Black history month activities for kids with Black history facts, Black history figures and heroes, Black History Month science activities, respectful cross-curricular lesson plans and resources (and not a bunch of fluff games), crafts and books, printables and more to honor the history and culture of African Americans. Also good for racial justice / anti racism lesson resources and diversity studies teaching tools throughout the year and for Black history lessons for kindergarten through high school and even Black history month activities for church youth group!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH ACTIVITIES, LESSONS AND TEACHING RESOURCES FOR LEARNING
Whether you’re looking for Black History Month activities for preschool, kids activities and ways to celebrate Black History Month (that don’t include disrespectful items or toilet paper tube crafts), Black History Month classroom activities, or you’re doing history lesson plans, we have something for everyone — Black History Month activities for early years and beyond with these Black History Month lessons and resources! Definitely add this to your February themes activities calendar!
What activities can you do for Black History Month?
Inspirational and fun Black History Month activities ideas for kids:
- Make a Black History Month collage of Black heroes using Black history colors (Don’t miss our huge list of heroes!) — great for black history month bulletin board ideas, too!
- Pick a favorite Black history figure, do a research project and present the findings
- Study lesser known African American heroes and historical black figures and their contribution to U.S. history and world history (along with famous Black people for Black History Month)
- Play Black history games activities to make history lessons fun
- Explore civil rights freedom posters throughout history for cross-curricular activities art and history studies
- Take a virtual field trip to African American museums around the globe
- Play Red Light Green Light for inventor Garrett Morgan
- Make a Dr Martin Luther King helping hand craft / Black History Month hands (great for Black history arts and crafts for preschool and kindergarten Black history crafts. I also think the black history hands are sweet for Black history ideas for children’s church!)
- Download Black History Month printable activities and do children’s activities for Black history month that honors Black history
- Participate in a children’s museum program for Black History Month
- Do a skin color Black History Month science activities using a box of chocolates (great way to show that what is on the outside is different from what’s on the inside and helps young children understand everyone’s differences)
- Learn about storytelling and make a Black History Month quilt
- Learn about Black scientists like George Washington Carver, his contribution to science using peanuts, and then make some peanut recipes or peanut butter foods!
- Sing Black history preschool songs
- Try some projects based on the works of African American inventors
- Make a timeline of Black historical events throughout history (I love this for Black history month math and learning about years and creating timelines and black history month boards / Black History Month door ideas!)
- Play Black history trivia or bingo to reinforce what students learn
- Read children’s books on the civil rights movement
- Make a traffic light craft for preschoolers for Morgan’s invention
- Kids love sports? Add famous Black athletes (like Jackie Robinson) to your studies.
- Study STEM with inventions of Black scientists
- Watch Black History Month documentaries
- Make your own Black History Month printable book
- Use history stories with pictures of Black history people for writing prompts
- Make a Black History Month bulletin board for classroom or home (or an I Am Black History Black History Month poster)
- See where Black History Month highlighted at state parks and visit them
- Ask your local library if they have any projects or events honoring Black Americans or attend Black History Month events in your community (TIP: search Black History Month events near me)
Don’t miss the full Black History Month for kids ideas (BHM) and Black History Month resources below (including man free black history activities!), complete with Black History Month printable activities good for Black History curriculum k-12 studies and answers to what do kids do for Black History Month. KEEP SCROLLING for the huge list of Black History Month ideas and activities for kids!
Black History Month Activities For Toddlers
These are great Black History Month activities for babies and toddlers:
- Play with Black history felts
- Create a sensory bin to honor Black history (and work on fine motor skills!)
- Make some recipes to honor Black culture
- Use puppets to tell stories about Black History Month for toddlers
- Watch Doc McStuffins and play dress up like Doc for preschool doctor activities
- Read Dream Big, Little One
- Read The ABCs of Black History
- Read My First Heroes: Black History
Black history month toddler activities should include a lot of interactive play that tells historical stories. These are also great for February preschool activities calendar, too!
CHECK OUT MORE IDEAS FOR KIDS NEXT: February activities for preschoolers and up!
When Is Black History Month?
Black History Month occurs annually in February of each year. Black History Month Dates: Saturday, February 1, 2023 – February 28, 2023
During the month of February, be sure to include Black history activities for children!
2023 Black History Month Theme
Each year, there is a different theme for Black History Month. The theme for 2023 is Black Resistance for how “African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings…”
Why is February Black History Month?
Both Frederick Douglass, a leader in the abolitionist movement, and Abraham Lincoln have birthdays in February. It is said that this is one of the reasons Black History Month was chosen for the month of February (February 28th or February 29th during a Leap Year).
When does Black History Month end?
Black History Month starts on the first day of February and runs the entire month of February, ending on the last day of February — which is either February 28th or February 29th, depending on if it’s a Leap Year.
