Black History Month is a time to celebrate and learn about the incredible contributions Black Americans have made in the United States and beyond. It's an opportunity for families to dig deeper, explore Black culture and influence, and inspire kids with stories of resilience, achievement, and change. Black history is American history, and there are so many ways to honor it—not just in February, but all year long. Here are 20 engaging ideas and resources to help your family explore Black history together.
Why is Black History Month in February?
Black History Month began in 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History established "Negro History Week" during the second week of February. This timing honored the birthdays of both President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially expanded the celebration to the entire month of February—a tradition every U.S. president has continued. Today, Black History Month is recognized worldwide, with Canada and Germany also celebrating in February, while the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands observe it in October. Belgium and other countries have added their own commemorations in recent years.
20 idea to learn more about Black History with your family:
 Monkey Business Images via Canva |
1. Books and Movies 📚📽️
Reading books and watching movies that highlight Black history, culture, and achievements is a great way for your family to learn together. Whenever you come across diverse books, consider adding them to your home library to enjoy all year long. Read together as a family and encourage your kids to explore on their own.
There are so many incredible books and movies to choose from—check out these recommendations to get started! 📚 10 Books + 🎬 10 Movies for Your Family to Celebrate Black History Month
Macaroni tip: Your local library is a fantastic resource for free books and movies, both in-person and online. Many streaming services also offer free on-demand options during Black History Month, along with special programming.
2. Honor Black American Veterans 🎖️
Learn about the bravery and sacrifices of Black American veterans throughout history, from the 54th Massachusetts Regiment and the Buffalo Soldiers to heroes like Milton Olive III, a U.S. Army soldier who gave his life to save others. Discover the stories of aviators like Evelyn Greenblatt Howren, who helped organize the first all-women squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, and the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, including women like Mildred Carter, Willa Brown, and Bessie Coleman.
If you know a Black military veteran, take the time to listen to their experiences—and be sure to thank them for their service.
📖 Explore these powerful stories:
- Crispus Attucks - The first person killed in the Boston Massacre in 1770, he was of Native American and African decent.
- Historical Black veterans throughout history
- Black Heroes Throughout US Military History
- Celebrating Iconic Black Veterans
- Black Civil War Soldiers
- LAPL Book list: African Americans in the Civil War
- Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. - How this African American pilot helped fly the United States to victory
- Josephine Baker's Daring Double Life as a World War II Spy
- ▶️ Courage + Valor: Stories that Inspire: The Tuskegee Airmen
3. Literature and Poetry 📜
Explore the powerful words of Black poets and authors with your family. Read thought-provoking poetry from Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Phyllis Wheatley, W.E.B. DuBois, and Amanda Gorman. Their works capture history, resilience, and the beauty of Black culture—maybe they'll even inspire your kids to write their own poems!
📚 Discover more:
- 25 Black Poets For Your Soul
- 13 Black Authors to Read
- Black Women in Art and Literature
- Author Alex Haley 1921-1992, best known for 'Roots.'
4. Keep it Local 🗺️
Explore Black history right in our own community! Research key moments, landmarks, and influential figures in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, as well as across California. A great place to start? Your local library, museums, and historic sites, where you can uncover stories that shaped our state.
5. Learn Through Play 🎭
Engage your family in creative role-playing activities to bring Black history to life. Here are a few fun ideas to get started:
- Reenact a sit-in: Think about the four brave friends who stood up by sitting down. Discuss their courage and ask your kids how they feel about the protest.
- Explore Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speech: Read through and discuss the meaning behind one of his impactful speeches, like I Have a Dream.
- Create a living history museum: Turn your family room into a mini-museum or wax museum by dressing up as Black American historical figures. Check out my son, who dressed as Milton Lee Olive III—an inspiring example!
Learn and play together—it's an engaging way to remember and honor history.
6. Take a Virtual Tour 🖥️
Many museums and historical sites offer virtual tours that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. Here are a couple of great options to explore:
- Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture: Take a virtual tour and dive into rich cultural exhibits that highlight Black history. Visit here and here.
- NY Public Library’s Schomburg Center: Explore an online collection that provides access to trusted materials and interpretations of the global Black experience. Visit the Schomburg Center.
 bluestocking from Getty Images Signature via Canva |
7. Learn About the Court Cases That Set Precedent 🏛️
Discover key court cases that shaped Black history in the U.S.—from the colonial era to today. These cases reflect the fight for freedom, equality, and civil rights, influencing laws and policies that still impact us.
