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The Ultimate List Of Black History Resources For Kids And Families
Did you know that Black History Month started out as a one-week celebration?
Back in 1926, noted historian, author, and journalist, Carter G. Woodson (who was the son of former slaves) expressed concern about the fact that African Americans were never really taught about the achievements and contributions made by their ancestors. He believed it was important for Black youth in America to learn their history, embrace their heritage, and feel empowered by the integral role that their ancestors played not only in their culture, but in American culture as a whole.
With the support of his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, Woodson initiated Negro History Week, which was celebrated during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. They appealed to schools and colleges across the nation to join them in celebrating Black history and literature.
The thing that isn’t often discussed is that Woodson never intended for it to remain a weekly celebration. His hope was that schools would integrate Black History into their regular curriculum and that we’d no longer have to cram all of the richness of Black History into one week.
As time marched on, efforts were made to create social change where it concerned race relations in America — especially during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. In 1976 President Gerald Ford officially declared February to be Black History Month and is quoted as saying that we need to, as a nation, “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history”.
Like Carter G. Woodson, many believe that Black History is too important (and too vast) to fit into a 28-day period. This is why we encourage you to celebrate Black History all throughout the year. Because Black History is American History.
To help you incorporate learning about Black History all year long, we’ve curated some Black History resources for kids and families. These resources can help your family:
- Understand the full history of America – the good, the bad, and the ugly
- Explore and celebrate the achievements, inventions, and discoveries of African Americans
- Learn and reflect on the challenges and difficulties faced by African Americans
- Encourage open dialogue about various topics related to African Americans
Most of all, celebrating the richness of Black History can help your family to develop an even deeper appreciation of the diversity of the Melting Pot that is America.
So, let’s get into it! We have so many awesome Black History Resources for Kids to share with you!
NOTE to Parents: Please use your own discretion when choosing what books and movies to share with your family. Some of the books and films depict the harsh reality of what African Americans have suffered, and you can decide whether or not your children are mature enough to read and view the content.
Black History Books for Elementary Kids
Some of the best Black History resources for kids are books. Books are an easy and accessible way for kids to learn about Black History — whether they read on their own, or you read as a family. Here are some books we hope you’ll enjoy:
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans
This beautiful picture book is told from the point of view of a 100-year-old African American woman, who tells the story of African Americans through the years. It’s a wonderful and engaging way to teach young children about both the struggles and the contributions of African Americans in a way that’s often equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful – while never sacrificing the honesty needed when exploring history. As an added bonus, the paperback version of the book also includes discussion and curriculum material that may come in handy in your homeschool!
Freedom’s Daughters: The Unsung Heroines of the Civil Rights Movement from 1830 to 1970
This book is a great way to introduce your family to some of the lesser-known female figures in American history who fought on the side of freedom for African Americans. It profiles over 60 women who played some part in the Civil Rights Movement, dating back to the early 1800s. You and your children will learn about Pauli Murray (who was one of the first people to stage the type of nonviolent resistance protests that became a major form of protest) as well as many others who are often left out of history books.
Voices of Freedom: An Oral History of the Civil Rights Movement from the 1950s Through the 1980s
It’s one thing to read about historical events from scholars and storytellers. It’s something else entirely to hear about them from the people who lived through them. This 700-page book delivers a collection of first-person narratives that truly bring to life the events of the Civil Rights Movement, all the way up to the 1980s.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
This illustrated book features engaging biographies of black women throughout history who refused to back down from challenges, stood up for what they believed in, and blazed trails in many fields, including politics, math, and science.
Little Legends: Exceptional Black Men in History
A companion to Little Leaders, this volume covers the lives of black men who have made a name for themselves as activists, athletes, artists, musicians, politicians, and more.
100 African Americans Who Shaped American History
This book profiles 100 African Americans who had a hand in shaping America into the country it is today, from Crispus Attucks (the first American killed in the American Revolution), Daniel Hale Williams (the first to perform a successful heart surgery), and Garrett Morgan (the inventor of the traffic signal).
1001 Things Everyone Should Know About African American History
Yet another lengthy resource, this 400+-page book is recommended as a reference book for anyone who wants to dive deep into the study of Black History. It carries readers through five centuries of African American History. You can read through the book as-is or use what’s included as a jumping-off point for studying different topics.