Before we get to the Black History month activities for children, let’s take a look at black history month facts important for learning about Black History Month…
What Is Black History Month and Why Is It Celebrated?
You may be wondering what is the purpose of Black History Month, who invented Black History Month, and why is Black History Month in February?
What is Black History Month and why do we celebrate it?
Black History Month is in February. It starts on February 1st and runs the entire month until the end of February. But, you don’t need to wait for the designated month to add amazing black history month school activities and teach your kids about black history, There are so many great black history heroes and black history month topics to study starting TODAY — even if it isn’t February!
Before we get to the black history resources and black history month printable activities, let’s take a look at some black history facts and how the month came about.
Which is correct: Black History Month or African American History Month?
According to the Library of Congress, the designation of Public Law No. 99-244, 100 Stat. 6 (Feb. 11, 1986) is “To provide for the designation of the month of February, 1986 as National Black (Afro-American) History Month.” So, by designation it is National Black History Month. However, you will also hear it called African-American History Month.
Why is it important for kids to learn about Black history?
It is important for children to learn about Black History Month because it helps to promote understanding, respect, and appreciation for the diverse cultures and histories that make up our country. By learning about the struggles and triumphs of African Americans, children can gain a better understanding of the world and their place in it.
It is also a way to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and to recognize the important role that they have played in shaping our nation’s history!
CLICK TO GET MORE BLACK HISTORY RESOURCES & CLASSROOM LESSON IDEAS
Black History Month Facts For Kids
Why do we celebrate black history month?
Who came up with Black History Month?
- Black History Month (aka: Black awareness month and initially just a week long) was created in 1926 by the Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.
- It was created to spotlight the contributions of black people throughout history.
- The week was initially called “Negro History Week” and was initially celebrated the second week in February because it was the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced African-American history: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
- The week was later expanded to Black History Month in 1976 for celebrating Black History Month.
- Founder and Harvard scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson was disturbed by the lack of African-Americans documented in American history, so he created the Journal of Negro History.
- Black History Month is also called African American History Month.
- The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture honors the contributions of African Americans.
[source]
Black History Month VIDEO
Watch: The History of Black History video to better understand black history leaders, history of the month, facts and more!
Black History Month People For Kids To Study
These are great for Black History Month stories for elementary students and up (or Black History Month presentation ideas for older students) — important historical figures not just for the Black community, but for the world!
Famous African Americans for kids to learn about:
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Rosa Parks
- Frederick Douglass
- Shirley Chisholm
- Barack Obama
- Michelle Obama
- George Washington Carver
- Ruby Bridges
- Jackie Robinson
- Elijah Mccoy kids facts
- Sojourner Truth
- Ella Fitzgerald
- Harriet Tubman
- Garrett Morgan (traffic lights inventor)
- Malcom X
- Maya Angelou
- Vivien Theodore Thomas
- Thurgood Marshall (aka: first Black supreme court justice)
- Oprah Winfrey
- Louis Armstrong
- George Washington Carver
- Tuskegee Airmen
- Buffalo Soldiers
Although extremely important, don’t just focus on civil rights leaders. Add in modern day Black influencers (check current events), leaders of Black-owned businesses / Black entrepreneurs, Black inventors, Black artists, and other important Black figures!
We’ve just given you a starter list of important people of the African American community and their rich history here!
LEARN ABOUT BLACK WOMEN IN HISTORY (also great for young women activity ideas / Women’s History Month!) Also, have your kids check out Kid President Black History Month videos. He’s fantastic!
Black History Month Quotes (Inspirational Black Quotes)
Need some inspiration or motivational quotes for Black History Month?
Here are black history month quotes for students that will provide inspiration for your learning!
(These are also great Black history quotes for students that use them to learn more about the person who said them!)
- “You have seen how a man was made a slave; you shall see how a slave was made a man.” -Frederick Douglass
- “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” -Dr. Mae Jemison, first African-American female astronaut
- “Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.” -Coretta Scott King
- “The time is always right to do what is right.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” –Booker T. Washington
“Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise.” -Maya Angelou
Feel free to share these as Black History Month social media posts!
OK!
Let’s get to the educational Black History Month activities, ideas for Black History Month, and how to celebrate Black History Month with kids!
55+ Black History Month Activities, Ideas, and Lessons (UPDATED With Fresh Ideas for Black Heritage Month)
How do you introduce Black History Month to kids?
The best way to introduce Black History Month to kids is to talk about the significance of the month. Then, study significant figures in Black history and Black history heroes. Lastly, do respectful Black History Month crafts and projects and Black History project ideas to reinforce learning.
