February is here, and while we’re all excited about hearts and chocolate, we also want to acknowledge that it's Black History Month! It’s a time to celebrate some of the incredible people and moments that have shaped America’s history, and it's a great chance to dive into stories you might not always hear about. As a Black mom with a website primarily read by non-Black readers, this month feels especially meaningful to me. It gives me a unique opportunity to share a piece of my own history with you and offer a glimpse into the experiences that have shaped who I am today.
Whether you're exploring your own roots or learning about others, this month is the perfect opportunity to teach your kids about the rich diversity around us.
Black History Month can be a fun way to bring new ideas into your family’s routine, whether it’s through a story, a craft project, or a movie night. It’s about discovering inspiring heroes, making memories, and building a sense of appreciation for the achievements and culture of Black Americans throughout history. (Of course you can choose for yourself whether or not to add heavier educational topics such as slavery in America, segregation, civil rights, and more.)
Ready to make this month extra memorable? Here are some easy, fun ideas to celebrate Black History Month with your family.
Attend an Event Around Town (several listed below):
We weren't able to find many events in The Woodlands, but it's exciting to see that The Woodlands Mall is screening Black Panther, and the Pearl Fincher Museum in Spring is hosting a special Black History Celebration. Other events listed here will take you a bit further away from home, but it could be worth the trip:
- Feb. 8: Black History Month Movie - Black Panther @ The Woodlands Mall DETAILS
- Feb 8: HBCU STEAM Stars: Celebrating Black History and Innovation @ Buffalo Soldiers Museum DETAILS
- Feb. 8: Tommy Terrific: Black Cowboys of the Old West @ Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library DETAILS
- Feb. 13: Black History Month Art Exhibition Opening Reception @ Neiman Marcus - Galleria Houston DETAILS
- Feb 15: Black History Month Celebration @ Children's Museum of Houston DETAILS
- Feb 21: Black History Month Celebration at Market Square Park @ Market Square Park (Houston) DETAILS
- Feb 22: Celebrate Black History Month at the Pearl @ Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts DETAILS
Create a Black History Month Playlist
Gather some amazing songs from influential Black artists across genres. I'm thinking of Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, and so many more. Throw some rap in there too (think: every mom's mantra - DMX's "Y'all gone make me lose my mind...") Then, dim the lights and have a fun dance party to celebrate Black culture and music. My girls and I love cranking up the tunes and doing line dances like the Cupid Shuffle and the Wobble.
Learn together with Books and Stories
Read picture books and stories that highlight the achievements of Black figures in history. People such as Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, and Martin Luther King Jr are great names for young ones to be familiar with. You can also check out amazing poetry, folktales, and novels by Black authors for older kids. And below is a handful of quick picks of adorable picture books with Black characters if you want to diversify your child's library.
Host a Black History Month Movie Night
Snuggle up as a family and watch films that celebrate Black history and culture. My older girls have enjoyed movies like Hidden Figures, Akeelah and the Bee, and The Pursuit of Happyness. Check the ratings ahead of time and visit Common Sense Media so you can know about any subject matter or language that you don't approve of. Here's our list of 14 of the best family movies to watch for Black History Month.
Create an Art Project Inspired by Black Artists
Pick a Black artist like Faith Ringgold and create a fun art project inspired by their style. You can paint, draw, or even create a mural together on butcher paper. For the longest, I've used the website ArtProjectsforKids to print out free and cheap drawing tutorials and coloring pages for my family. As of current, the site has a list of 28 Black History Art Projects & Drawing Ideas which can be found here.
Cook a Family Meal with African and Caribbean Influence
Explore the flavors of Black culture by cooking traditional dishes from Africa, the Caribbean, or the Southern U.S. Try making jollof rice, jerk chicken, cornbread, or gumbo with okra, and get the kids involved in the cooking process. They can help plan, mix, and serve!