101 Black Inventors and their Inventions
Filled with beautiful illustrations, this book introduces 101 black inventors who will inspire your entire family. Their stories of innovation(often in the face of adversity) can serve to not only educate, but inspire and empower future inventors.
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Stories of Black Girl Magic
The 4th volume of the Rebel Girls series features 100 black girls and women who broke barriers.
Need more book suggestions? Check out this resource on Infusing Black History Into a Traditional Charlotte Mason Homeschool.
20 African American Stories and Books for Kids
Another great way to celebrate the contributions of African Americans is to read books written by black authors as well as books that feature black characters. Here’s a fantastic list of books to get you started:
- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
- The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson
- Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
- Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen
- The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones
- Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper
- This Is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration by Jacqueline Woodson
- Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson
- The Great Migration: Journey to the North by Eloise Greenfield
- The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson
- Wind Flyers by Angela Johnson
- A Child’s Introduction to African American History: The Experiences, People, and Events That Shaped Our Country by Jabari Asim
- Barefoot: Escape on the Underground Railroad by Pamela Duncan Edwards
- Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter
- Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson
- The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson
- 28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World by Charles R. Smith Jr.
- The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage by Selina Alko
- Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by Jonah Winter
- I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly: The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl by Joyce Hansen
Want more book suggestions? Check out these 35 Awesome Chapter Books by Black Authors.
Hands-On Black History Activities and Project Ideas
Here are more Black History resources for kids that include activities and project ideas to try out with your family:
Social Studies Black History Resources for Kids
Learn about black inventors and the inventions they created. To get you started, check out our Black History Inventors for Kids Booklet Pack, which introduces children to 10 inventors they may not know about.
Learn about a new figure in black history every week. Really do a deep dive into their life, their achievements, and how they impacted the shaping of America. We have several resources available on our website, including our Rosa Parks Lapbook and Martin Luther King Jr. Printable Pack.
Pick a significant period or event in Black History and create a timeline. For example, you can create a timeline of important events during the Civil Rights movement. You could even go all out and create a timeline that dates back to when Africans were brought to America on slave ships all the way to present-day America.
Memorize impactful quotes from African Americans that resonate with your family. Check out 175 Black history Month Quotes that Inspire Change and Humanity for some ideas to get you started.
Learn bite-sized Black History facts with any of the Black History Flash Cards from Urban Intellectuals. You can also learn a lot of Black History Facts from History.com.
Do a series of unit studies about the Civil War. We highly recommend the Civil War Hands-On Homeschool Lessons and Workbook from You Are An Artist. These hands-on art lessons are wonderful additions to learning about courageous people like Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Conduct a unit study on The Harlem Renaissance and the figures who were its driving force. The National Gallery of Art’s Harlem Renaissance web page is a great resource.
Test your knowledge on Black History with these quizzes from Family Education.
Learn about Black History events and notable figures in your state or community.
Learn about and celebrate Juneteenth (also known as Emancipation Day and Freedom Day).
Enjoy a hands-on lapbook for elementary age students all about Rosa Parks.
Math Black History Resources for Kids
Watch the movie Hidden Figures to learn about the contributions African American women made to the field.
Help stimulate the economy by supporting Black-owned businesses. Check out NY Magazine’s list of 180 Black-Owned Businesses to Support.
Science Black History Resources for Kids
Learn about some of the contributions made by African American scientists and inventors.
Learn about African Americans in Space directly from NASA.
Learn about Black women in STEM. This article on 50 Black Women in Stem You Should Know About is an excellent starting point.
Get DNA testing and learn about African cultures in your background.
Language Arts Black History Resources for Kids
Read the Emancipation Proclamation and discuss how African Americans at the time may have felt about it.
Interview black people you know who were alive during the Civil Rights Movement and ask them about their experiences.
Read poetry by African American poets.
Art and Music Black History Resources for Kids
Learn about different African American artists.
Practice art styles of different African American artists like Horace Pippin.
Learn about different musical styles pioneered by African American (such as rock, the blues, jazz, funk, hip hop, and R&B) and how music is used as a cultural connector, a political statement, and more for Black people. Teach Rock has a resource that is very much worth looking into.
