People in America celebrate National Black History Month every February and it's the perfect time to pay tribute to the culture, history, heritage, and accomplishments of the African-American community. Because Black History Month 2012 kicks off today, here’s a bit of history, free printables and activities for kids, plus events in Atlanta.
History of Black History Month:
Black History Month, also known as National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.
National Black History Month Printables and Activities for Kids:
There are a ton of websites that offer free printables and coloring pages, plus activities, worksheets, games, word searches and more. To help your own child understand the significance of National Black History Month, here are a few good online resources.
- NickJr.com: Choose from free printables and coloring pages, plus cards about famous African-American leaders, inventors and athletes.
- Homeschooling.com: This website offers a free “Famous Firsts” word search geared towards National Black History Month.
- TeacherVision.com: This site is packed with learning activities, coloring pages and more for grades K-5, 6-8 and 7-12.
- Education.com: Choose from a variety of free pages including a Phyllis Wheatley coloring sheet, plus lessons on the Harlem Renaissance, the Underground Railroad, the history of blues and more.
- ABCTeach.com: This site offers more than a dozen different free worksheets and a Rosa Parks shape book for younger kids.
Black History Month Events in Atlanta:
So, what does Atlanta have planned to celebrate National Black History Month in 2012? Public service announcements have already begun airing on local TV stations. A parade and festival are in the works. In addition, to help your own family celebrate National Black History Month, a trip to Atlanta’s Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial may be just the ticket to educational family fun.
Black History Month Parade and Festival in Atlanta
Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
The 2012 Black History Month Parade and Festival will be held in the historic MLK/Sweet Auburn District of Atlanta. It will feature marching bands, entertainers, dignitaries, civic groups, non-profits, celebrities, corporate groups, entertainment and fun for the whole family. The post-parade festival will include live entertainers, live arts performers and artists, public speakers, comedians, food, beverages, art and family oriented programs.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Atlanta
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and Memorial includes a number of facilities that are operated in partnership with the National Park Service, Ebenezer Baptist Church and The King Center. Within these facilities, families can learn about Dr. King, one of Atlanta's most famous African-American residents ever, and his influence on others.
The Peace Plaza is the area between the National Park Service Visitor Center and Auburn Avenue. The focal points of the beautifully landscaped plaza area are the Martin Luther King, Jr. "I Have a Dream" World Peace Rose Garden, which includes inspirational messages of peace composed by students from local Atlanta schools, and a flowing water fountain. Also located in the plaza is the "BEHOLD" statue. While at The King Center, be sure to visit the final resting place of Dr. King Jr.
The King Memorial is located at 450 Auburn Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30312. For more information, call (404) 331-5190. In the winter months, the park opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. daily. The first tour of Dr. King's Birth Home starts at 10:00 a.m. and the last tour for the day is at 5:00 p.m. The Birth Home tour lasts 30 minutes and is conducted every hour.
Sources: History.com, nps.gov
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