55 Black History Month Crafts

Celebrate Rosa Parks’ legacy for Black History Month by creating a symbol of courage: A paper plate bus. Fold a paper plate in half and let the kids have fun painting wheels and windows. Add a cutout of Rosa Parks’ figure, complete with her signature glasses, and you’re ready to go!

Here is a great example of a paper plate Rosa Parks bus from Happy Toddler Playtime.

Engage young minds with the Harriet Tubman paper bag puppet. This symbolic craft involves decorating a paper bag with markers, construction paper, and glue to create a puppet resembling the brave abolitionist. Guide the kids to draw Tubman’s likeness while discussing her inspiring journey to freedom. 

Here is a great example of a Harriet Tubman paper bag puppet from TPT.

Share Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream with a dreamcatcher! You’ll need a paper plate, yarn, and colorful beads. Cut out the center of a paper plate and make small holes around the edge. As the kids weave the threads, they can reflect on his message of harmony and justice and dream big, just as he did.

Here is a great example of a Martin Luther King Jr. dreamcatcher from Third Grade Thinkers. 

Recreate the quilt codes that guided enslaved individuals to freedom by making symbolic quilt squares. Gather fabric, scissors, and sewing supplies to craft quilt squares. The kids can add hidden messages inside each layer or you can research the codes used on the Underground Railroad and stitch them into the quilt. 

Here is a great example of an Underground Railroad quilt from San Diego Family Magazine. 

Celebrate the contribution of young Ruby Bridges to desegregating schools by creating a clipart portrait that will inspire courage and determination. Trace her likeness onto a sheet of paper, and instruct the kids to go over it with bold black lines, it’s that simple.

Here is a great example of Ruby Bridges clipart from Clipart Library. 

Add some fun to Black History Month with a Frederick Douglass word search craft! Engage kids in a puzzle adventure, searching for empowering words and his name. This craft is a learning activity that combines history and entertainment, fostering awareness about Douglass’ remarkable legacy.

Here is a great example of a Frederick Douglass word search puzzle from WordMint.

Lead the kids on a playful learning journey this Black History Month with a Nelson Mandela connect-the-dots craft! Let them connect the dots to reveal a portrait of the iconic leader. Inspire them to explore history through creative connection, celebrating Mandela’s legacy in an engaging and educational way. 

Here is a great example of a Nelson Mandela connect-the-dots craft from enchantedlearning.com.

Let the kids’ imaginations run free this Black History Month with a Maya Angelou quote collage! They can take turns adding their favorite quotes from the literary icon to her portrait. Encourage them to express their creativity while honoring Angelou’s wisdom in a colorful masterpiece, blending art and inspiration.

Get ready to bring history to life with a Sojourner Truth coloring book! Print pages featuring her journey as an activist. The kids can color away to their heart’s content while they learn her inspiring story. They’ll discover her invaluable contribution to social justice and celebrate her accomplishments during Black History Month.

Here is a great example of a Sojourner Truth coloring book from Crayola.

Step up to the plate and create Black History magic with a Jackie Robinson baseball card! Simply instruct the kids to cut out various elements to create his face, baseball cap, and baseball jersey from different colored cardstock and add a scorecard at the back with his stats and achievements.

Here is a great example of a Jackie Robinson baseball card from What Can We Do With Paper And Glue.

Grab some button-making supplies and let the kids add empowering slogans to create badges. They’ll enjoy this hands-on activity while learning about a trailblazing leader who made history as the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. These fun-to-make badges are a great way for kids to express their admiration for Chisholm’s achievements.

Bring poetry to life with a Langston Hughes bookmark! Let the kids choose their favorite poems or images of the literary icon and print or paint them on cardstock. Create a hole at the top for the string, and voila! This bookmark will add a touch of Black excellence to their reading activities. 

You can also buy it here from Etsy.

What’s the connection between traffic lights and Black History Month? Garrett Morgan, of course! The pioneering African-American businessman invented the traffic light (psst, he invented gas masks too). Celebrate his genius with a traffic light made from construction paper. Kids can tear out strips of red, yellow, and green paper, then arrange them on cardstock to resemble a traffic light.

Here is a great example of a traffic light craft from TeachersMag.com.

