Parenting Coach & MKE With Kids Editor Liz Brown shares 10 ways to celebrate Black History Month in Milwaukee and year-round.
It’s Black History Month!
We take this month to honor the culture, contributions, achievements, and overall history of all African Americans. It’s never too early (or too late) to begin celebrating and educating your kids on all Black people from all periods of United States history.
African American artists, writers, politicians, activists, scientists, and many more have made countless contributions to create a better world for us all. We can take this time to help our kids understand why it’s important to focus on Black history, not just this month, but all year long.
Here are some events and exhibits going on this month around Milwaukee, and more ideas to celebrate with your kids:
1. Black History Month Reading Challenge
Read, read, and read some more!
Build your home library with books celebrating Black culture and diverse characters. These books should be accessible and read to your kids not just this month, but year round.
To get started, visit Rooted MKE, a BIPOC children’s bookstore, or check out the Milwaukee Public Library’s Black History Month Reading Challenge.
2. Visit the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum
2620 W. Center St., Milwaukee, WI 53206
wbhsm.org
The Wisconsin Black Historical Society is in its 30th year of preserving Wisconsin’s African American history.
Current exhibits include Work’n In The Promised Land: The African American Labor Experience in Wisconsin, and Ancient Eqypt to Modern Milwaukee. See the world unfold before your eyes, from ancient Egyptian civilization to early African American settlers in rural Wisconsin.
A larger-than-life mural provides a glimpse of modern life of African Americans in Milwaukee.
3. Say “Hi” to The Watsons at Milwaukee Public Museum
800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53233
mpm.edu
Visit the Museum during Black History Month and learn about the Watson family! Sully and Susanna Watson took their family from the oppressive conditions of antebellum Virginia in 1834 and, after several years in Ohio, arrived in Milwaukee in 1850.
Through skilled labor and business entrepreneurship, the couple played a vital role in establishing Milwaukee’s black middle class. You’ll find the replica Watson House in the Streets of Old Milwaukee exhibit.
4. Black History Month at Milwaukee Film
Oriental Theater, 2230 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202
mkefilm.org
Milwaukee Film’s Sixth annual Black History Month celebration will showcase engaging and entertaining film screenings and conversations curated by the Black Lens program throughout February.
5. Under African Skies
UWM Manfred Olson Planetarium, 1900 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211
uwm.edu/planetarium
Experience stars, stories, and cultural perspectives across the expansive African continent. Each Friday from Feb 9 – 23 will feature a different guest speaker who will talk about their country, culture, and connections to the night sky. Enjoy treats from Immy’s African Cuisine after the programs.
The program will include an indoor stargazing session of the night sky followed by the opportunity to ask questions. Not recommended for children under 4.
6. Visit the Black Holocaust Museum
401 W. North Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53212
abhmuseum.org
This new facility can be found in Milwaukee’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood, at the corner of Vel R. Phillips and North Avenue.
Inspiring new exhibits take visitors on a chronological journey through more than 400 years of African American history, from pre-captivity to the present.
7. Make Arts and Crafts in Honor of Black History Month
There are so many arts and crafts you can make with your kids to celebrate Black History Month (hello Pinterest!).
Participate in the activity with your kids; explain what you’re making/coloring and why you’re doing it, keep their artwork and save it over the years to put on your fridge every year.
8. Connect Black History to Areas of Interest
Think about your kids and their interests or hobbies. Are your kids into music? Sports? Art? Match their interest with Black contributors in that field.
For example, if your kids love music, host a dance party featuring different styles of Black music throughout the ages. In the mood for food? There are many Black-owned southern inspired cuisine spots in the Milwaukee area.
9. Support Black Owned Businesses
This is a very simple and straightforward way to make a difference, not just this month, but all year round.
From beautifully designed dolls and books to thoughtfully made baby clothes and products, there are amazing Black-owned businesses with high quality products for you and your kids.
Include your kids in the experience by letting them choose a product from the Black-owned business.
Beyond your wallet, there are ways to show support that don’t cost you a penny such as viewing and/or following Black-owned business websites and social media channels. Even more simple, you can ask the business directly what they need from you to show support.
To find black-owned businesses in Milwaukee, head to mkeblack.org.
10. Start Conversations
Simply talk to your kids; help your kids understand the fight for justice and the hard truths. Discuss the history of unfair treatment towards Black people due to the color of their skin. Discussing the fight for justice encourages empathy.
Whether you have babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school agers, or teens, there are age appropriate terms you can use to have these discussions or tools you can use to introduce them to the conversation.
No matter what you choose to do with your kids for Black History Month, it’s important to make any and all activities fun, memorable, and intentional.
Let’s help our kids see the value in learning about Black history, and see that all Black is beautiful.
Did we miss any Black history events? Let us know by emailing hello@mkewithkids.com.
