Black History Month for Kids and Families in the Bay Area

We want to celebrate Black History and Culture Month with our families of young children in the Bay Area. But remember, families can recognize, discuss, and celebrate Black history and joy all year long. Find events, storytimes, dance performances, as well as movies and books! If you, personally, need a massive infusion in Black History, I recommend The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story to fill in the gaps.

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

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Social Justice Children's Book Fair
Location: Emerson Elementary School, Oakland – 4803 Lawton Ave Oakland
Are you looking for unique, diverse children’s books by local authors and illustrators? The seventh annual Bay Area Social Justice Children's Book Fair is here! Meet authors and illustrators, get…
Time: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cost: Free

The Day You Begin, BACT

Bay Area Children’s Theatre (BACT) presents a musical based on the popular children’s picture book by Jacqueline Wood. The show is 50 minutes long and is family friendly (recommended for kids 5+). Weekend performances in Berkeley February 4 through March 12, plus shows in San Francisco March 18 and 19. $32-$35 per person.

32 Children’s Activities for Black History Month, Britt Hawthorne

Author of Raising Antiracist Children: A Practical Parenting Guide, Britt Hawthorne shares dozens of activities parents can initiate to help children experience Black History Month. Families with infants to teens will find inspiration from her thoughtful and age-appropriate activities. Britt’s Instagram page is also a lovely resource. See the full list >>

Black History Month Books to Read with Kids

Black Children’s Book Week (February 26 – March 4)

Black Children’s Book Week is a global celebration of Black children and the people who ensure Black children are represented in books and other children’s media. Learn more about the week and how to celebrate with your children, from joining a virtual event to purchasing books from a local Black bookstore (like The Multicultural Children’s Bookstore or Marcus Books).  See more >>

Oakland Public Library Black Joy Book List for Kids

If you’re seeking children’s books and media that celebrate African-Americans, check out the Black Joy book list from the librarians at Oakland Public Library. See the recommendations here >>

Oakland Public Library Black Superhero Comic Book List for Kids

Celebrate Black representation in comics for children (and adults), from DC to Marvel and others. See the full list >>

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 2023 here >>

Favorite 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 Art & Exhibits On View

Black Power, OMCA

Explore moments of the Black Power movements in California. This ongoing exhibit features photographs, posters, paintings, interactive prompts and more. See more details >>

Angela Davis-Seize The Time, OMCA

Learn about Angela Davis, a political activist with ongoing involvement in the civil rights and Black liberation movements. This exhibit takes a deeper look of her life through the lens of race, gender, economics, and policy. On view until June 11, 2023. See more details >>

Visions Toward Tomorrow: The African American Community in Oakland, 1890-1990, African American Museum and Library at Oakland

Families are invited to explore this long-term exhibition that examines a century of African Americans’ lives as their built community and fought for social justice and freedom in Oakland. Learn more about the exhibit and tour the museum & library >>

Art of the African Diaspora 2023, Richmond Art Center

Visit Richmond Art Center to view Art of the African Diaspora 2023, an exhibit that supports artists of African descent in the Bay Area through representation, professional development, and building a creative community. Runs now through March 18, 2023. Learn more >>

Remembrance Project, Richmond Art Center

This exhibit displays a collection of textile-based art in remembrance of community members who have been lost to violence. Runs now through March 18, 2023. Learn more >>

African-Americans in the Military, USS Hornet

Learn about learn amazing African-Americans who contributed to the U.S. Military and NASA. The exhibit was created by the Walking Ghosts of Black History in partnership with the National Park Service and the USS Hornet Museum. Open throughout the month of February, with a special opening event February 4. More information >>