February is Black History month and while I am a big advocate in celebrating all types of diversity year-round, there are some great opportunities this month to dig into African American history and culture.
Black History Month Events
The Children’s Theater of Cincinnati’s TCT on Tour presents “Harriet Tubman: Straight Up Outta the Underground”
(This show is scheduled for March, but grab your tickets now so you don’t miss out.)
- March 14, 2020 at 2:00pm
- March 15, 2020 at 2:00pm
For tickets and more information, click here.
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
There are tons of great events at various library branches throughout the city including family storytime, Massai African drummers, and Hip Hop classes.
Check out the full listing on their website here.
Cincinnati Art Museum Gallery Experiences
- February 6, 2020, at 7 pm; Moving Images, Daughters of the Dust
- February 8, 2020, at 11 am; Audio Description Tour: Black History Month
- February 8, 2020, at 1 pm; Sketching Tour: African American Artists
For details and a full list of events, click here.
Black History Month Field Trips
Take a field trip to one of these spots in and around Cincinnati to experience some history of the Underground Railroad and slavery.
Rankin House
While this does not open up again for tours until May, this is a great place to put on your bucket list to check out with your kids.
John Parker House
The John P. Parker Historical Society, Inc was founded in 1996 to preserve his legacy. You can find more information here.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
This is an awesome stop for the whole family. Click here to find out more.
Black History Month Artists and Books
Check some books out of the library or do some research on your own to explore the life and artwork of these well-known African American artists:
- Faith Ringgold
- Romare Bearden
- Jacob Lawrence
There are so many great books out there on topics of history, equality, and celebrating diversity. Here is a short list for you to check out this month.
- Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters by Andrea Davis Pinkney
- Malcom Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcom X by Ilyasah Shabazz
- We March by Shane W. Evans
- Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford
- Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History by Walter Dean Myers
- Rosa by Nikki Giovanni
- Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride by Andrea Davis Pinkney
- Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney
- Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
- The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
- Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
Celebrating Diversity Year Round
A good way to celebrate diversity is to pay attention to the books and toys your kids own. Do they have diverse cultures, skin colors, abilities, etc. represented? Make an effort to teach your kids about historical figures from different cultures and backgrounds other than your own. It is so vital to make diversity and celebrating differences a part of your everyday conversations!
What are some ways you celebrate diversity in your home?
