60 Black History Month Activities

Now this one is completely customizable. All you need are handprint cutouts from the kids in different shades. With your help, the kids can turn these into adorable multi-hued butterflies, they can stick different handprints on a large globe cutout, or they can even create a popsicle stick handprint. Once completed, stick them to your classroom walls.

Here’s the perfect example of a diversity handprint craft from Putting The Pretty In Preschool.

Cut the kids’ handprints from skin-toned construction paper, then cut out the middle of a paper plate to create a wreath shape. Glue the handprints onto it. Punch holes in the handprints at the center and thread a colorful ribbon through them. Let this decoration grace your classroom for the whole of Black History Month!

Here’s the perfect example of a handprint wreath from Jinxy Kids.

Sometimes all you need is a good coloring activity to teach kids about key people in history. This low-pressure activity is especially fun for kids who are too young and impatient for complex arts or dialogues. Setting this up is simple too — just give your preschoolers some crayons or color pencils, a printable of any famous black figure, and you’re done! 

Here’s the perfect example of a history makers’ coloring activity from classroomdoodles.com.

Let’s play telephone! Yup, we recommended this as a Black History Month activity. Why, you ask? Because Granville T. Woods, the first African American mechanical and electrical engineer in post-Civil War times, held countless patents for the telephone, telegraph, and railroad. So, use this game as a way to teach your kids about another great African American visionary.

Here’s the perfect example of a telephone game from Healthy Happy Impactful.

Design small reading cards for kids, with simple quotes, directions, and discussion points about black history and culture. Have kids read aloud from them, or stick these to journals and textbooks and practice reading them whenever they have the time, with parents and elders at home. 

Here’s the perfect example of pocket card printables from TeachStarter.

Paste photos of the kids sans hair — you can cut this off, leaving just their face — on a piece of cardboard. Glue pieces of bubble wrap in different shapes over their pictures where the hair would go. Let them use paint to decorate their bubble wrap hair, and you’ve got a portrait for Black History Month.

Here’s the perfect example of bubble wrap hair from Happy Toddler Playtime.

Fill a resealable plastic bag with watercolors in the colors of the rainbow. Tape a cellophane paper over it, which has been inscribed with an inspiring saying. As kids squish the colors around, help them learn that as the colors mix to create beautiful designs, all of them are capable of creating a kinder and more beautiful world.

Here’s the perfect example of a Black Lives Matter sensory bag from Happy Toddler Playtime.

Borrow your kids’ hands for a heartwarming craft activity with handprint peace doves. Trace their hands on white paper, then cut them out. Add an olive branch or olive leaves to each handprint. Decorate with colored markers or watercolors. Glue the handprints together, thumbs overlapping, to form a dove shape, then hand or paste these on the blackboard.

Here’s the perfect example of a handprint peace dove from World Religions For Kids.

Set up a fun and easy anti-racism activity with a simple heart shaped-design, skin-colored sticky notes, and a cheat code sheet. Help toddlers and little kids practice their sight words, letters, and even numbers as they learn about the different, beautiful shades of skin in the world.

Here’s the perfect example of a “color the heart” sticky note wall from Happy Toddler Playtime.

Help each child create cutout handprints from skin-colored cardstock. Stick these together, then glue a heart-shaped “I Have a Dream” cut out over it. Draw a cloud and let the kids draw or write what their dreams are. Hang these up around the class as artwork so they can admire it all month long.

Here’s the perfect example of a “I Have a Dream” activity from Care.

Teach kids about diversity with this hands-on egg activity. All you need are two eggs — one white and one brown. Place both on a plate and ask the class if they see any difference. Crack the eggs to reveal identical yolks. Discuss how appearances don’t change what is inside, and how humans are diverse, yet the same.

Here’s the perfect example of an egg-tastic diversity activity from Kids Activities.

Indulge their love for playing dress-up with a fun production specially created for Black History Month. Let them use theater, visual arts, song, and dance to tell stories from all shores — from America, to Mali, to Ethiopia, to Ghana, to Egypt — and thus learn about their own history and culture.

Here’s the perfect example of a Black History Month play from Care.

Invite your middle schoolers on a fun Black history scavenger hunt. Print clues like “What was Rosa Parks best known for” or “What did Elijah McCoy invent?” and hand these to the kids. Prep the classroom with “answers” and watch them have a fun time even as they uncover fun facts about famous people.

Here’s the perfect example of a Black history scavenger hunt from Primrose Schools.

Explore time and cause-and-effect relationships through the lens of certain famous events in Black history. Print any famous person’s activities on small flashcards, then task the kids with pasting these in order, in a logical way. It’s a twofer — as they learn about Black history, they’re also honing their organizational and research skills.

