Exploring Black History Month: 50 Educational Activities for All Ages (2024)

Black History Month is a time of celebration and reflection, offering an opportunity to honor the rich and diverse contributions of African Americans to the cultural tapestry of the United States and the world.

It serves as a reminder of the resilience, creativity, and strength of a community that has overcome centuries of adversity and injustice.

Throughout history, African Americans have made groundbreaking advancements in fields such as art, music, literature, science, politics, and civil rights, shaping the course of society and inspiring generations to come.

By celebrating Black History Month, we recognize the importance of acknowledging and uplifting the stories and achievements of African Americans, fostering greater understanding, unity, and appreciation for the vibrancy and vitality of their culture.

Here’s a list of 50 Black History Month activities suitable for families along with suggested locations where applicable:

1. Visit a Museum: Take a trip to a local museum dedicated to African American history such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
2. Watch Documentaries: Have a family movie night and watch documentaries like “13th” or “I Am Not Your Negro” that delve into important aspects of Black history.
3. Read Books Together: Choose books written by Black authors or about Black history and discuss them as a family. Visit local libraries or bookstores for a wide selection.
4. Cook Traditional African American Recipes: Spend an evening cooking traditional African American dishes together like gumbo, fried chicken, or collard greens.
5. Create Art: Have an art session where you create paintings or drawings inspired by famous Black artists like Jacob Lawrence or Jean-Michel Basquiat.
6. Attend a Black History Month Event: Check community calendars for Black History Month events such as parades, lectures, or cultural performances.
7. Listen to Music: Explore the rich history of African American music genres like jazz, blues, or hip-hop by listening to iconic albums or attending local concerts.
8. Visit Historical Sites: Take a trip to historical sites such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta or the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati.
9. Watch Black History Month Virtual Tours: Many historical sites and museums offer virtual tours during Black History Month, allowing you to explore from the comfort of your home.
10. Create a Family Tree: Research your family history together, focusing on Black ancestors and their stories.
11. Write Poetry: Have a poetry writing session inspired by influential Black poets like Langston Hughes or Maya Angelou.
12. Visit Local Libraries: Explore the African American literature section at your local library and attend any related events or readings.
13. Have Discussions: Hold family discussions about current events related to race and social justice, providing historical context and encouraging empathy and understanding.
14. Host a Movie Marathon: Watch classic films featuring Black actors and directors, such as “Do the Right Thing” or “Selma.”
15. Visit Black-Owned Businesses: Support Black-owned businesses in your community by dining at restaurants, shopping at stores, or attending events.
16. Attend Workshops: Look for workshops or seminars focused on topics like Black history, social justice, or allyship.
17. Volunteer: Spend a day volunteering at organizations that support the Black community, such as food banks or mentoring programs.
18. Create a Scrapbook: Compile photos, articles, and memorabilia related to Black history into a scrapbook that you can work on together as a family.
19. Explore Online Exhibits: Many museums and cultural institutions offer online exhibits related to Black history that you can explore together.
20. Visit Black-Owned Farms: Spend a day visiting Black-owned farms or farmers’ markets in your area and learn about agricultural contributions from the Black community.
21. Attend Storytelling Events: Look for storytelling events where you can hear narratives from members of the Black community about their experiences and heritage.
22. Take a Walking Tour: Explore neighborhoods with significant Black history on a guided walking tour led by local historians or community leaders.
23. Create a Timeline: Work together to create a timeline of significant events in Black history, from slavery to the present day.
24. Write Letters: Write letters to local officials advocating for the inclusion of more Black history in school curriculums or the preservation of historical sites.
25. Host a Cultural Potluck: Invite friends and family to a cultural potluck where everyone brings a dish representing their heritage, including African American cuisine.
26. Visit Art Galleries: Explore art galleries featuring works by Black artists, both historical and contemporary.
27. Attend a Play: Support local theater productions featuring works by Black playwrights or stories centered on Black experiences.
28. Create a Family Museum: Set up a mini-museum in your home featuring artifacts, photographs, and information about your family’s own Black history.
29. Participate in Community Cleanups: Volunteer for community cleanups in historically Black neighborhoods, helping to beautify and preserve these areas.
30. Host a Book Club: Start a family book club focused on reading and discussing literature by Black authors.
31. Watch Ted Talks: Watch TED Talks by Black speakers discussing topics related to Black history, culture, and social issues.
32. Attend Poetry Slams: Attend poetry slams or open mic nights featuring performances by Black poets and spoken word artists.
33. Create Art Installations: Work together to create art installations inspired by themes of Black history and culture, using materials found in nature or recycled items.
34. Visit Black Historical Societies: Research and visit local Black historical societies or heritage centers to learn about lesser-known aspects of Black history in your area.
35. Host a Film Screening: Host a screening of a documentary or film followed by a discussion about its themes and relevance to Black history.
36. Visit College Campuses: Take tours of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to learn about their history and significance in higher education.
37. Participate in Community Gardens: Get involved in community gardens in predominantly Black neighborhoods, learning about the importance of urban agriculture and food justice.
38. Attend Cultural Festivals: Look for cultural festivals celebrating African American heritage, featuring music, dance, food, and crafts.
39. Write Thank You Notes: Write thank you notes to individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of civil rights and social justice.
40. Visit Black-Owned Bookstores: Spend time browsing and purchasing books at Black-owned bookstores, supporting independent businesses and diverse literature.
41. Create Artifacts: Make replicas of historical artifacts related to Black history, such as Freedom Quilts or African masks.
42. Host a Panel Discussion: Organize a panel discussion with community members or experts on topics related to Black history and contemporary issues.
43. Explore Digital Archives: Explore digital archives of historical documents, photographs, and recordings related to Black history available online.
44. Participate in Social Media Campaigns: Engage in social media campaigns aimed at raising awareness about Black history and amplifying Black voices.
45. Create a Podcast: Work together to research and create a podcast series discussing different aspects of Black history and culture.
46. Attend Historical Reenactments: Attend historical reenactments or living history events that depict significant moments in Black history.
47. Host a Talent Show: Organize a talent show featuring performances by family members celebrating Black culture through music, dance, poetry, and storytelling.
48. Visit Black-Owned Theaters: Attend performances at Black-owned theaters, supporting local artists and productions.
49. Write Letters to Elders: Write letters to elderly members of the community, asking them to share their experiences and wisdom related to Black history.
50. Reflect and Plan: Take time as a family to reflect on what you’ve learned during Black History Month and make plans to continue learning and advocating for racial equality throughout the year.