1. What makes someone a hero? Who are some Black heroes that you have learned about?
2. When looking at art created by Black illustrators, designers, and painters, ask your child: What stands out to you first and why? What Black history story does this art tell you about or remind you of? Do the people look happy, sad, anxious? Why?
3. Who are the Black heroes who have broken barriers in history and today?
4. What is a role model? What Black role models helped to make the world a better place? How can you be a role model at school or in your neighborhood?
5. How have Black people have helped our country (or your community)?

Invite young children to brainstorm who the leaders and heroes in their lives are. Brainstorm the traits of a hero or grab some markers and crayons and encourage your child to draw how they can help and protect the rights and freedoms of people in your community.

Children this age are like sponges when it comes to learning history. Set aside time to watch a biographical video together about a Black leader, like inventor George Washington Carver or writer Zora Neale Hurston, and then together, talk about what they learned. Be honest about what you didn’t know before and model what it looks like to be a life-long learner. Check out these tips from Xavier Riddle and The Secret Museum to make historical figures relevant to your child in a fun and engaging way. Ask questions like, “What surprised you about her story?” and “How did it make you feel when you learned about his experiences?”

Learn about some of the great Black leaders, inventors, and writers with these videos and fact sheets:

• George Washington Carver
• Zora Neale Hurston
• Rosa Parks
• John Lewis