Spread peace and joy this Black History Month with an MLK “Give Peace a Hand” craft. Trace and cut out the kids’ handprints on colorful paper and glue them onto a contrasting background. Let them add their favorite Martin Luther King Jr. quote about unity and equality to inspire their young minds.

Here is a great example of an MLK “give peace a hand” craft from The Crafty Crow.

Capture the essence of the Civil Rights Movement with a comic strip. Illustrate key events and figures that shaped the movement’s history, using storytelling to convey the struggles and triumphs. Craft a visually engaging comic strip that educates, inspires conversations, and commemorates the significance of the Civil Rights Movement during Black History Month.

Here is a great example of a Civil Rights Movement comic strip from Storyboard That.

Illuminate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with memorial candle holders. Decorate candle holders with his quotes, images, and symbols that represent his message of unity and equality. Light these candles to honor his vision and inspire ongoing discussions about his impactful contributions during Black History Month.

You can also buy it here on eBay.

Unlock your creativity and pay homage to freedom fighters with these masks. Paint masks with designs that celebrate justice and equality. Wear them proudly as a symbol of respect and to honor Black freedom fighters’ spirit and contributions during Black History Month.

You can also buy it here on Amazon.

Step into history with a retro newspaper replica craft. Design and create a replica of an 1800s newspaper, mirroring the style and content of Frederick Douglass’ publications. Delve into his powerful writings, gaining insight into his activism and influence. Craft an educational and engaging tribute to this iconic figure during Black History Month.

Here is a great example of a retro newspaper replica from Library of Congress Blogs.

Celebrate Black History Month with a craft that weaves stories into stitches! Craft a quilt decorated with fabric appliqué or embroidered portraits of remarkable Black figures like Harriet Tubman and Malcolm X. Piece together not just fabric, but a tribute to their impactful lives and the legacy they’ve left behind.

Here is a great example of a quilt with a historical Black figure from Sleep.com.

Add a splash of creative genius to Black History Month! Capture the spirit of prominent civil rights activists with watercolors. Choose inspiring figures like Rosa Parks or John Lewis and create beautiful portraits on paper. Express your admiration for their courage while celebrating Black excellence.

You can also buy it here on Amazon.

Give your style a cultural twist this Black History Month! Create beaded jewelry styled in African patterns. Choose beautiful beads and add symbolic ornaments that echo the vibrancy of African culture. Design bracelets or necklaces that tell a story and celebrate diversity, all while making a fashion statement.

Here is a great example of beaded jewelry from Google Art & Culture.

Commemorate the Civil Rights Movement during Black History Month by creating a captivating mural. Design and paint a mural that captures the spirit of activism, equality, and progress. Showcase the heroes and pivotal moments that defined the movement, preserving their legacy through powerful visual storytelling.

Here is a great example of a Civil Rights Movement mural from iHire.

Stitch together history with an emancipation quilt in celebration of Black History Month. Select fabrics and patterns that resonate with the journey toward freedom. Piece by piece, weave a quilt that symbolizes the struggle, triumph, and resilience of the Black community, commemorating the path toward equality and justice.

Here is a great example of an emancipation quilt from Fabric-Stores Blog.

Create a mosaic masterpiece that honors trailblazing Black artists. Get vibrant tiles, glass, or paper, and recreate their iconic works. With each piece, pay tribute to their impact while crafting a stunning artwork that celebrates their contributions.

Here is a great example of mosaic art from Mosaic Natural.

Create a dynamic leadership vision board to honor Black History Month. Gather images, quotes, and symbols representing influential Black leaders’ visions. Create a visual masterpiece that inspires and motivates, serving as a daily reminder of the remarkable leadership and contributions that have shaped history and continue to drive positive change.

Here is a great example of a leadership vision board from Her Neck of the Woods.

Dive into history with an interactive timeline flipbook for Black History Month. Compile key events, figures, and milestones that shaped Black history. Assemble this educational and visually engaging flipbook that will foster a deeper understanding of the journey, struggles, and achievements of the Black community throughout history.

Here is a great example of an interactive timeline flipbook from FlipBuilder Blog.

Celebrate Black History Month with a literary tribute bookshelf. Curate a collection of books written by Black authors that span various genres. Display them in a prominent spot to showcase their impact and contributions to literature. Engage in meaningful discussions and expand your reading horizons as you honor Black voices and narratives.

Here is a great example of a literary tribute bookshelf from LiteratureLust.com.