Early Cases of Freedom & Precedent-Setting Decisions
- Elizabeth Key (1656) – The first woman of African ancestry in the American colonies to sue for her freedom and win.
- Mum Bett (Elizabeth Freeman) (1781) – The first African American woman to successfully sue for her freedom in Massachusetts, nearly a decade before the U.S. Constitution was signed.
California Cases & Legal Battles for Freedom and Equality
California played a crucial role in shaping civil rights through key court cases that challenged slavery, segregation, and discrimination.
- Mason V. Smith (1856, Los Angeles) – Bridget 'Biddy' Mason, an enslaved woman brought to California, sued for her freedom and won. She later became a successful landowner and philanthropist in Los Angeles.
- C.A. Stovall v. Archy (1858) – Archy Lee, an enslaved man brought to California from Missouri, took his case to the California Supreme Court and won his freedom.
- Wysinger v. Crookshank (1890) – The first case in California to abolish school segregation for Black Students, later used as a precedent in Brown v. Board of Education.
These cases not only impacted individuals but also set legal precedents that contributed to broader civil rights advancements.
U.S. Supreme Court Cases That Set Precedent
- Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) – A Black enslaved man, Dred Scott, fought for his freedom in a case that ultimately ruled Black people were not U.S. citizens.
- Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) – Upheld racial segregation under the “separate but equal” doctrine.
- Loving v. Virginia (1967) – Struck down state laws banning interracial marriage.
- Brown v. Board of Education (1954) – Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
Justice & Fair Trial Cases
- The Scottsboro Boys (1930s) – A case of racial injustice that led to three groundbreaking Supreme Court decisions:
- Powell v. Alabama (1932) – Overturned wrongful convictions due to lack of legal representation.
- Patterson v. Alabama (1935) & Norris v. Alabama (1935) – Addressed racial discrimination in jury selection.
More to Explore
- Thurgood Marshall’s Cases – Learn about cases presided over by the first Black Supreme Court justice.
- Library of Congress Collection – Slaves and the Courts, 1740 to 1860 Explore here.
These cases remind us how laws have shaped—and continue to shape—the fight for equality.
8. Explore the Explorers 🌎
Learn about the Black trailblazers who explored this country and the world. Their journeys broke barriers, defied expectations, and shaped history. Ask your kids: How do these stories inspire you? Where or what would you like to explore?
🔎 Discover more:
- 7 amazing Black explorers who made a mark in history
- 5 Black Explorers to Inspire You to See the World
- Incredible stories of six famous Black explorers
- 8 Black Explorers to Celebrate this Black History Month
- 10 Famous Black Explorers who made a mark in history
9. Be Dramatic 🎭
Dive into the powerful works of playwright August Wilson, known as "theater’s poet of Black America." His Pittsburgh Cycle is a collection of ten plays, each set in a different decade of the 20th century, capturing the African American experience.
🏆 Wilson won two Pulitzer Prizes for:
- Fences – Later adapted into a 2016 film starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. Note: This movie is rated PG-13 and may not be suitable for all audiences – parental discretion advised.
- The Piano Lesson – A moving story about family, history, and legacy.
Idea: Watch Fences or read one of his plays with your family and discuss the themes together!
10. Who was First?
Learn about the many Black American pioneers who broke barriers and made history in politics, entertainment, sports, and beyond. Here are some notable Black "firsts":
U.S. Leadership & Service
- Matthias de Sousa – An indentured servant, de Sousa was the only Black person to serve in the colonial Maryland legislature, making him the first African American to sit in any legislative body in what would become the United States.
- George Edwin Taylor – The first Black American selected by a political party to be its presidential candidate, running in 1904.
- Hiram R. Revels – First Black American U.S. Senator (1869).
- Joseph Rainey – A former slave and the first Black U.S. Congressman (1869).
- Jefferson Franklin Long – Born a slave, he became the second Black Congressman, the first to speak on the floor of the House of Representatives, and the only Black representative from Georgia for over 100 years.
- Eugene Jacques Bullard – The first Black combat pilot, Bullard served in the French Air Service during World War I.
- Ralph Bunche – The first Black person to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950, Bunche was recognized for his work in mediating peace in the Middle East.
- Shirley Chisholm – First Black American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In the 1972 United States presidential election, she became the first Black candidate to seek a major party's nomination for President of the United States, and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.
- Thurgood Marshall – As the first Black Supreme Court justice, Marshall helped shape pivotal legal decisions that continue to impact children’s lives today.
- Barack Obama – First Black president of the United States (2008).
