The month of February is nationally recognized as Black History Month, a month dedicated to exploring the stories and accomplishments of African Americans throughout U.S. history.
During Black History Month, communities across the country commemorate the history of people of African descent in America and pay tribute to the many achievements of Black men and women. But perhaps the most important community members to get involved in this annual celebration are our children.
Today's need for greater racial equity and inclusion requires kids to be exposed to diversity at a young age. To uplift all voices that have had an impact on our country, it is critical that Black history is studied and celebrated—not just in February, but throughout the entire year. African American history is American history, and when kids understand the fuller picture of history, it will also help them understand the fuller picture of today.
Among the notable figures often spotlighted during Black History Month areDr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who fought for equal rights for Blacks during the 1950s and ’60s; Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American justice appointed to the United States Supreme Court in 1967; Mae Jemison, who became the first female African-American astronaut to travel to space in 1992; and Barack Obama, who was elected the first-ever African-American president of the United States in 2008.
Picture books are also a great way to bring the stories and histories of Black trailblazers to life for kids. The list below gives some recommended books to start with for kids ages 3-8. For reading lists for older children, check with your local library.
- “I Am Rosa Parks” by Brad Meltzer
- “Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters” by Barack Obama
- “Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad” by Henry Cole
- “Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave” by Laban Carrick Hill
- “Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race” by Margot Lee Shetterly (picture book version)
- “The Story of Ruby Bridges (Reissue)” by Robert Coles
- “Under the Same Sun” by Sharon Robinson
- “Mae Among the Stars” by Roda Ahmed
