I’ll keep this as simple as I can today with some ideas for ‘Black History Month Movies for Kids.’
I’m not brief and simple by any stretch of the imagination. And if you know me IRL, you’ll attest to this.
Today is February 1st, which means it’s Black History Month.
National Geographic states this about the month:
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in United States history. Also known as African American History Month, 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.
As the kids were getting ready for school today, I said, “Guys – it’s February 1st. Do you know what that means for the month?”
Maya said, “It’s mommy’s birthday month!!!!!!!” (Yes, she did it with a hundred exclamations points, per the usual.)
To which I responded, “Well yes, true. But that’s not what I’m talking about.”
Isaiah said, “We’re going to Roatan this month!”
To which I responded, “No, buddy. Not until April as we’ve discussed approximately 7,035 times.”
And then I said, “It’s Black History Month. And we are going to learn everything we can about it, together, this month.”
Celebrating THEM
I’m not going to sit here and pretend I know very much on the topic of Black History Month, but for the first time in my life I can tell you that, without a doubt, I’m going to learn as much as I can.
…..because I’m here to celebrate THEM – my three priceless and precious little angels.
I once wrote a post (which has now been simply saved for the archives) that was titled, “Are These the Easy Days?” This was when they were all babies – 0, 1, and 2. Those days were so hard….for me. But even back then I had the insight to fully understand that perhaps those were actually going to be considered “easy” compared to what might lie ahead.
And my insight was spot on.
This past year has opened my eyes in a way like never before. It was never my intention to have a futuristic blindfold on, but when you’re not in the thick of it, it’s hard not to.
But here I am, and here we are, and the blindfold has quickly been tossed in the dump.
My mama bear claws have been exposed, and, while I’m not always proud of my responses to the way people stare at (may have dropped a fast and quick ‘F’ bomb in front of my mother the other day!) or the things people say to my children, they are there – and I am who I am.
I don’t care if you have white, pink, green, or black children — I would hope you can understand these mama instincts.
These days, I keep my circle super tight and rarely do I share about these lame stares, awful words, or even physical gestures.
But I will say this — right now, my only prerogative for motherhood is to celebrate my children as they are. And to help them know that they are worth celebrating. And that we can do it together; learning and growing, and mayyyyybbbeeeee even helping others understand more about their own blindspots.
Black History Month Movies for Kids
Click HERE to save this list for later.
While it might seem odd that I’m starting here, my kids love watching a great movie and at the end of the day, they are still young. I’m trying to meet them where they are.
So here’s what’s on our list:
- “Hair Love” (2019)
- “March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World” (2010)
- “Our Friend, Martin” (1999)
- “The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
- “The Lion King” (1944)
- “Cool Runnings” (1993)
- “The Watsons Go To Birmingham” (1963)
- “Garrett’s Gift” (2007)
- “Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story” (2015) – I think Maya is going to love this one!
- “A Ballerina’s Tale” (2015)
- “Imitation of Life” (1959 film) – might be a little advanced, but I think Samarah will really enjoy this one
- “Soul” (2020)
- “Project Mc²” (2015)
- “Akeelah and the Bee” (2006)
- “Remember the Titans” (2000)
- “The Journey of Henry Box Brown” (2005)
- “And the Children Shall Lead” (1988)
Note: remember our kids are young; they are only 7, 8 and 10. All of the above are geared more for the younger ages.
As we watch them, I’ll update this list with my thoughts (and theirs?) So in case you’re curious, just bookmark this post and come back to it.
Or better yet, grab your own kids, and watch them, too!
Xox,
SKH
2 Responses
I’m 49 years old, and these movies are great for me too! Thank you for honoring your children’s powerful roots and heritage. We all need these reminders—every day of the year.
Thank you so much! 🙂 p.s. I literally read through your ENTIRE website after you sent me the email. And it was powerful. I’m waiting for the next post!