7 Easy and Inspiring Activities to Celebrate Black History Month

Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum follows Xavier, Yadina, and Brad as they travel back in time to meet historical figures when they were kids. They learn from these real-life heroes how to believe in themselves and accomplish amazing things. Black History Month is a time to celebrate African American heroes who have made a difference in our world. Here are some inspiring activities that you can do with your child to celebrate Black History Month and help your child value their own strengths. Each activity draws inspiration from historical figures in Black History, whom Xavier, Yadina, and Brad traveled back in time to meet.

Maya Angelou believed that words have power. She promoted using words to do good. Brainstorm phrases with your child that express feelings or emotions toward something that happened to them. Write them on strips of paper. Together, create a poem by selecting and stacking the strips of paper on top of each other. Read the poem aloud and ask your child how it makes them feel.

Frederick Douglass said learning can take us anywhere. Together with your child, draw a map of where they want their learning to take them. Who will they meet along the way? What idea will they share? What do they think they will need to learn to stay on their path?

Harriet Tubman knew that real courage is bravely moving forward even when you’re scared. Your child can practice being more courageous by making a courage badge they can wear. Using construction paper, crayons, markers and scissors, they can draw and cut out a symbol that makes them feel brave. While wearing their courage badge, act out scenarios with your child where they would be afraid. Remind them they are courageous and practice ways they can face their fears.

Rosa Parks worked her whole life so that all people could be treated equally. Using your child’s favorite snack or several small toys, divide the piles unequally. Discuss with your child what they could do to make all the piles equal. How would they make it equal if the number was odd? Can they think of a time when they or their friends were not treated equally? What could they have done to make things equal?

Thurgood Marshall worked hard to make things fair for everyone. Practice exercising fairness with this activity. Share different scenarios with your child that are unfair, such as they have a new toy and only one of their friends can play with it. Ask your child to decide if it is fair or unfair. Have a discussion about situations that they felt were unfair for themselves or others. What would they have done to make it fair?

Jesse Owens focused on doing his best in order to go for the gold, despite being discriminated against throughout his life and his training. Play a game of Simon Says with your child while reminding them to do their best. Shout out commands such as do your best jumping, hopping, singing. Afterwards, talk with your child about supporting whatever goals they want to accomplish. Help them practice focusing on doing their best, despite what others might be saying or doing nearby.

Ella Fitzgerald built her music career by being herself. Support your child in being comfortable being themselves by practicing at home. Dance, sing, or draw together, focusing on what makes each of you yourself in whatever activity you’re doing. Point out the unique moves your child makes or the special way your child draws a picture. Compliment them on what makes them special and praise them for bringing something different to their group of family and friends.

Find more ideas for your family on the “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum” page.