TX)
2. The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogical Center (Austin, TX)
3. The Houston Museum of African American Culture (Houston, TX)
4. The Carver Museum and Cultural Center (Beaumont, TX)
5. The Museum of the African Diaspora (San Antonio, TX)
6. The Black Cultural Heritage Center (San Angelo, TX)

Create Art and Crafts

Get creative with your family in Texas by doing arts and crafts projects to honor Black History Month. Plan craft sessions focusing on influential figures from Texas, like Barbara Jordan or Bessie Coleman. Encourage kids to express their understanding through collages, posters, or paintings.

Explore vibrant art communities across Texas for hands-on activities. Here are some local spots:

Dallas-Fort Worth Area

1. Dallas Museum of Art: Check out special family programs and workshops during Black History Month, like "Art Detectives: Storytelling through Masks" or "Creative Canvas: Celebrating Black Joy."
2. Fort Worth Community Arts Center: Attend events like "Family Clay Day: Celebrating Black Artists" or "Storytelling & Drumming."

Austin Area

1. Blanton Museum of Art: Explore family-friendly programs like "Art Cart: Celebrating Black Artists" or "Storytime & Crafts: Folktales from Africa."
2. Art Spark Texas: Join free workshops like "Celebrating Black Joy through Painting" or "Exploring African Textiles."

Houston Area

1. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: Engage in family-friendly programs like "Art Detectives: Celebrating Black Artists" or "Family Studio: Crafting Kente Cloth Necklaces."
2. Art Museum of Southeast Texas: Attend special events like "Family Art Fest: Celebrating Black Artists" or "Exploring Storytelling through African Masks."

San Antonio Area

1. San Antonio Museum of Art: Join family-friendly programs like "Art Detectives: Celebrating Black Artists" or "Storytelling & Music: African Folktales."
2. Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center: Explore events like "Family Art Fiesta: Celebrating Black Artists" or "Exploring African Dance and Music."

Listen to Music and Poetry

Honor Black History Month by immersing yourselves in the history of jazz, blues, and gospel music, recognizing the impact of Texas-born artists like Blind Lemon Jefferson and Scott Joplin. Introduce your children to the beats and melodies shaping the state's cultural landscape. Incorporate spoken word poetry, encouraging family discussions about the emotions, stories, and societal reflections conveyed through these expressions.

Take your appreciation to the next level by attending local performances, like jazz concerts, gospel choir events, or spoken word poetry nights. Appreciating music and poetry allows your family to honor the diversity and richness of Black history in Texas, creating a shared experience that brings cultural vibrancy to life.

Cook and Share Traditional Recipes

Gather your family around the universal language of food. Explore traditional recipes from diverse Black cuisines, including African, Caribbean, or Southern influences, and cook them together. This hands-on experience honors Black history through culinary exploration.

Explore the historical context of recipes, connecting them to the Black community's narrative of resilience and creativity. Encourage active participation in the kitchen to honor Black history and preserve culinary traditions, fostering pride in learning.

Attend Community Events

Review your local community calendar for diverse Black History Month events, fostering a community sense. Encourage your children to explore local and honor Black History Month events highlighting the achievements of local leaders, artists, and activists.

Immerse Yourselves in Cultural Parades and Festivals:

1. Houston's MLK Jr. Day Parade

Witness the largest MLK Day parade in the South, bursting with floats, marching bands, and community groups. Experience the vibrant energy and celebrate Dr. King's legacy.

2. Dallas' African American Heritage Parade and Festival

Enjoy music, dance, food, and family fun at this annual Black culture and heritage celebration.

3. San Antonio's Juneteenth Festival 

Commemorate Juneteenth, the day slavery ended in Texas, with music, food, arts, and crafts at this festival.

Engage in Educational Talks and Workshops

1. The Carver Museum's Black History Month Lecture Series

Learn various aspects of history and culture during Black History Month from renowned scholars and community leaders.

2. The Houston Museum of African American Culture's Lunch & Learn Series 

Explore diverse topics related to Black history and culture through lunchtime lectures led by experts.

3. The Dallas Public Library's Black History Month Author Talks

Meet and hear from acclaimed authors and discuss their works and perspectives on Black experiences.

Support Black-owned Businesses and Artists.

1. Discover unique products, delicious food, and handcrafted art at local Black-owned businesses throughout Texas.
2. Immerse yourselves in the creative expressions of Black artists through art exhibits, music concerts, and dance performances happening across the state, especially during Black History Month.

Volunteer Your Time and Skills

1. Lend a helping hand to organizations that support Black communities in education, healthcare, or social justice initiatives.
2. Share your knowledge and experience with young people in the Black community through mentorship programs.

Conclusion

Celebrating Black History Month with your children offers many engaging and enlightening activities beyond textbooks. From exploring impactful Black history books and watching educational films to visiting museums, engaging in arts and crafts, and participating in community events, these experiences foster empathy, appreciation, and a deeper connection to the rich heritage of Black Americans. Embrace these opportunities to learn, connect, and honor Black History Month.

FAQs

1. Can I find information about Black history events in my local community?

To discover Black history events in your local community, check your community calendar and visit local museums, libraries, and cultural centers.

2. Are there online resources for learning about Black history in Texas throughout the year?

Check online platforms, including virtual events hosted by museums, educational institutions, and film festivals, to continue learning beyond and honor Black History Month.

3. How can I learn about the historical context of Black recipes?

Research specific recipes' origins and cultural influences and explore historical narratives related to Black culinary traditions.