Drink from the fountain of inspiration this Black History Month! Decorate ceramic mugs with quotes from influential Black leaders. Choose impactful words, carefully transferring the quotes onto them using ceramic-safe markers or decals. As you enjoy your morning brew, appreciate the wisdom and legacies of these remarkable individuals.

You can also buy it here on Amazon.

Take a stand and inspire others with a painted T-shirt. Get a plain T-shirt and use fabric paints to add empowering images and messages to it. Wear your personalized statements proudly, spreading positivity and celebrating the strength of Black history throughout the month and beyond.

Here is a great example of a painted T-shirt from Sustain My Craft Habit. 

Unite generations in a creative journey this Black History Month! Gather as a family to create a truly unique craft! Draw or paint a family tree on canvas or cardstock. Trace your roots and create a branch for each family member. Get together and share stories and cherished photos that vividly depict your heritage.

Here is a great example of a family tree from MomJunction.

Celebrate unity and equality this Black History Month! Create a symbolic handprint wreath where each handprint signifies a unique part of our shared heritage. Cut out hand shapes from colored paper and stack them in a circle to form a wreath shape. Glue them together and make small holes to thread a ribbon for your bow.

Here is a great example of a unity handprint wreath from Sisters Girl’s DIY.

Embark on a thrilling voyage into your family’s history this Black History Month! Create a story quilt that weaves together important stories about your family’s history. Add photos of memorable occasions, personal artifacts, and more, stitching together a narrative that celebrates your rich heritage and brings the family closer together.

Here is a great example of a family history story quilt from Hubpages.

Get ready to preserve inspiration in a jar this Black History Month! Create a memory jar filled with quotes that uplift and empower the Black community. Write down important words from Black leaders, artists, and thought leaders. Whenever you need a boost, reach into the jar and draw from the wisdom.

Here is a great example of a memory jar from A Dish For You.

Elevate your decor and celebrate Black History Month with a striking balloon garland. Choose balloons in colors that symbolize unity, resilience, and achievement. Assemble the garland as a family while discussing the significance of the colors and honoring the contributions of Black individuals who have shaped history.

You can also buy it here on Amazon.

Get smooth rocks from the beach or buy them from a craft store. Write inspirational words and quotes celebrating Black history and culture on each one. Spread them within your community or use them to create a garden display. Let these words give strength to others and empower a new generation of Black leaders.

Make a heartwarming family scrapbook this Black History Month! Create it by blending personal memories and significant moments in Black history that had an impact on you. Gather photographs, keepsakes, and narratives and add your family’s story to the broader canvas of Black heritage.

Here is a great example of a family scrapbook from Thought.co.

Create an eye-catching board game or trivia sheet that features multiple categories highlighting unique aspects of Black history. Personalize it by adding family-specific questions as a bonus round. This craft will encourage healthy competition and teach everyone about the contributions and struggles of African-Americans throughout history.

Here is a great example of a Black history trivia game from Printablee.com.

Engage the whole family in an interactive and educational activity with the famous Black figures Bingo. Learn about influential Black figures as you play this entertaining game. Celebrate their achievements, spark discussions about their impact, and enjoy quality time together while celebrating Black History Month with a fun twist.

Here is a great example of famous Black figures bingo from Bingo Baker.

Embark on a flavorful journey during Black History Month with a cultural recipe exchange. Share cherished family recipes or discover new ones that celebrate diverse Black cuisines. Cook, taste, and bond over meals that carry rich traditions, and use this experience to learn about Black heritage and culture.

Here is a great example of a cultural recipe exchange from Allrecipes.

Add style to your celebrations this Black History Month! Create button pins featuring inspiring words and quotes and hand them out to family and friends. These custom accessories will mirror your beliefs and embody the essence of Black History Month. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate.

Here is a great example of a DIY button pin from Zazzle.

Supercharge your family’s Black History Month experience with a famous poem recitation activity. Each person can design cards with powerful poems by Black poets that highlight history, culture, and resilience. Host a reading party and take turns to recite and discuss these impactful verses, fostering a deeper appreciation for Black voices and their contributions to literature and society.

Here is a great example of a famous poem from Quotes Gram.

Do you want to explore and honor your African-American heritage? Create the flags of various African nations using fabric and popsicle sticks. These eye-catching symbols celebrate diversity and make a colorful statement throughout the month.