Here’s the perfect example of a Black history timeline activity from TeachStarter.

Promote problem-solving as well as discovering African and African American culture with a fun jigsaw puzzle. Create one yourself by printing a picture and then cutting it up, or save some time by sourcing a puzzle online. Break it up, get everyone together to piece it together, and it can even be hung up as art after it’s finished!

You can buy it here from Amazon.

Decorate the classroom with student-made art. Help the kids print and cut out photos of important Black people throughout history and stick them on a cardboard frame or a bulletin board. You can take this even further by making and sticking handprints in different skin tones around your collage. 

Here’s the perfect example of a Black history photo collage from Seventeen.

Let everyone know you’re celebrating Black History Month. Spruce up the classroom by decorating your door with paintings and cutouts. You’ll be encouraging the kids to have fun while learning and creating this work of art.

Here’s the perfect example of a classroom door decoration from Seventeen.

Help the kids cut and carefully curl strips of black construction paper using scissors. Instruct them to glue this onto a face they’ve traced on skin-toned paper, then proudly display these wonderful creations to celebrate Black beauty and culture.

Here’s the perfect example of curly hair decor from Seventeen.

Embrace simple art by decorating your door or blackboard with a cardstock puzzle made by dividing a sheet of cardstock into blocks, having kids write their favorite quotes by black individuals on each one, then cutting them into jigsaw pieces. Stick them on your ‘canvas’ and your artwork is ready to inspire.

Here’s the perfect example of quote-based puzzle piece decor from Seventeen.

Encourage kids to honor their chosen historical figure for Black History Month by bringing in relevant items that represent their accomplishments. From airplanes for Bessie Coleman to cameras for Gordon Parks, the classroom becomes a meaningful showcase of these influential figures, while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Back history among the students.

Here’s the perfect example of honoring historical figures from Owlcation.

Countless local museums and historical sites will set up special exhibits and sites for this month. Take advantage of this to encourage learning about Black culture, prominent figures, and personal heritage. This helps kids gain a deeper understanding of Black history and fosters a more meaningful relationship between them and the local Black community.

Here’s the perfect example of a Black history awareness field trip from Education.

Help kids create their own mini black history museum with this engaging activity. Let them research and select notable figures, events, and artifacts from black history. They can then create displays with printed pictures, short bios, and even items representing their chosen subjects. The result will be an educational and eye-opening exhibit!

Here’s the perfect example of a DIY black history museum from Irving Elementary School.

Celebrate Granville T. Wood’s most important invention and introduce kids to the telegraph. Specifically, to Morse Code. Print out Morse Code sheets for each child. Dim the lights and hand a flashlight to one kid to send a message to the others. The one who guesses correctly gets to send the next message.

Here’s the perfect example of a Morse code STEM activity from Stem Spark.

Make sure this month’s lesson plans include a movie day. Include age-appropriate movies like “Hidden Figures,” “Remember the Titans,” or “Selma,” and don’t forget to have a post-movie analysis of what the kids learned during the movie and how it made them feel.

Instead of simply teaching or showing them what Civil War-era protests looked like, how about you inspire them to create their own protest signs? This hands-on activity helps to show them how people can fight back with just their words, cardboard, paper, markers, and a strong sense of right and wrong.

Here’s the perfect example of a DIY protest sign from CraftsuPrint.

Life imitates art, and what better way to help kids understand Black history than by introducing them to art created by famous black artists? Discuss painters like William H. Johnson and Prince Demah, and talk about how their paintings tell a story. Let the kids use different techniques like these painters did, to tell their own stories.

Here’s the perfect example of Black artist-style art from Care.

Plot out a route, pack enough snacks, and be on your way! Introduce the kids to near and far places that were the site of the most famous moments in Black history — whether this was the Underground Railway or the African Burial Ground National Monument — and make learning part of the road trip fun.

Create your own coloring fact sheets about heroes who’ve led the Black History movement. Google a famous figure or two, list down interesting facts about them, then correspond each one with an image the kids can color on. Print these out and your fun activity is ready to be handed out to the little ones.

Here’s the perfect example of a printable coloring fact sheet from Kids Activities.

Instead of simply being an ally on social media, use your platform to increase awareness about different Black voices to spread their reach to a wider audience. And if you’ve got a larger audience yourself, consider inviting a few onto your platform for a friendly Q&A or a creator takeover. 

Here’s the perfect example of amplifying Black voices online from Later.

Food’s the way to a person’s heart and it’s also a way to learn much more about Black culture. You can go the easy route and order from your local soul food joint, but we recommend trying your hand at homemade meals. There are plenty of diverse Black cuisines to explore too, including Cajun, African, and Jamaican. Bon appetit!

