February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions, culture, and history of African Americans. What began 100 years ago as Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson to encourage the teaching of Black history in public schools, evolved into a month-long designation after the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.

Nowadays, Black History Month is significant in many ways. First and foremost, it aims to recognize the important role that African Americans have played in shaping American society. It acknowledges African Americans’ struggles and sacrifices, but also celebrates their accomplishments, resilience, and cultural heritage. Secondly, it provides an opportunity to educate, promote awareness, and challenge racial biases. Additionally, it helps create a sense of pride, empowerment, and unity within the African American community. And finally, in creating awareness among all Americans, it fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of their history among people from all backgrounds.

Want to find ways to participate in Black History Month? Scroll down to find events, presentations, and community activities throughout the month of February, to enrich your family’s understanding of Black culture and history.

Black History Month Activities To Do at Home

• Check out the featured Stories to Celebrate Black History Month on Story Corps. This non-profit media organization helps real people tell their story audio stories, podcast episodes, and animated shorts.
• Visit National Geographic Kids and read the story of Black History Month, which also highlights important Black heroes of the past and present.
• Sit down together as a family and watch videos that tell the stories of Black Americans who made important contributions to racial justice. The website We Were Teachers has compiled 55 Black History Videos Everyone Should Watch, categorized for elementary and middle and high school students.

Find more events in Philly Family’s roundup of ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Philadelphia. You can also find family-friendly events to for every day of the week in the Main Line Parent Calendar.

Lead image by Nazeer Sabree, courtesy of Paradigm Gallery, Philadelphia.

Lead image by Nazeer Sabree, courtesy of Paradigm Gallery, Philadelphia