Black History Month is an opportunity for families to honor the contributions of Black people throughout US History. It honors all Black people, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa to present day. It’s also a great time to reflect on the resiliency and courage of Black people- and to consider the role we all play in creating a more equitable future for all.
PBS Parents has a fantastic article and resources for families:
“Instead of shying away from hard truths, help your child understand the resiliency of Black women and men by discussing the history of unfair and differential treatment towards Black people due to their skin color. Discussing Black people’s achievements within their fight for justice and equity encourages empathy and understanding — and teaches children how to connect their personal experiences with the experiences of others:
Check out this guide on Common Sense Media.
Looking for more? TONS of events around the state- and we’ve got a list, of course!
Thursdays in February: Studio @ 4, New Britain Museum of American Art
Studio@4 exposes kids ages 9-12 to various art-making processes and techniques. Join us on Thursdays from 4-5:30 p.m. each month to work with different guest artists and master a new medium! During the month of February, young artists will learn about the lives and artistic processes of Black artists whose artworks are currently on view at the Museum.
Feb 6: Black History Month Family Storytime, Hartford Public Library*
For Children 5 and under. Sing songs, hear stories, and have fun while building literacy skills in your young child.
Feb 6: Black History Month: Learning Through Food, Hartford Public Library*
Join us for a month long series event where we will learn about Black History through making and enjoying food. For our first event we will be making Banana Pudding and talking about the Black Panther free breakfast program.
Feb 6: IMANI WINDS at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts
Celebrating over a quarter century of music making, the twice Grammy nominated Imani Winds has led both a revolution and evolution of the wind quintet through their dynamic playing, adventurous programming, and imaginative collaborations. The ensemble’s playlist embraces traditional chamber music repertoire and newly commissioned works from voices that reflect historical events and the times in which we currently live.
Free for CT Kids under 18 too!
Feb 9: Black Broadway at the Palace Theater
Celebrate the remarkable contributions of Black artists to the world of theater during this special Broadway musical review.
Featuring a dynamic mix of performances, Black Broadway will showcase iconic Broadway hits and hidden gems that highlight the talent and legacy of Black voices throughout history. Spend an evening listening to a tribute of the mosaic of voices that have sculpted not just Broadway, but also the narrative of American culture
Feb 10: Wadsworth Second Saturday: Celebrate Black History Month*
Explore The Amistad Center for Art & Culture’s exhibition Love Overflowing: Home and the Décor of Freedom and learn how notable Black Americans designed their homes to reflect their achievements and progress. Create a power performer cape inspired by musical icon Marian Anderson and learn about the opera singer’s careful consideration of her stage clothing in the exhibition Marian Anderson: Dressed for Success. Join an interactive drum circle workshop with musician and educator Lance Kamau James.
Feb 10: Black History Month Event, Enfield Public Library*
Ujima African American Alliance brings a unique Black History Month event to Enfield Library!
All Feb: Stamford Library Black History Month Celebration*
Tons of events all February long – movie screenings, stories, art, and so much more in Stamford!
All Feb: Bridgeport Library Black History Month Celebration*
The Bridgeport Public Library Celebrates Black History Month 2024. Throughout the month of February, please visit our library locations for book displays and exhibits celebrating Black history. Please join us at some or all of these events for the whole family:
All Feb: Hartford Public Library Black History Month Celebrations*:
I was going to list these individually, but there are SO MANY- from food exploration, to puzzles, to bingo, to stories and everything in between- they’ve got some WONDERFUL things planned.
