We want to celebrate Black History Month with our families of young children in the Bay Area, but this year things will look a bit different. Read on for some great virtual events, storytimes, dance performances, as well as movies and books! We’ll be adding new kid-friendly activities as we find them.
Black History Celebration Activities & Outings | Movies to watch with kids | Books to read with kids
Looking for some new restaurants to try? Be sure to peruse our round-up of Black-owned restaurants in the East Bay.
Black History Month Activities & Events in the Bay Area
Performance: Stories of My People, San Francisco Public Library
Thursday, January 28, 2 pm – 2:45 pm
Through the San Francisco Public Library’s YouTube Live channel, experience long-time teller Kirk Waller as he skillfully blends music, movement and the spoken word and spins tales from near and far, past and present, folktales and truth. For kids and their families. More info here >>
Sponsor
Black Joy Treasure Hunt
All February Long. Embark on a Black Culture Treasure Hunt throughout the City of Oakland with your older kids. This free, hybrid scavenger hunt gives you clues both in person and on a cell phone related to Black culture landmarks, art installations, and locally-owned businesses. The hyper-positive Oakland non-profit behind the Black Joy Parade is is behind this event. Get tickets here >>
Songstress Faye Carol performs Black Music Through the Ages and more
- Thursday Feb. 4, 1-2 pm The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol performs on a livestream for Oakland Public Schools featuring Oakland rapper, Mistah F.A.B.
- Thursday, Feb. 25, 1-2 pm Ms. Carol performs on a livestream for Berkeley Public Schools featuring pianist, Joe Warner.
- More information here >>
African Dance Class (Congolese) with LaKiesha Golden, Oakland Public Library
Saturday, February 6, 2 pm – 3:15 pm
If you like to move, have fun, dance, try something new, then check out the Oakland Library’s Congo style Dance online class with dancer LaKiesha Golden. Soukous music and Ndombolo dance hails from the heart of Africa, the Congo! Email akokodoko@oaklandlibrary.org for Zoom link. More information here >>
Akoma Outdoor Market, East Oakland
Sunday, February 7 & 23, 10 am – 3 pm
An outdoor market in East Oakland at the corner of Foothill and 73rd Avenue. The market will be relaunching on Sunday, February 7th! Support local black farmers and entrepreneurs. Please note that from February – April, the market will occur on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. More information here >>
Performance: Diane Ferlatte Storytelling, San Francisco Public Library
Thursday, February 11, 2 pm – 2:45 pm
Through stories, songs, sign language, humor and audience participation, Grammy-nominated storyteller Diane Ferlatte brings her tales to life while accompanied by her musical sidekick Erik Pearson. Enjoy stories and songs that have African and African American roots, that touch upon our common humanity, history and culture. For kids and their families. More information here >>
Family Tap Dance Workshop with Quynn Johnson, Berkeley Public Library
Saturday, February 13, 10:30am-11:00am
At virtual event through the Berkeley Public Library, you’ll learn a bit about the history of tap dance, watch award-winning performing and teaching artist Quynn Johnson show us some steps and then get up and learn some steps too! Registration for this program will open in late January. A Zoom link will be sent out the afternoon before the program. More information here >>
Sponsor
Workshop: Hambone, The Body Drum and The Rhythm Connection, San Francisco Public Library
Thursday, February 18, 6 pm – 7 pm
What is Hambone and why was it created? Where does the name come from, and what is its significance? Explore these questions and increase your awareness of the history and art of Hamboone with Unique Derique in an interactive performance-workshop. Express your own Hambone musical style in a fun, non-competitive atmosphere. For families. More information here >>
Author: Torrey Maldonado, San Francisco Public Library
Wednesday, February 24, 4 pm – 4:30 pm
Meet Torrey Maldonado, teacher and author of middle grade titles, Tight, Secret Saturdays and What Lane?, that discuss friendship, race, school life and city life. Best for middle school and teen kids. More information here >>
Black History Movies to Watch with Kids
Hidden Figures
I watched Hidden Figures with my 9-year old son after he read this book. We both really enjoyed it and would recommend it if you haven’t seen it yet. Common Sense Media has also put together a list of 6 movies to watch with your family for Black History Month, including handy-dandy age recommendations. See the list for ages 9+ here >>
Queen of Katwe
Queen of Katwe is a 2016 movie based on the true story of a young girl in Uganda who discovers she has quite a talent for the game of chess. Since The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix is a bit mature for most kids, try this inspiring story to get your kids excited about chess and more familiar with kids of different cultures. Best for kids ages 10+. Watch it on Amazon or Disney+
Black Panthers, Oakland Museum of California
This video features Black Panther Party members and young activists, artists, poets, and community advocates answering questions and reflecting on the Black Panther Party legacy and how it resonates today. Recommended for ages 12+. Watch it here >>
Black History Month Books to Read with Kids
Oakland Public Library Black History Book List for Kids
If you’re seeking children’s books that honor and celebrate African-American history, Oakland Public Library has what you need! The following staff recommendations are perfect to share with your kiddos year-round, and especially in observance of African-American History Month. See the recommendations here >>
Oakland Public Library Black Panther Syllabus
Teachers and students can explore the Oakland Library’s Black Panthers syllabus featuring books, films, audio and lesson plans for Grades K-12. Check it out here >>
San Francisco Public Library Book Recommendations
The San Francisco Public Library wants us to go beyond Black History as merely a month. Check out their comprehensive list of children’s books that celebrate Black History, culture and heritage. Find the list here >>
Storyline Online Black History Books
This free online storytelling resource, where famous people read books, is offering a great collection of black stories that celebrate black voices for Black History Month. Check it out here >>