We also highly recommend the Homeschool Art Lessons for Martin Luther King Jr. Day by You Are an Artist.
African American TV and Movies for Kids
More great Black History resources for kids are TV shows and movies featuring Black characters, events, and experiences. Watching them together as a family can be another great activity. Below are some options to consider. You can check Common Sense Media to determine whether they are age-appropriate for your children.
The Color of Friendship — Mahree Bok lives on a farm in South Africa. Her father is a policeman who cannot hide his joy when activist Steve Biko is caught by the South African authorities. Piper Dellums is the daughter of a US congressman from California and who lives in a nice home in Washington DC. When Mahree is chosen to spend a semester at the Dellums’ house, she doesn’t expect that her host family would be black. Nor do her hosts suspect that she is not a black South African.
The Jackie Robinson Story — Biography of Jackie Robinson, the first black major league baseball player in the 20th century. Traces his career in the negro leagues and the major leagues.
Sounder — This is a coming-of-age story of a boy living in the Depression-era of the South. “Boy” learns the hard way about the realities of being black, poor and unable to read. But he also learns about the deep love of family, the long-suffering loyalty of a dog and the importance of words, faith, stories & truth.
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman — In February 1962, as the civil rights movement reaches Bayonne, Louisiana, a New York journalist arrives to interview Jane Pittman, who has just turned 110. She tells him her story dating back to her earliest memories before slavery ended. In between the chapters of her life, the present-day struggles of Blacks in Bayonne, urged on by Jimmy, are dramatized.
A Woman Called Moses — A Woman Called Moses stars Cicely Tyson as real-life escaped slave Harriet Tubman. At the risk of recapture, Tubman helped organize the Underground Railroad, which enabled hundreds of enslaved African Americans to make their way to the freedom of the North. Adding to the tension are Harriet’s frequent epileptic fainting spells. Orson Welles narrates this adaptation of Marcy Heidish’s novel.
Roots: The Complete Miniseries — His name was Kunta Kinte. Kidnapped from Africa and enslaved in America, he refused to accept his slave name of Toby. Heirs kept his heroic defiance alive, whispering his name Kunta Kinte.
Roots: The Next Generations — In 1865 the United States’ Civil War and slavery end, but Alex Haley’s family history continues. A new chapter begins for the descendants of Kunta Kinte and their quest for full freedom.
Driving Miss Daisy — The story of an old Jewish widow named Daisy Werthan and her relationship with her black chauffeur, Hoke. From an initial mere work relationship grew in 25 years a strong friendship between the two very different characters in a time when those types of relationships were shunned.
Glory — Robert Gould Shaw leads the US Civil War’s first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices of both his own Union army and the Confederates.
The Long Walk Home — Two women, black and white, in 1955 Montgomery Alabama, must decide what they are going to do in response to the famous bus boycott led by Martin Luther King.
Our Friend, Martin — What begins as a routine class project for a diverse group of sixth-graders turns into a magical, time-traveling adventure they’ll never forget! Authentic historical footage of Martin Luther King Jr. is blended with colorful animation as the students learn about – and actually meet – the civil rights leader who challenged all Americans to turn his dream of freedom into reality.
The Rosa Parks Story — The story of the civil rights heroine whose refusal to obey racial bus segregation was just one of her acts in her fight for justice.
The Great Debaters — The true story of a brilliant but politically radical debate team coach who uses the power of words to transform a group of underdog African-American college students into a historical powerhouse that took on the Harvard elite.
Freedom Riders — This is the story of more than four hundred Americans who participated in a bold and dangerous experiment designed to awaken the conscience of a complacent nation. These self-proclaimed, ‘Freedom Riders’ challenged the mores of a racially segregated society by performing a disarmingly simple act.
The Help — Aibileen Clark is a middle-aged African-American maid who has spent her life raising white children and has recently lost her only son; Minny Jackson is an African-American maid who has often offended her employers despite her family’s struggles with money and her desperate need for jobs; and Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan is a young white woman who has recently moved back home after graduating college to find out her childhood maid has mysteriously disappeared. These three stories intertwine to explain how life in Jackson, Mississippi revolves around “the help”; yet they are always kept at a certain distance because of racial lines.
