February holds a lot of events. We have a day to celebrate love, we enjoy all things king cake and Carnival, and we celebrate a heritage that holds a major part of history. I remember growing up, year-round, my mom would give me so many books to read about African American history. I would do many school projects, joined clubs, and participated in many events. I grew up learning all I could about my culture/history and I want to make sure to pass this along to my daughter so that she can understand her history.
How Black History Month came to be
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson wanted students to learn everything there was to Black History. He first proposed a national week just on black history. The national event would be held the second week in February in celebration of the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. Later in 1976, President Ford expanded the week into Black History Month. Black History Month was formed to educate, which is why we celebrate in many ways.
How to Celebrate Black History Month
Education! Yep, that really all you need to do.
Read about the history and teach what you have learned to your friends and family. Reach out to your African American friends and listen. There are so many books for all ages to enjoy. A few of my faves are:
- Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? By Patrice McLaurin
- Little leaders: Bold Woman in Black History/Little Legends Exceptional Men in Black history – Vashti Harrison (she has many cute books)
- The Story of Ruby Bridges – Robert Coles
- The Little People Big Dreams series
- Young Gifted and Black – Andrea Pippins
- I am Enough – Grace Byers
Go to an Africa American Museum
See all the rich history embrace; you can feel the room when your there.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is on my bucket list. I hear it’s truly life-changing. New Orleans also has an African American Museum which is pretty awesome.
Support Black Owned Business
If you can’t buy from them, be sure to like and share their posts and social media profiles. It truly helps to spread the word about these wonderful businesses.
Here are some of my faves ::
- Little Gym and Jam
- The Rustic Brush
- Elisa’s Cake by the Pound (the Rum Cake OMG)
- Antoine’s Bakery (THE best king cakes in the city)
- Studio BE (beautiful artwork)
- Selfe’
- Backatown Coffee Parlour
- Esthetique Facial Spa
- Read HERE for so many more!
Activities and games
I saw a super cute idea on TikTok where a teacher did the Periodic Table of Black History. She used the initials for different names and what they did in history in the form of the periodic table.
This link HERE has different activities you can use to teach your kids about black history.
Just have fun with it! There are so many other resources out there to use that you can make this apart of your family actives. Make it a monthly activity to keep the tradition alive.
The more we educate, the better our communities will grow in love and acceptance.