February is Black History Month…
Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the impact and contributions made to history, art, culture, society, literature and beyond by Black Americans and the Madison community makes it easy to celebrate Black History Month with kids.
Here are some Black History Month events and activities going on this month in Madison you can enjoy with your kids.
1: BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Books will always be one of the best learning tools out there and the Madison Public Library system has no shortage of books available for kids to learn about Black History. Head to your local library and you’re likely to find a display with books at the ready, but feel free to ask your favorite librarian for further recommendations.
- Celebrating Black Joy for Kids and Teens – These books center on portraying Black joy in characters and stories that emphasize everyday living, a wide range of feelings, and positivity through growth in identity and community.
- Coretta Scott King Book Award Winning Titles for Children
- Black History Month Movie List on Kanopy
This year, the Madison Public Library is celebrating Black History Month with a variety of events, displays, and activities.
Goodman South Madison’s Friday Family Films
Fridays in February, 5:30-7:45pm | Goodman South Madison Library
Each month, the Goodman South Madison Library hosts family movie nights on Friday nights. During Black History Month, these films are focused on sharing Black stories throughout history. Snacks are provided at each event – all ages are welcome. Check out the lineup:
- Selma (January 19)
- Johnson Family Vacation (February 16)
Children’s African Story Hour
Mondays, Pinney Library, 3-4pm
- February 15
- February 19
The African Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is proud to present the Children’s African Story Hour series. Join us each week in a fun and relaxing atmosphere as we share award-winning children’s literature that celebrates the diversity of art, culture, food, and language across the African continent. Participants will engage in hands-on creative activities and will have the opportunity to sample different African cuisines. This program is free and for all ages of children & their families.
2: SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES
Madison is blessed to have a ton of local Black-owned businesses kids and adults alike will love and February is the perfect time to find a new favorite! Madison Black Chamber of Commerce is the area’s go-to resource for Black-owned businesses of all sorts, so start exploring and enjoying! Try a new restaurant, grab some tasty treats, get manicures, or just go shopping. There’s something for everyone in Madison.
Shop the 2nd Annual Minding My Black Owned Business Pop-up Shop
February 17, 12 – 3 pm
Elver Park Neighborhood Center – 1201 McKenna Blvd, Madison
More than 40 Black and Brown-owned small businesses will display their products for sale at Elver Park Neighborhood Center on Saturday, February 17 from 12-3 p.m. This pop-up shop honors Black and Brown entrepreneurship for Black History Month. There will be a raffle happening every 30 minutes which will include donated items from the vendors as well as gift cards.
3: LEGACY X – 10 YEARS OF CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
Legacy X commemorates 10 years of the campus-wide celebration of Black History Month at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. This month’s theme, Legacy X, looks back on what the Black community at UW–Madison has accomplished in the last decade. The goal is to celebrate past, present, and future Black students at UW–Madison who have — and always will — unapologetically take up space and always strive for excellence. Click here for the full list of events, including performances, film screenings, and more.
4: EXPLORE THE WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Wisconsin Historical Society is celebrating big moments in Wisconsin history, including the significant impact that African Americans have had on the history of the state. Learn about this impact through the articles, artifacts, and other important items below that help tell the story of African Americans in Wisconsin. The website has numerous online resources to explore, including a video library, and the Society has over 2,000 items related to African American history available to explore.
5: BLACK HERITAGE CELEBRATION AT MADISON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Madison Children’s Museum
100 N Hamilton St, Madison
February 22nd, 4 – 8 pm
Join Madison Children’s Museum on February 22, 4–8 pm to honor the contributions of Black people in our community with a celebration featuring Black artists, musicians, and leaders. Free admission from 4 to 8 pm, no event tickets required!
Enjoy performances from Leotha Stanley and local Ghanaian drumming group Atimevu, a hambone workshop with Nedra Bobo-Boyles, food from Madison Black-owned restaurants, crafts in the Art Studio, and a special museum-wide scavenger hunt!
6: GARVER FREE MOVIE NIGHT – THE LITTLE MERMAID
3241 Garver Green, Madison
February 24th, 6 pm
FREE admission
Bring the family and enjoy Garver’s Free Movie Night watching Little Mermaid on the big screen! In celebration of Black History Month, make a donation to The Center of Black Excellence and Culture and the popcorn is complimentary as a thank you.