Thurgood — This one-man play stars Laurence Fishburne in his Tony-nominated performance as Thurgood Marshall, the remarkable Civil Rights lawyer and Supreme Court Justice.
42 — The powerful story of Jackie Robinson, the legendary baseball player who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier when he joined the roster of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The film follows the innovative Dodgers’ general manager Branch Rickey, the MLB executive who first signed Robinson to the minors and then helped to bring him up to the show.
Black Panther — King T’Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country’s new leader. However, T’Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne by factions within his own country as well as without. Using powers reserved to Wakandan kings, T’Challa assumes the Black Panther mantle to join with ex-girlfriend Nakia, the queen-mother, his princess-kid sister, members of the Dora Milaje (the Wakandan ‘special forces’) and an American secret agent, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war.
12 Years a Slave — In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life.
The Butler — A look at the life of Cecil Gaines who served eight presidents as the White House’s head butler from 1952 to 1986, and had a unique front-row seat as political and racial history was made.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham — In the Summer of 1963, Flint, Michigan is home to the Watsons, a close-knit family. When 15-year-old Byron’s antics go over the top, his parents realize enough is enough and they decide the family needs a dose of Grandma Sands’ no-nonsense approach in Birmingham, Alabama. So the Watsons load up their 1948 Plymouth Brown Bomber and head South. When they finally make it to Birmingham, they meet Grandma Sands and her friend, Mr. Robert, and discover that life is very different there than in Flint. During that historic summer, the Watsons find themselves caught up in something far bigger than Byron’s antics; something that will change their lives and country forever.
Get On Up — A chronicle of James Brown’s rise from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential musicians in history.
Selma — “Selma,” as in Alabama, the place where segregation in the South was at its worst, leading to a march that ended in violence, forcing a famous statement by President Lyndon B. Johnson that ultimately led to the signing of the Voting Rights Act.
White Water — White Water is the story of a 7-year-old black kid in segregated 1963 Opelika, Alabama who becomes obsessed with the desire to taste the water from the “white’s only” drinking fountain and sets out on a quest to do the unthinkable: drink from it.
The Birth of a Nation — Nat Turner, a former slave in America, leads a liberation movement in 1831 to free African-Americans in Virginia that results in a violent retaliation from white people.
Hidden Figures — The untold story of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson – brilliant African-American women working at NASA and serving as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history – the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big.
Loving — The story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple, whose challenge of their anti-miscegenation arrest for their marriage in Virginia led to a legal battle that would end at the US Supreme Court.
Eyes on the Prize: Hallowed Ground — This documentary special honors Henry Hampton’s masterpiece Eyes on the Prize and conjures ancestral memories, activates the radical imagination and explores the profound journey for Black liberation through the voices of the movement.
Althea — Althea Gibson’s life and achievements transcend sports. A truant from the rough streets of Harlem, Althea emerged as a most unlikely queen of the highly segregated tennis world in the 1950s. Her roots as a sharecropper’s daughter, her family’s migration north to Harlem in the 1930s, mentoring from Sugar Ray Robinson, David Dinkins and others, and fame that thrust her unwillingly into the glare of the early Civil Rights movement, all bring her story into a much broader realm of the American story.
When They See Us (a Netflix original) – Based on events of the 1989 Central Park jogger case and explores the lives and families of the five Black and Latino male suspects who were falsely accused then prosecuted on charges related to the rape and assault of a white woman in Central Park, New York City.
The African-Americans: Many Rivers to Cross — This six-hour PBS series explores the evolution of the African-American people, as well as the multiplicity of cultural institutions, political strategies, and religious and social perspectives they developed – forging their own history, culture and society against unimaginable odds.
Good Hair — An exposé of comic proportions that only Chris Rock could pull off, GOOD HAIR visits beauty salons and hairstyling battles, scientific laboratories and Indian temples to explore the way hairstyles impact the activities, pocketbooks, sexual relationships, and self-esteem of the black community.
Slavery by Another Name — A documentary that recounts the many ways in which American slavery persisted as a practice many decades after its supposed abolition.
TV in Black: The First Fifty Years — The black image on television changed American culture. This two-hour program includes rare footage, memorabilia, photographs and exclusive interviews from the actors, writers, and producers whose personal journeys shaped television history.