- Kamala Harris – First Black and female vice president of the United States (2021).
🎭 Entertainment & Arts
- Hattie McDaniel – First Black performer to win an Academy Award (1940).
- Five You Should Know: Black Actresses Who Refused to Be Typecast.
- Vanessa Williams – The first Black Miss America, making history in 1983
🎾 Sports & Athletics
- Althea Gibson – First Black woman to break into professional tennis.
🔎 Want to Learn More? 101 African American Firsts
11. Enjoy the Music 🎶
From the early days in this country to today, there are countless Black voices that have shaped music across every genre. Explore influential and groundbreaking Black musicians, introduce your children to your favorites, and discover new voices. Learn their backstories together and then crank up the tunes to dance!
Here are some resources to help you and your family explore:
- Early African American Music 1900 - 1940
- Exploring the History of Black Music
- Timeline of African American Music
- The Roots of Hip-Hop - a genre that emerged in the Bronx, NY in 1970, compare songs and styles from 1970 to today
- 50 most important African American music artists of all time
- Black Musicians Who Changed Music Forever
- 28 Of The Greatest And Most Famous Black Singers Of All Time
- ▶️ Uniting Voices Chicago - formerly the Chicago Children's Choir
- iHeart: Influential Black Musicians
12. Get Stylish 😎
Explore the Black designers, models, and fashion icons who have shaped and influenced the fashion world. From designers to singers, discover how Black culture has left an indelible mark on style.
Here are some resources to dive deeper into Black fashion history:
- Black designers who shaped fashion history
- Highlighting 100 years of influential Black style stars
- 27 Of Our Favorite Black Fashion Icons
- This Iconic Garment Wasn't Actually Invented in America's Wild West
- The legendary Zelda Wynn Valdes (June 28, 1905 – September 26, 2001) - An African-American fashion designer and costumer.
13. Let's get Cooking 🧑🏿🍳
Cook up a traditional soul food meal for or with your family. Draw inspiration from the many Black chefs and food influencers who have shaped the culinary world.
Check out these resources for some flavorful inspiration:
- Augustus Jackson (1808-1852) Kid's Edition — A renowned chef who worked in the White House from 1817-1837, creating new ice cream flavors and techniques.
- Food of the Enslaved - Michael Twitty explores historical recipes from the enslaved.
- African American Chefs You Should Know
- 38 Black Chefs And Foodies - You Should Definitely Be Following On Instagram
- 35 Best Black Food Bloggers
- LAPL Book list: African American History Month - Cookbooks & Food
14. Play a Game 🎲
Discover and play traditional African games, starting with Mancala, a fun counting game. You can even create your own Mancala game board using materials around the house!
- Mancala - Teach your kids to play
- Make Your Own Portable Mancala Set
- Best African Games For Children To Play
- What are African games?
15. Increase your aspirations 💲
Explore the stories of successful Black Americans throughout history and today. Learn from their struggles and triumphs, and get inspired to reach for your own dreams.
- The earliest wealthy Black Americans
- America's First Black Millionaires
- Madam C. J. Walker (1867-1919) - The first Black woman millionaire in America
- Top Black CEOs of 2025
- Four Black Billionaires on the Forbes List of 400 Richest Americans
- The Top 10 Wealthiest Black Entrepreneurs in the U.S.
- Legendary Black Entrepreneurs: 11 luminaries who have led by example
16. Science - Technology - Engineering - Mathematics (STEM) ⚙️
Black American contributions to STEM fields have profoundly impacted society. Explore the Black innovators in STEM who changed the world, such as George Washington Carver, who was born into slavery and became one of the most famous Black scientists and inventors. Also, learn about Dr. Marie M. Daly, a biochemist and the first Black woman to obtain a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States.
- Black innovators in STEM who changed the world
- 40 Black Scientists to Learn About
- African American Pioneers of Science - for Kids
- George Washington Carver - for Kids
- African American - Inventors & STEM Professionals
- 10 Black Innovators who Changed the Gaming Industry
- Jerry Lawson: A pioneering black engineer back when it was even harder in Silicon Valley
- Lonnie George Johnson (born 1949): Inventor of the Super Soaker water gun and engineer on spacecraft missions to Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn - learn more and 🎦 kid-friendly video about Lonnie.
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17. Be a good Sport! 🥊⚾🏀🎾
Learn about the most significant moments, figures, and accomplishments in African American sports history.
