Study a different influential person each week
Each week, pick a different person who has influenced positive change for African Americans throughout the years and teach your kids the role they played in rewriting history. Spend time learning about what they specifically did to effect African American culture and discussing the differences they made. Some ideas of people to focus on include Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Visit the Children's Museum of Houston throughout the month
The Children's Museum of Houston is known for highlighting important dates and presenting them to kids in an engaging way, and Black History Month is no exception. Throughout the month of February, the museum has different exhibits designed to teach kids about key milestones in African American history as well as cultural activities and programs. Kids can come see The Talented Twenty perform the play "If These Walls Could Talk," or learn about the life of Harriet Tubman (which could coincide perfectly with the aforementioned learning about an influential person each week!), among other events happening at the Museum. For a full list of events, be sure to check the museum calendar. 

See Freedom Train by Express Children's Theater
In celebration of Black History Month, Express Children's Theater is performing Freedom Train throughout the month. The play follows a mother and son as they escape to the Underground Railroad to Mexico in 1844 and offers children a glimpse into life as a slave and the efforts taken to attain freedom. Shows are on Saturday, February 11, 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10. Children 2 and under are free.


Flyer courtesy of Express Children's Theater

Take a trip to the African-American Library at the Gregory School
A visit with the kids to The African American Library at the Gregory School is definitely in order during African American History Month, as the Gregory School was the first public school for African Americans in Houston. The Library is one of the few African American libraries in the country and contains a vast array of information surrounding the African American culture. It also features both special and permanent exhibits that expose visitors to African American heritage in a unique way.

Black History Month at Houston Public Library
Throughout the month of February, Houston Public Library is hosting an array of events celebrating Black History Month. Kids can enjoy movie viewings, story and craft time, exhibits and more as they learn about the African American culture and history and celebrate the many achievements and successes African Americans have experienced throughout the years. Find different branches of Houston Public Library here for specific event dates and times. 

View Black Girl at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Black Girl is a film about a young African woman who goes to work for a French couple expecting a new and exciting life, only to be confronted with harsh behavior and a stark new reality. The film, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, gives kids and families alike a glimpse into some of the hardships Africans have endured throughout the years and across the world and is a compelling way to show kids some of the hurdles African Americans have overcome. Black Girl is a French film with English subtitles, so it is better suited for older kids and teens. The running time for the film is 85 minutes. General admission tickets are $9 and can be purchased here. 

Photo courtesy of Janus Films

Create one new meal from African American culture each week 
Along with your studies of influential historical figures, you can dive into the African American culture by preparing a different African-inspired meal with your kids each week too. Not only can you use this as an opportunity to talk to your kids about different cultures and how each has influenced America in some way, but you may even find some new favorite ethnic-inspired meals.

Create Shrunken Chip Clips at South Houston Public Library
Celebrate African American Inventor George Crum, who is credited for creating the potato chip, by making chip clips from a shrunken potato chip bag at South Houston Public Library. After the craft is complete, the kids can enjoy a potato chip snack. The chip clip event is February 13 at 4:30 p.m. This activity is recommended for kids ages 6-12. Online event registration is available here. Additionally, all branches of Harris County Public Library will be hosting their own events to celebrate African American History Month. For more detailed information on what's being offered, be sure to contact your local branch. Location information can be found here. 

Tour the Buffalo Solider Museum
African American History Month is the perfect time to take the kids on a tour of the Buffalo Soldier Museum downtown, which is dedicated to providing the public with a glimpse into what life was and is like for African American armed forces personnel in the U.S., also known as Buffalo Soldiers. In addition to different exhibits, the Museum also offers a Reenactor Program, where actors portray the lives of Harriet Tubman and different Buffalo Soldiers. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, seniors and military personnel. Children 5 and under are free. Visitors can also enjoy free admission on Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. 

Photo courtesy of Buffalo Solider Museum

And for more resources, check out our recommendations for inspiring children's books that celebrate African Americans.

Top image courtesy of Janus Films