Ways to Observe Black History Month with Family

February is the celebration of Black History Month. It is a time to highlight the achievements and contributions to American history and culture. Anyone and everyone should celebrate Black History Month, especially families. Here are a few ways to learn and celebrate as a family: 

Read Books about African American History 

A great way to introduce children to the reason behind this special month is by reading books that show them the influence certain people of color have had on the history of our country. There is a series of books called “Who Was…” that contain kid-friendly biographies on individuals such as Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., and more. It is a deep dive into the life and times of these figures on an age-appropriate reading level. 

There is also a comprehensive list of 25 books here curated by the Family Education website. 

Watch Movies Highlighting Black History 

There are many popular movies that discuss America’s history of slavery, segregation and many other big issues. This list by the Mother Mag website contains a list of 10 kid-friendly movies to rent or stream for a family movie night. 

Visit Local Museums 

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History in Augusta is the restored original home of Miss Lucy Craft Laney, an educator who founded the first school for black children in Augusta, Georgia. While it is currently closed for renovations, follow the link above for updates on when visitors will be allowed again. Even if you can’t make it in February, it’s a great history trip worth taking any time of year! 

The Augusta Museum of History in downtown Augusta is another great stop for rich history. There is a special James Brown exhibit, remembering the late “Godfather of Soul” who was a native of the area. They are open Thursday-Sunday of each week and also offer special group tours. 

Indulge in Black Culture Foods

If you are looking to expand your palette, there is no better time than Black History Month. Try recipes with the family for a variety of soul foods such as okra, black-eyed peas, collard greens, Somali sweet pancakes, chicken and waffles, and more. Here is a list of 38 different recipes to explore. 

Introducing children to the rich history that this month entails is a great way to help them appreciate and reflect on the strides of African Americans in the history of our country. Use these kid-friendly activities to give them a better understanding of why we celebrate this month.