- 25 Black Athletes Who Changed the World
- Black Athletes and Civil Rights: 6 Upstanders to Introduce to Your Students
- Joe Louis 1914-1981: Nicknamed the “Brown Bomber,” he was heavyweight champion of the world from 1937 to 1949
- Moses Fleetwood Walker: 6 Decades Before Jackie Robinson, This Man Broke Baseball's Color Barrier
- 🎦 22 Stories about the Negro Leagues
- Effa Manley: How the Only Woman in Baseball Hall of Fame Challenged Convention—and MLB
- Harlem Globetrotters: How they Rose From Midwest Obscurity to Become Global Stars
- Trailblazing Black Women in Sports
- Althea Gibson: A trailblazing athlete and the first great African American player in women’s tennis
18. Follow their lead
Learn about important Black Leaders in the U.S., past and present, including some elected and appointed.
- Blanche Kelso Bruce: A slave who became a successful plantation owner, Bruce was the second African American to serve in the United States Senate and the first to be elected to a full term.
- Robert Smalls: An escaped slave and Civil War hero, Smalls served five terms in the U.S. House.
- John Lewis: Stand up for something you believe is not fair, write letters or plan a peaceful protest in his honor.
- 🎦 Moriah Films Honors Civil Rights Icon John Lewis
- Black-American Members by Congress
- LAPL Book list: African American History Month: Political Leaders
19. Travel Back in Time ⌛
Go back to the beginning and explore significant events and people that over time shaped our country's Black History. Here are some people and events to get you started, but don't stop here.
- Crispus Attucks (1723-1770) - He's of both African and Native American descent, was the first person killed during the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770. His death made him one of the first martyrs of the American Revolution, symbolizing the contributions of Black Americans to the nation's fight for independence. Attucks’ sacrifice is often highlighted as a powerful early act of resistance against British oppression, and he is remembered today as an important figure in the history of American freedom and civil rights. The city of Boston officially recognizes March 5 as Crispus Attucks Day.
- Harriet Tubman: 8 Facts About the Daring Abolitionist - Born into slavery, she escaped to freedom in the North in 1849 and then risked her life to lead other enslaved people to freedom.
- Sojourner Truth (1797-1883): Kids Edition - The most prominent African American woman to participate in both the abolition of slavery and women’s rights movements in the 19th century. Her activity just before and during the Civil War earned an invitation to meet President Abraham Lincoln in 1864.
- Black Cowboys - The Unsung Heroes of the Frontier
- Follow the Great Migration - The relocation of over 6 million Black Americans from the rural South to the cities of the North, Midwest and West from about 1916 to 1970.
- 🎦 10 Black History Facts That Are Least Known
- A Teacher's Perspective: An At-Home Lesson for Black History Month
- Learn about Emmett Till - A 14-year old Black youth, murdered in August 1955 in a racist attack that shocked the nation and provided a catalyst for the emerging civil rights movement.
- Learn about the Freedom Rides: 🎦 Freedom Riders, a film by Stanley Nelson.
- How the Greensboro Four Sit-In Sparked a Movement
- The Little Rock Nine - A group of nine Black students who enrolled at formerly all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in September 1957. Their attendance at the school was a test of Brown v. Board of Education, a landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
- Ruby Bridges (born 1954) - Kid's Edition: Integrated a formerly all-white elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana, when she was six years old. Four armed Federal marshals had to escort her to school every day to keep her safe. Learn what she's up to today.
- 🤴🏿 Unveiling Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy With Your Family
- Timeline of Malcolm X's Life
- How the Black Power Movement Influenced the Civil Rights Movement
- How the Black Panthers’ Breakfast Program - Both Inspired and Threatened the Government, putting pressure on political leaders to feed children before school.
- 10+ Places Where Your Family Can Explore Black History Across the U.S.
20. Don't Stop
There is so much to learn as new information from the past comes to light and fresh events and leaders continue to emerge.
Keep searching, learning, and growing!
- Influential Black Families: Who Inspire Us All to Make a Difference!
- 🎦 Short and informative Videos: Black History in Two Minutes or so
- Black History Milestones: Timeline
- Classroom resources for Black History
- Voices Remembering Slavery: Freed People Tell Their Stories, collected between 1932 and 1975 in nine states.
- The SlaveVoyages website: A collaborative digital initiative documenting the largest slave trades in history
Black history is not just for one month – it's something we can explore, celebrate, and learn from all year long. These resources, events, and activities are only a starting point, so keep discovering new stories and finding inspiration from the trailblazers who have shaped our world. Let the rich tapestry of Black history continue to inspire and guide you throughout the year!
Keep learning. Keep growing. Black history is American history.