Check out these fantastic black history month activities, printables, theme ideas and more! There are enough different ideas here that you can fill the entire month of February and beyond with Black history lessons — great for Black History month for preschoolers and up (even some free Black History activities for kindergarten and up!) and even Black history activities for youth group!
Tons of resources for younger kids (younger students) and older children across all grade levels (kids of all ages) — great for diversity lessons, social studies, civics lessons, and American history for kindergarteners and up! It’s a great opportunity to get your kids involved in celebrating Black history!
There are so many ways honor Black history — way more than just a month! Definitely add these to your February month celebrations / Feb activity calendar!
Black History Month Activities for Kids #1: Study Black History Inventors, Black History Figures, and Black History Leaders and Heroes
One of the best ways to incorporate black history month into your studies is to first start with reading books about important black figures and black leaders in history (and even some black superheroes)!
TIP: Use Black heroes flashcards to learn about leaders in Black history. Excellent way to get students interested in black men and women / important people they’ve never heard of. Great introduction for the study of African American life and accomplishments of African Americans! You can even do an entire month of today in Black history facts!
Here are some of our favorite Black history books for kids and Black history month children’s activities! (Also be sure to check out black authors / African American authors!) Great for Black History month books for elementary school and up!
Children’s Books for Black History (Black History Month read alouds):
Martin’s Big Words
The Story Of Ruby Bridges
A Girl Named Rosa
A Kids Guide To African American History
1001 Things Everyone Should Know About African American History
Also, for fun activities, incorporate famous African American poems into your learning (great for language arts Black history month activities for high school students, too!):
- Watch a video of Maya Angelou deliver her poem, Still I Rise (great for black history poems for youth!)
- Read: Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance
- Read: American Poetry to Read Aloud: A Collection of Diverse Poems
Black History Month Activities for Kids #2: Watch Black History Month Movies and Documentaries
Don’t discount watching movies and documentaries to supplement your black history studies. These are great for Black history activities for elementary students, middle school, and high school.
Check out these black history documentaries, shows, and black history movies and ideas for Black history program:
- African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross
- Freedom Riders (Show #8)
- A History Of Black Achievement In America
- Slavery By Another Name
- Eyes on The Prize: America’s Civil Rights Years 1954-1965
- Black History Activators
- Black History: A Retrospective
These are great for a Black history project for older kids (like Black History Month activities high school) and even Black History Month activities for adults!
Black History Month Activities for Kids #3: Host Black History Month Events
Gather your group of homeschool friends, the homeschool co-op, the church youth group / Black history Sunday school class, etc. and host Black history events. Use these for Black history spirit week ideas, too!
Here are some ideas:
- Do a study unit on Africa, play black history games activities by learning about Mancala (the African counting game) — which is fun for black history month activities for kindergarten and up and great if you’re looking for Black history month games for youth! Then, round out the unit with an African or African-American food inspired pitch-in dinner like a Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday Supper.
- Read relevant black history book (or watch a movie) and hold a book or movie discussion. If you have an older group of kids (middle school, high school or even college or adults), try The Hate U Give to cover social justice topics.
Also try these children’s books about racism, diversity, and inclusion, which are perfect for Black history month activities for preschoolers and up!
Black history month books for kids:
The Big Umbrella
Woke: A Young Poet’s Call To Justice
Let’s Talk About Race
Teach Your Dragon About Diversity
This Book Is Anti-Racist
- Host a music festival where you learn about black history songs and music including history of blues music and learn about 12-Bar Blues. Also, learn about (and listen to) the importance of music in slavery. (Don’t forget to add jazz music, too!)
Black History Month Activities for Kids #4: Do a Black History Timeline Project
Check out this black history timeline (or grab this awesome book) and recreate a timeline of African American history facts and include black history drawings:
- Each person can focus on 10 black history events that interests them.
- Design a timeline and then illustrate the timeline.
- Use black history month decorations like this to decorate the timeline.
- At the end of the event, each kid can explain their timeline and why they chose those events.
(We keep a roll of art paper for projects like this!)
Take a virtual tour of a black history museum to get ideas.
Try:
- Crispus Attucks Museum
- Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Black History Month Activities for Kids #5: Complete Theme Lessons Based Around Black History (Free Black History Activities)
Here are free black history resources for lessons, free Black History month worksheets, African American activities for kids, downloadable history printables and more so that you can compile theme lessons on this topic and make an entire Black History Month unit study!
There are a ton of Black history month activities for students in this section — cheap and free Black history month activities!
African American History Museum
Ages: Kindergarten – High School
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is an interesting place to start.
On the site you can explore different African American cultural exhibits, take a virtual field trip, as well as read about stories and contributions of African Americans throughout history.
The J. Paul Getty Museum
Ages: Kindergarten – High School
The J. Paul Getty Museum website has an amazing “Resources for the Classroom” section.
