Black History Month for Kids: A Guide for Parents

Black History Month is celebrated every February, giving us the chance to honor and learn about the important leaders, heroes, and events that helped shape the world we live in today.  This blog is a guide on Black History Month for kids, helping parents teach their kids about Black History Month in an easy-to-understand way. It also gives tips on how to approach difficult topics, and why it is important to have these conversations with kids. 

What is Black History Month?

Black History Month is celebrated every February to honor the history, contributions, and achievements of Black Americans. It’s a time to learn about how Black people have changed the world, from the civil rights movement to great advances in art, science, and education. By remembering these important events, we can keep learning from these heroes and make the world a better place.

How Did Black History Month Start?

Black History Month started as a week-long celebration by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. He wanted to make sure that schools taught the history of Black Americans. Over time, this week grew into a month, and in 1976, it became an officially recognized celebration. February was chosen because two important figures in the fight for equality, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, were both born in this month.

How to Make Difficult Conversations About Race Age-Appropriate

Use Simple Language: For example, instead of saying “systemic racism,” explain that “sometimes people are treated unfairly because of their skin color, and that’s not right.”

Focus on the Positive: Emphasize heroes and role models who fought for equality, like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., and explain how they made the world better for everyone.

Share Stories: Reading books or watching age-appropriate shows about diversity is a great way to help them understand race. Check out THIS LIST of books and THIS LIST of movies for great content that presents these important topics in a way that’s easy for kids to understand.

Ask Questions: Encourage your child to ask questions and be open to answering them honestly, but in a way they can understand. You don’t have to give them every detail—just enough to start a meaningful conversation.

Use Examples from Everyday Life: You can use real-life situations, like how everyone should be treated kindly, and compare that to how we wouldn’t want someone to be excluded or picked on because of their race.

Reassure Them: Remind kids that it’s okay to feel confused, sad, or upset when learning about difficult topics like racism, and that asking questions is a good way to understand more.

Explaining Race to Kids

If this is your first time talking about race with your child, keep it simple and honest. You can say, “People have different skin colors, and that’s part of what makes the world special. But in the past, some people were treated unfairly because of their skin color. Black History Month helps us remember those wrongs and celebrate the people who fought for what’s right.” 

PBS has a great guide for talking about race and racism to young children that you can find online here: Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism.

Why Foster Families Should Teach About Black History Month

Foster families often care for kids from different backgrounds, and Black History Month is a great time to teach kids about the value of diversity. It helps children understand the importance of respecting all people, no matter where they come from. For kids in foster care, this celebration of diversity can be a reminder that their unique backgrounds are valued and respected, helping them feel empowered and supported as they navigate their journey in a new family. 

Celebrate Diversity Year-Round

While Black History Month is a great time to focus on learning about Black history, it’s important to keep celebrating diversity all year long. Use this month to start conversations about empathy, respect, and equality that can continue throughout the year. By teaching your kids to appreciate differences, you’ll help them develop values that will help them create a more inclusive and compassionate world.