You can also buy it here on Amazon.

Celebrate Black heroes and their fight for justice by creating custom designs that reflect their messages. Enjoy a meaningful crafting experience that sparks conversations about history, equality, and the ongoing struggle for freedom during Black History Month.

You can also buy it here on Amazon.

Create a recipe scrapbook that pays homage to family traditions. Collect beloved recipes, blend in photos, and savor stories passed down through generations. This heartwarming project brings your rich heritage to life, reinforcing connections and creating a treasure trove of beautiful memories.

Here is a great example of a family recipe scrapbook from Family Tree Magazine. 

Create task cards that celebrate Black history and excellence. Add fascinating questions and stimulating challenges, highlighting noteworthy accomplishments and contributions to STEM by African-Americans. These interactive cards will start insightful conversations and honor the priceless impact of Black pioneers on STEM disciplines.

Here is a great example of a Black History Month task card from TPT.

Create a mobile with the solar system’s planets and add images of Black mathematicians, like Katherine Johnson. This captivating mobile blends STEM education with space exploration and celebrates the groundbreaking achievements of Black mathematicians.

Here is a great example of a space mobile from National Geographic Kids.

Prepare for an aerospace adventure this Black History Month! Create straw rocket launchers to honor pioneering scientists. Design rockets from straws and paper, then launch them into the sky, celebrating the achievements of Black aerospace scientists like Guion S. Bluford Jr. and Mae Jemison. 

Here is a great example of a straw rocket launcher from Buggy and Buddy.

Channel the genius of Black engineers like Otis Boykin for Black History Month. Create a model structure that can withstand earthquake simulations using only common household items like toothpicks, marshmallows, and glue. Try out a few different methods, like cross-bracing or triangle supports. This STEM activity celebrates the ingenuity of Black engineers and teaches about earthquake safety and engineering.

Here is a great example of an earthquake-resistant structure from STEM-Works.

Get your bearings with a DIY compass based on the pioneering work of navigators like Matthew Henson and Benjamin Banneker. Use a cork, a needle, a magnet, and a small water container to make a compass. Learn about cardinal directions and the wonders of magnetism as you make your compass. 

Here is a great example of a DIY compass from Wikihow.

Celebrate agricultural science with a mini garden. Set up a live lab session and explore concepts like crop rotation and the plant-based innovations introduced by the Black icon George Washington Carver. You can also grow a mini garden or experiment with plant-based dyes as you discuss how Carver’s contributions to agricultural science and sustainable farming changed the world. 

Here is a great example of a mini garden from Birds and Blooms.

Create an inspiring paper model of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope as a tribute to Black pioneers in STEM. Build the perfect replica with a printable outline on cardstock or cover stock and simulate space missions as you learn about the contributions of African-American astronauts and scientists. Honor their achievements and expand your knowledge of space exploration during Black History Month.

Here is a great example of a Hubble Space Telescope Paper Model from the Hubble Site.

Embrace the world of sound engineering this Black History Month! Build a functional microphone using Dr. James West’s invention as inspiration. Discover the science behind sound amplification, assemble your microphone, and pay tribute to Dr. West’s impactful contributions to the STEM field while having fun.

Here is a great example of a microphone craft from eHow.

Embark on a thrilling STEM adventure this Black History Month! Create a wind tunnel project to study aerodynamics. Design and test different shapes, exploring the principles of flight, all while celebrating the legacy of Black innovators like Lonnie Johnson. Engage in discussions about innovation while fostering a deeper understanding of the science behind wind resistance and flight.

Here is a great wind tunnel project example from Little Bins for Little Hands.

Put your paper airplane-building skills to the test with this Bessie Coleman paper airplane challenge. Learn about her revolutionary work while challenging your friends to a paper airplane-building contest. Do some research on Coleman and use everyday items like paper, markers, and tape to assemble your creation.

Here is a great example of a paper airplane display from preschoolactivities.

Take a trip through time with a paper clock DIY project. Learn more about how clocks work and study creative African-American thinkers like Benjamin Banneker for inspiration. Design and assemble a working paper clock using cardboard, markers, brads, and a split pin. This STEM project pays homage to Banneker’s ingenuity with timepieces. 

Here is a great example of a paper clock craft from Shine.