There are complete lesson plans including art, science, history, ESL, women in history, and so much more that you may find helpful for black history.
The downloads are free, but there are links to resources you can purchase in the online store to enhance the learning.
Library of Congress
Ages: Kindergarten – High School
The Library of Congress has a great selection of teacher, classroom and student lessons, eBooks and information on a variety of topics related to historical happenings in the United States, including black history.
You can also sort the information by Common Core standards, state regulations, and by organizations.
National Archives
Ages: Kindergarten – High School
The National Archives has an extensive collection for African American history studies.
The archives include information for Black history month including:
- Video resources
- Blog posts
- Documents
- Online exhibits
- Lesson plans
- Records
- Additional resources and chronological topics on black history
National Park Service
Ages: Kindergarten – High School
Who would’ve thought you can find lesson plans from the National Park Service, right?
However, they have amazing lesson plans and information called “Teaching with Historic Places” that is centered around teaching about history, events, and people from the standpoint of the location.
For example, check out Discover Colonel Young’s Protest Ride for Equality and Country: A Lightning Lesson from Teaching with Historic Places, featuring the historic Colonel Charles Young House.
It will fit perfectly with your black history studies.
(Be sure to check out these free Curiosity Kits which helps explore history through places!)
Pretty cool!
ScienceNetLinks
Ages: Kindergarten – High School
We even have black history month science activities and Black History Month STEM ideas!
ScienceNetLinks.com has a ton of resources for Science-based learning on anatomy, environment, math, chemistry, engineering, technology and so much more.
There are even lessons on science-based careers.
Don’t miss the entire section on black history that includes a ton of different resources and information!
National Gallery of Art
Ages: Kindergarten – High School (Black History Month Art Ideas)
From the National Gallery of Art, each lesson plan focuses on one piece of art (and it’s great for a Black history month drawing project, too! Don’t forget to use the colors of Black History Month!).
Lesson plans can cover shape, form, texture, color, and more.
They also have audio and video prompts and information.
Don’t miss the section on Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People.
The documentary “investigates black portrait photographers and artists who have profoundly reshaped the image of contemporary and historic African Americans, and continue to do so.”
Great art additions for art black history learning and African American art projects for elementary students and beyond and African American artists!
Smithsonian Heritage Resources
Ages: Kindergarten – High School
From the Smithsonian Institute, you have access to a wealth of information on heritage, culture, and background, including black history, women’s history, Asian Pacific heritage, Native American heritage, Hispanic heritage.
It’s another portal that I felt like I could get lost in (in a totally good way).
Once you access a heritage area, you are given lists of additional information from other Smithsonian sites.
Black History Month Activities for Kids #6: Use Black History Lesson Plans
Use these Black history lessons for learning resources and integrating African American culture and history into lessons (and even create a free African American history curriculum or unit study for Black history for kids!):
- Rosa Parks On The Bus And Beyond: Lessons For Black History
- Podcasts For Black History Month for Kids and Classroom
- Black Women In History Kids May Not Know (But Should Study!)
- About Juneteenth for Kids and Free Printable Flag for Freedom Day
- Martin Luther King Jr Lessons and MLK Activities for Kids
- Harriet Tubman Lessons, Activities and Projects for Kids
- Kwanzaa for Kids: Holiday Lessons and Activities for Kids
- Use Black History Month coloring pages for preschool activities or Black History Month drawings
- Black History Month art idea: Create a Black history collage using Black History Month pictures, Black History Month colors, and quotes from favorite people they learned about during the month
- Check out PBS kids Black history month. They always have a ton of stuff for Black history day!
- Need a Black history research project? Have students research who invented the stop light Black history?
- Play a game with Black History Month trivia questions and answers for fun history project ideas. (You can even have students help you come up with Black History Month fun facts from lessons!)
- At the end of the month, have students write essays (or create art) around the questions, “What does Black History Month mean to you?” (or other Black history questions from your February studies) as part of Black history worksheets.
Let us know your favorite ideas for Black History Month for students and Black History Month celebration ideas and we’ll add them to our list!
CHECK OUT THESE KIDS ACTIVITIES NEXT: Ideas for Women’s History Month kindergarten and up! (March Themes for Students – tons of Women’s History Month activities for kids!)
Happy black history month! We hope these help answer what is Black history month for kids!
What are your favorite Black history month kids activities and Black history month ideas for schools and classroom?
Leave your favorite Black History Month activities in the comments so we can add them to our list!
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Fantastic list. Thank you,
Oh yay! Glad you found it helpful!
Amazing list thank you so much! Want to educate my 2-year-old!!
Awesome! Glad you found the list useful!
Awesome resources for the age group I was looking for ! Thank you so much.
Awesome! I’m so glad it helped!
This is a great resource, thank you!
I’m so glad it was helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know! ❤️