Here’s the perfect example of exploring Black cuisine from Healthline.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is always looking for more volunteers and this year, it could be you! By joining this historic organization, you’ll be actively contributing towards advancing civil rights and promoting social justice by doing everything from participating in local events to advocating for their rights. 

Here’s the perfect example of joining the NCAAP from NCAAP.

Another way to celebrate Black History Month is to volunteer and support a Black-led nonprofit. Find places working on causes close to your heart and offer your time, money, and skills to make a difference. Whether it’s mentorship programs, community development, or educational initiatives, your contribution will definitely help the local Black communities.

Here’s the perfect example of supporting black-led nonprofits from Hampton Roads Community Foundation.

The Black Mentorship Program is a great way to share your knowledge and skills with youth looking to get ahead in their career and life. Donate your time, share your expertise, and share your work with friends and family, to encourage them to become mentors too.

Here’s the perfect example of becoming a mentor from University Of Alberta.

The Red Cross says almost half the African-American population has O+ blood but this is the very same type that’s often in low supply. If this is your blood type (all blood donations are important), consider ensuring equitable access by donating blood at your local hospital or clinic.

Here’s the perfect example of donating blood from HSI.

Learning doesn’t stop as you grow older; take this opportunity to learn more about Black history and the voices that influenced this movement. Pick one, or a few, black leaders and visionaries throughout history, and learn more about them. You can check out literature online, read their biographies, or visit museums dedicated to them.

Here’s the perfect example of Black leaders and visionaries from Reader’s Digest.

This Black History Month, take the initiative and encourage your organization to prioritize diversity and inclusion. Suggest hiring a qualified Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant to help guide your company’s efforts to transform the workplace. You can also share reports and success stories from other companies that have seen improved employee engagement and productivity after implementing such initiatives.

Here’s the perfect example of a diversity, equity, and inclusion meeting from The Sleeper Group.

This Black History Month, gift your loved ones with items sourced entirely from black-owned businesses. You can even couple this with a fun lunch coupon for a local black-owned restaurant, many of which might also offer cool discounts and special activities during the month. 

Here’s the perfect example of gifts from black-owned businesses from Bites of Boston.

Black artists have traditionally been under-represented in most creative fields, so this Black History Month, consider supporting Black artists by seeking out and purchasing their works of art. Pick up a book, explore their art, or check out their digital cards. This way, you’ll also be able to discover fantastic new artists and contribute to the entire artistic landscape.

Here’s the perfect example of Black art from The New York Times.

Step up your dance game by learning to step. This traditionally African American art form combines dance, percussive footwork, and chants in a dazzling performance. Check out online videos or join a local class to master this unique art form and celebrate the Black community.

Here’s the perfect example of taking a stepping class from Virginia Tech News.

If you’re done with the movies, try out a few educational documentaries about the Black experience. Notable ones — like “Freedom Riders,” “Who Killed Malcolm X,” and “The 1619 Project” — are easily available online on most streaming platforms. Spend a few moments researching, grab some popcorn, and settle in for a fun and educational few hours!

Turn that commute into a learning experience too by downloading fun audiobooks and podcasts about Black history and experiences. It’s easy, effortless, and makes the long commute that much more meaningful, especially when you’ve got the kids in the car. 

Here’s the perfect example of a Black history listening exercise from College Info Geek.

Enrich your journey with books by influential Black authors. Lists of must-read books are readily available — a quick online search can guide you toward countless recommendations. Discover powerful literary works that celebrate Black history and culture that can be picked up during Black History Month and beyond.

Don’t have time for a museum tour? Let institutions like the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center come to your rescue. They regularly host virtual tours for Black History Month where you can explore multiple exhibits and stories from the comfort of your couch.

Here’s the perfect example of a virtual museum tour from The Guardian.

Make music a part of your Black History Month celebrations. Trace the roots of favorite music genres like soul, jazz, R&B, hip hop, and more. Or, create a timeline of historical Black music events that brought Black music into the spotlight. However you celebrate, we’re sure you’ll have a musically great time with this activity!

Here’s a great representation of Black music history from Daily Evergreen.

Many places around you will be hosting different celebratory events and even parades during the entire month of February. Take your family and friends along to participate in them. If you want a virtual experience, try out sites from the Library of Congress and other national organizations that offer panels, live streams, and more to celebrate Black History Month.

Here’s the perfect example of attending a Black History Month event from Denton County Office Of History And Culture.

Host a special Black history-themed trivia night with friends to test your knowledge about important moments in Black history and culture. Quiz people on every genre you can think of — from music, to science, to art. You can even play these remotely, using online apps to connect with physically distant friends.

