Black History Month is an important time to celebrate and honor the contributions of Black individuals throughout history. Whether you’re a teacher looking for activities to engage your students or someone wanting to learn more about Black history, here are 17 activities to consider for February and beyond.
- Virtual Museum Tours: Take a virtual tour of museums that focus on Black history, such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture or the African American Civil War Museum.
- Read Biographies: Encourage reading by providing biographies of influential Black figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, or Maya Angelou.
- Film Watch Party: Organize a film watch party featuring movies or documentaries that showcase Black history and culture. Discuss the significance of the films afterward.
- Historical Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt focusing on important Black historical figures or events. Participants can research and find the answers.
- Poetry Slam: Host a poetry slam where participants can write and perform poems inspired by Black history or civil rights movements.
- Guest Speaker: Invite a local historian or a community member with knowledge of Black history to speak and share their experiences.
- Book Club: Start a book club where members can read and discuss literature written by Black authors, such as “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker or “Beloved” by Toni Morrison.
- Create Artwork: Encourage creativity by providing art supplies and prompts for participants
to create artwork that represents Black history or pays tribute to influential individuals.
- Museum Exhibits: Create a mini museum exhibit showcasing artifacts, photographs, and stories related to Black history. Display the exhibit in a community space.
- Panel Discussion: Organize a panel discussion where community leaders and activists can have open conversations about racial equality and the importance of Black history.
- Community Potluck: Host a community potluck featuring traditional African or African American dishes. Encourage participants to share the stories behind the recipes.
- Historical Role Play: Assign participants a historical figure and have them research and role play an important moment in Black history.
- Dance Workshop: Conduct a dance workshop teaching traditional African or African American dance styles like hip-hop, jazz, or African tribal dances.
- Oral History Project: Record interviews with older members of the community who have firsthand experiences with civil rights movements or important Black historical events.
- Social Media Campaign: Start a social media campaign sharing Black history facts, stories, and accomplishments to raise awareness and educate others.
- Community Service: Organize a community service project that aligns with the values and goals of Black history, such as volunteering at a local youth center or organizing a book drive.
- Open Mic Night: Host an open mic night where participants can perform spoken word, music, or other artistic expressions that celebrate Black history and culture.
These activities are just a starting point. Remember to adapt them to your specific community
and audience. By engaging in these activities, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation
of Black history and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
