Now more than ever, it’s important for us all learn a little bit more about Black history. For Black History Month, kids can learn about important contributions by Black people in history, gain new skills from Black educators and creators, and tour some important historical landmarks from home. These classes from our favorite museums as well as educators at Outschool, Airbnb and KidPass are a great way for the whole family to learn something new this month.
Why Do We Celebrate Black History Month?
In this lesson, students will learn about the origins of Black History Month, the importance of why its celebrated and where it's celebrated. Best for ages 6-11.Â
Cost: $10
Dates: Meets once, various dates in February
Online: outschool.com
Influential Women of Color from History
In this class, learn about role models, activists and women who changed the world.
Cost: $13
Dates: Meets weekly on Mondays
Online: outschool.com
African American Storytime: Before She Was Harriet
This class is based on the book Before She Was Harriet. The style of the class is re-enactment performances and it is suitable for all ages.
Cost: $11
Dates: Meets once, various dates available
Online: outschool.com
Frederick Douglass: Agitator Exhibit
Originally on view at the American Writers Museum in 2019, Frederick Douglass: Agitator is now available virtually. Visitors can see the original content from the exhibit that explores the later life of writer and orator Frederick Douglass, learn about his use of portraiture, download curriculum and more.
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
The Origins of Black History Month
This class details the history of Black History Month in America, including some little-known facts, and why the month was created. Best for ages 10-15
Cost: $15
Dates: Meets once, various dates available
Online: outschool.com
The FunikiJam Show Celebrates Black Musicians: NEW ORLEANS Mardi Gras Edition
Last year they were Off-broadway and On-tour with their own original musicals, but now you can dance, sing, play and learn with the FunikiJam cast in online programs that are part high-energy class and part interactive live show (a 2021 Best of NYC Music Class).
This special edition features Zydeco music - a blend of Afro Caribbean Rhythms, Creole Culture and French language, original FunikiJam songs, stories, and rhymes about New Orleans Culture, and adaptations of African American folk songs like This Train is Bound for Glory.
Cost: $10
Online: KidPass.com 2/19 - 3:30PM ET |Â KidPass.com 2/24 - 3:30PM ET
Living History@Home: Black Women's Club Movement
The New York Historical Society invites kids to learn about black women, like Ida B. Wells, and meet other leaders and activists portrayed by historical interpreters.
Cost: Free
Date: Feb. 5
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Black History Basics
Every Wednesday in February, Nareissa Smith, a former law professor and a journalist who writes about racial and gender justice issues, will be hosting educational classes on African American History—in partnership with Varsity Tutors, a live-learning platform.Â
The first class Black History Basics: Life in Africa & the Beginnings of Slavery (2/3) will explore how Africans created vibrant, fascinating cultures, long before ever coming to America. In this interactive lesson, students will learn about these African civilizations and their extraordinary contributions to global trade, technology, and culture. Then students will examine the beginnings of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the arrival of Africans in the Americas.
February 10 - Slavery Facts vs. Fiction
February 17 - The Promise & Failure of Freedom
February 24 - Civil Rights & Beyond
Black History Month at The Field Museum
The Field Museum will be hosting a variety of online programs throughout February that highlight and amplify Black voices and stories. The live and pre-recorded events include a mix of Black History-themed behind-the-scenes tours, virtual exhibition viewings, and panel discussions with museum scholars for museum fans, educators, and students to enjoy. Find all the events here.Â
Tour Boston's Black Heritage Trail
Fourteen historic sites are included in this virtual tour, among them are former residences, schools, businesses, churches of this thriving black community as well as several stations on the Underground Railroad, along which escaped slaves fled from the South to freedom in the North and in Canada.
Cost: Free
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
The FunikiJam Show Celebrates Black Musicians: NASHVILLE MUSIC CITY Edition
Last year they were Off-broadway and On-tour with their own original musicals, but now you can dance, sing, play and learn with the FunikiJam cast in online programs that are part high-energy class and part interactive live show (a 2021 Best of NYC Music Class) .
This special edition features country music from Black Musicians like Charlie Pride and Darius Rucker mixed with original FunikiJam songs, stories, and rhymes about farm animals and country culture. Ages 2-7.Â
Cost: $10
Online: KidPass.com 2/12 - 3:30PM ET |Â KidPass.com 2/18 - 3:30PM ETÂ
Black History Month Camp: Contributions to Society
In this 4 Week Black History Month Camp, your learner will explore the impact and contributions that Black Americans have made in society from technology, to music, to entertainment and sports. Ages 7-10.
Cost: $60
Dates: meets 4 times, various dates available
Online: outschool.com
Explore Kenyan Cuisines, Culture & Music
The best meals are home-cooked and thanks to the magic of the Internet, you can learn how to make Kenyan cuisines from scratch with ingredients and materials from your own kitchen! In this interactive experience, learn how to prepare authentic Kenyan cuisines all using the techniques from the chef's family own recipes. A fun family experience!Â
Cost: $31
Date: various dates available
Online: airbnb.com
The FunikiJam Show Celebrates Black Musicians: PARIS JAZZ and ZOUK Edition
Last year they were Off-broadway and On-tour with their own original musicals, but now you can dance, sing, play and learn with the FunikiJam cast in online programs that are part high-energy class and part interactive live show (a 2021 Best of NYC Music Class) .
This special edition features jazz, swing & zouk music from black musicians (who lived in Paris to escape oppression), original FunikiJam songs, stories, and rhymes about Paris Culture, and clever adaptations of French folk songs like Free Jacques. Ages 2-7.Â
Cost: $10
Online: KidPass.com 2/9 - 3:30PM ET |Â KidPass.com 2/17 - 3:30PM ET |Â KidPass.com 2/26 - 3:30PM ET
Track Star Training with Anyika Onuora
Are you ready to train with an Olympian?
Anyika Onuora will take you through an exciting, virtual HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workout that includes a warmup, rest breaks, and a cool down. After the workout, she’ll be sharing her journey in sport and what it took for her to achieve her dreams, including how she won my Olympic medal even after contracting Malaria ten months prior. Wrap up the session with a Q&A and you’ll also see the shiny medals she won.
Cost: $26
Dates: various dates available
Online: airbnb.com
The FunikiJam Show Celebrates Black Musicians: MOTOR CITY MOTOWN Edition
Last year they were Off-broadway and On-tour with their own original musicals, but now you can dance, sing, play and learn with the FunikiJam cast in online programs that are part high-energy class and part interactive live show (a 2021 Best of NYC Music Class) .
This special edition features music from Motown Superstars like Diana Ross & the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson 5 mixed with original FunikiJam songs, stories, and rhymes about transportation and construction. Ages 2-7.Â
Cost: $10
Online: KidPass.com 2/5 - 3:30PM ET |Â KidPass.com 2/10 - 3:30PM ET |Â KidPass.com 2/16 - 3:30PM ET |Â KidPass.com 2/25 - 3:30PM ET
Black History Month Read Aloud
In this class, your kiddo will get to listen to stories that celebrate Black History Month!
Cost: $5
Dates: Meets once, various dates available
Online: outschool.com
African American Women in STEM
This class will introduce your kiddo to 10 African American women pioneers in STEM.Â
Cost: $10 per class
Dates: Meets weekly on Fridays
Online: outschool.com
Black History Month: Bessie Coleman
Get ready to learn about the first African American woman to become a licensed pilot and make paper airplanes.
Cost: $10 per class
Dates: Meets once, various dates available
Online: outschool.com
—Taylor Clifton & Kate Loweth
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