There’s no better way to learn than with games, which is why we’ve added another one to this list. Turn the classic Pictionary into a fun educational tool to explore Black history. Take inspiration from the countless ideas and games available online to customize your own, invite friends over, and get to playing (learning)!

Here’s a great representation of a Black history Pictionary game from Wikipedia.

You’ve done so much work to educate yourself and explore Black culture; why not share this with the world? Write fun book and music recommendations, fun trivia about famous Black figures, and how others can support the local Black community in a digital or printed newsletter, or magazine, and share these with friends and family.

Here’s the perfect example of a Black History Month newsletter from Group Gordon.

Introduce kids to Harriet Tubman’s legacy with an easy lantern craft. Cut out rectangular shapes from a cardboard shoe box, then paint it. Create a rolled cardboard “candle,” drip hot glue to make “melted wax,” and attach cardstock “flames” to the top. Place this inside the lantern and hang it with a cardboard “string.”

Here’s the perfect example of a Harriet Tubman lantern from Happy Toddler Playtime.

Glue the ends of a long rectangular packing box, then paint it. Cut and glue bus doors, windows, and windshields with black paper. Add black paper wheels, and voila, your bus is ready. Make this more authentic by choosing the actual colors of the bus Rosa Parks rode on, and writing “Cleveland Ave” at the front.

Here’s the perfect example of a Rosa Parks bus craft from Teri Hernandez.

Cut a paper plate so it resembles the peace symbol. Then, take strings of yarn and wrap this around your plate, hot gluing the ends securely so they won’t come off. Go monochrome, use white, or make it colorful. You can even create little yarn flowers for added flourish, and hang this on your front door for Black History Month.

Here’s the perfect example of a yarn-wrapped peace sign from @ninelro.

Cut holes on the front and top of a cardboard box. Make small cuts on a long cardboard tube, and insert the plain end inside the top of the box. Wrap rubber bands through the cuts in the tube to the bottom of the box and secure this. Then, just encourage your kids to channel the many Black musical legends!

Here’s the perfect example of a cardboard box guitar from PBS.

Learn about George Crum this month, then create his much-loved invention — the potato chip. Accordion fold about 10 to 15 oval-shaped papers to make your chips, then put them in a painted paper bag. Stick a sign on that says “potato chips” and pretend to munch on them as Crum’s customers did.

Here’s the perfect example of a potato chips craft from Happy Toddler Playtime.

Paint a paper cup any shade you want — red, yellow, white, and more — then paint or write Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous words on it. String a bell onto a ribbon and insert the ribbon through two holes at the bottom, securing a loop when your bell is turned over. 

Here’s the perfect example of a freedom bell from jumpstart.com.

Know those skin-toned handprints you made? They can be turned into a unity wreath. Cut three paper plate rings, make slits in each one, and glue these together to make Borromean rings. Glue the handprints in circles, attach them to each plate, and finally, seal the slits with tape. Hang this up with ribbon or string.

Here’s the perfect example of a unity ring from Happy Toddler Playtime.

Channel Billie Holiday, Michael Jackson, or even Prince, complete with a DIY cardboard mic. Wrap a Christmas bauble in aluminum foil, then stick it to one end of a toilet paper roll tube. Wrap construction paper around the tube, and add “buttons.” Let the kids customize it with sparkly gems, glitter, or anything else they desire.

Here’s the perfect example of a cardboard tube microphone from eHow.

Another craft made from toilet paper rolls, this celebrates the first woman in space, Mae Jemison. Cover toilet paper rolls with construction paper and stick a paper “top” and “wings” to it. Create the flame using pieces of yellow, orange, and peach streamers, and glue circles of construction paper to make the windows for your rocket ship.

Here’s the perfect example of toilet paper roll rockets from Childhood Magic.

Show the world that you stand for diversity with this cute yarn craft. Cut strips of skin-colored yarn and stick them to a square-shaped sheet, leaving a border at the four edges. Cut a heart shape from another sheet, then glue your yarn-layered sheet to the one with the cutout shape. Then, simply hang it as it is.

Here’s the perfect example of a diversity yarn heart from Putting The Pretty In Preschool.

What says all lives matter and diversity in the same activity? A DIY kindness heart wreath, of course! Creating it is super simple — just glue different skin-toned heart-shaped cut-outs to a paper plate rim. Leave a little room at the bottom or top for the ribbon or string and you’re done!

Here’s the perfect example of a diversity heart wreath from Putting The Pretty In Preschool.

This one’s super easy! Simply make a notebook using black paper and tie it together with thread or ribbon. Fill it with quotes you (or the kids) like, adding little personalized doodles, drawings, or crafts. Voila, you have a book of quotes you can use as inspiration at any time!

Here’s the perfect example of a personalized book of quotes from Happy Toddler Playtime.