The Black Power Mixtape 1967 – 1975 — Examines the evolution of the Black Power Movement in US society from 1967 to 1975. It features footage of the movement shot by Swedish journalists in the United States during that period and includes the appearances of Angela Davis, Bobby Seale, Huey P. Newton, Eldridge Cleaver, and other activists, artists, and leaders central to the movement.
Soundtrack for a Revolution — Tells the story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music – the freedom songs protesters sang on picket lines, in mass meetings, and in jail cells as they fought for justice and equality.
Black List: Volume One — As a new chapter begins in this country, THE BLACK LIST offers a dynamic and never-before-heard perspective from achievers of color. This series of inspired – and inspiring – observations on African-American life in the 21st century forms a roll call of some of the most compelling politicians, writers, thinkers and performers ever to tackle their fields of endeavor. Watch the interview-portraits and get a sharper snapshot of where this country has been and where it’s headed.
Dark Girls — Documentary exploring the deep-seated biases and attitudes about skin color—particularly dark-skinned women, outside of and within the Black American culture.
Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History — Kevin Hart highlights the fascinating contributions of black history’s unsung heroes in this entertaining — and educational — comedy special.
More Than a Month — More Than a Month is a feature documentary that follows 29-year old African American filmmaker, Shukree Hassan Tilghman on a cross-country campaign to end Black History Month.
Remember the Titans — After leading his football team to 15 winning seasons, coach Bill Yoast is demoted and replaced by Herman Boone – tough, opinionated and as different from the beloved Yoast as he could be. The two men learn to overcome their differences and turn a group of hostile young men into champions.
American Promise — In 1999, filmmakers Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson turned the camera on themselves and began filming their five-year-old son, Idris, and his best friend, Seun, as they started kindergarten at the prestigious Dalton School just as the private institution was committing to diversify its student body. Their cameras continued to follow both families for another 12 years as the paths of the two boys diverged—one continued private school while the other pursued a very different route through the public education system.
Hate Crimes in the Heartland — “Hate Crimes in the Heartland,” a feature documentary explores the 250,000 hate crimes committed in America each year through the powerful stories of two crimes committed in Tulsa, Oklahoma – over 90 years apart. Like no other documentary exploring this topic, “Hate Crimes in the Heartland” tells powerful stories of survivors, activists, leaders, and community members. The film explores current and past hate crimes in our nation, asking important questions related to social justice, and portrays the remarkable influence of the media on the justice system.
February One: The Story of the Greensboro Four — On February 1, 1960, four college students changed American history. Ezell Blair, Jr., David Richmond, Franklin McCain, and Joseph McNeil began a sit-in at a white-only lunch counter in Greensboro. This act of bravery is noted as one of the vital moments in the American Civil Rights Movement. Offering a portrait of how four young men whose courage led other non-violent protests through the 60s.
The Untold Story of Emmett Till — Never-before-seen testimony is included in this documentary on Emmett Louis Till, who, in 1955, was brutally murdered after he whistled at a white woman.
Nine from Little Rock — The Arkansas school integration crisis and the changes wrought in subsequent years. This film profiles the lives of the nine African-American students who integrated Central High in Little Rock, Arkansas, during the fall of 1957. The film documents the perspective of Jefferson Thomas and his fellow students seven years after their historic achievement. Central to this story is their quiet but brave entrance into Little Rock High, escorted by armed troops under the intense pressure of the on-looking crowd. We learn firsthand their impressions of the past and present and their hopes for the future. Their selfless heroism broke the integration crisis and pioneered a new era. This film went on to win an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Short in 1964.
4 Little Girls — On September 15, 1963, a bomb destroyed a black church in Birmingham, Alabama, killing four young girls who were there for Sunday school.
Neshoba — NESHOBA tells the story of a Mississippi town still divided about the meaning of justice, 40 years after the murders of civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner. Although Klansmen bragged openly about what they did in 1964, no one was held accountable until 2005, when the State indicted preacher Edgar Ray Killen, an 80-year-old notorious racist and alleged mastermind of the killings. Through intimate interviews with the families of the victims, candid interviews with black and white Neshoba County Citizens, and exclusive, first time interviews with Killen, the film explores whether healing and reconciliation are possible without telling the unvarnished truth.
Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson — The story of Jack Johnson, the first African American Heavyweight boxing champion.
Ruby Bridges — The true story of Ruby Bridges, an African-American girl who, in 1960 at age 6, helped to integrate the all-white schools of New Orleans. Although she was the only black girl to come to the school she was sent to, (and since all the white mothers pulled their children out of class, she was the only one there, period), and though she faced a crowd of angry white citizens every day, she emerged unscathed, physically or emotionally. Encouraged by her teacher, a white woman from the North named Barbara Henry, and her mother, Lucille, and with her own quiet strength, she eventually broke down a century-old barrier forever, a pivotal moment in the civil-rights movement
Black History Field Trip Ideas
Another fun way to immerse your kids in Black History is to attend events – both virtually and in-person.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
According to their website, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (which opened to the public in 2016) is the first and only national museum that’s devoted solely to documenting African American life, history, and culture. Because of COVID, this extension of the Smithsonian Institute does not currently host in-person events (as of February 2022). However, they often host online events and programs.
Starting in March 2022, they will also host Homeschool Connections, which will likely be very similar to their Classroom Connections programs. These programs are designed for elementary students and feature a 45-minute session, an interactive story time, and an art project.
National Great Blacks in Wax Museum
The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore, Maryland is home to over 150 life-size wax figures and a slave ship replica. It features exhibits that chronicle the African American experience — from ancient Africa and slavery to the present.
Frederick Douglass Driving Tour
Speaking of Maryland, if you’re ever in the area, you should strongly consider taking the Frederick Douglass Driving Tour. This self-paced road trip will take you to various places that helped shape the noted abolitionist’s character and life – including his birthplace, the site of his famous ‘Self-Made Me” speech, the town where he started a secret Sunday school that taught enslaved people how to read, and more. Learn more about the Frederick Douglass Driving Tour here.
3-Day “From Civil War to Civil Rights” Field Trip
If you ever get a chance to visit the nation’s capital, this 3-day itinerary is well worth following! If you follow the itinerary in full, by the end of the 3 days, you will have:
- Visited the hotel where Martin Luther King wrote his “I Have a Dream” speech
- Explored the National Archives, where Alex Haley conducted the research for his book, “Roots”
- Visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture (see the note above)
- Stopped by Black Lives Matter Plaza
- Honored the lives of soldiers, statesmen, civil rights leader Medgar Evers, and John F. Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery
- Visited Freedmen’s Village, which was the home of freed and fugitive slaves during and after the Civil War
- Visited the African American Civil War Memorial, which honors black soldiers who fought for freedom
- Visited Cedar Hill, the historic home of Frederick Douglass
Even if you’re only able to follow part of the itinerary, that’s still pretty awesome!
Visit National Parks That Showcase Black History
There are several national parks that do their part to share black history with visitors. Here’s a list to help you out:
Alabama
Tuskegee Airman National Historic Site
Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site
Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
Arkansas
Little Rock Central High School
Fort Smith National Historic Site
California
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Florida
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
Georgia
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
Illinois
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Kansas
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
Nicodemus National Historic Site
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Louisiana
Cane River Creole National Historical Park
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
Massachusetts
Booker T. Washington National Monument
Boston African American National Historic Site
Missouri
George Washington Carver National Monument
New York
African Burial Ground National Monument
Ohio
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
Pennsylvania
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Texas
Fort Davis National Historic Site
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Virginia
Colonial National Historical Park
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
Petersburg National Battlefield
Richmond National Battlefield Park
Washington, D.C.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
West Virginia
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Additional Black History Resources
Black History National Archives
International African American Museum
Association for the Study of African American Life & History
Black Scientists & Inventors at InfoPlease
Modern History of Blacks in Mathematics
A Kid’s Guide to African American History: More than 70 Activities
Best African-American History Apps and Websites
Listopia African American Book Lists
Black History Homeschool Lesson Plans from The Homeschool Mom
Black History Every Month Virtual Events
We hope this gives your family a wide range of ideas to explore and learn more about Black history! Comment below if you think there is something we should add to our extensive list of Black History Resources for Kids and Families.
