February is Black History Month. The following websites celebrate and honor our African-American heritage with Black History Month educational activities for kids.

In the United States, Black History Month is celebrated annually in February. Other countries also pay homage by honoring African-Americans. Canadians celebrate “African Heritage Month” annually in February while the UK celebrates and honors “Black History Month” every October.

In the United States, Black History Month began in 1926. Known as “Negro History Week”, the celebration lasted one week. In 1972, the name “Negro History Week” was re-titled “Black History Week”. Since 1976, the week-long celebration was expanded to four weeks and is celebrated the entire month of February.

The websites listed below provide educational resources for children that celebrate and honor Black History Month.

Time for Kids Black History Month

Time for Kids offers a valuable educational resource for children who want to learn more about Black History.

New York Public Library Digital Schomburg- Images of African-Americans

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture of the New York Public Library offers a vast array of poignant historical photographs, digital images of African-American history in the United States. An excellent resource.

National Geographic The Underground Railroad

National Geographic presents a fascinating look at our past. National Geographic "The Underground Railroad" is an educational interactive journey and a fascinating look at our past. Experience history with this valuable online resource from National Geographic.

PBS

PBS is offering 3 free downloads. Create and send personalized Black History Month ecards, choose different computer wallpapers that feature prominent African-Americans or download a free Black History Month screensaver.

Blue Mountain Black History Month eCards

Blue Mountain is offering 7 free electronic cards in honor of Black History Month. Some are animated, some have music. To easily locate free eCards, type in “Black History Month” in the search box at the top of the homepage.

Puzzles About Black History Word Search

This online word search puzzle from Puzzles About requires Java (free download). To play, find the word in the box of jumbled up letters. Words may be hidden diagonally, backwards, vertically or horizontally. Circle the word by clicking on the first letter and dragging mouse to end of word.

AA Kulture Zone Kidz

AA Kulture Zone has several different fun and educational online activities for children. Read about Black History from “A to Z” or download photographs of famous African-Americans. Take a trip down memory lane and learn about inventions or famous Black women with “Go Back in Time”. Play 4 online games that celebrate African-American heritage and history. To locate the Black History Month area from the AA Kulture Zone homepage, click “Kidz”.

The websites listed above provide valuable and insightful information for children regarding our African-American history.

For more information on Martin Luther King, Jr, read Celebrate Martin Luther King Day.

Sources:

“Black History Month”, Wikipedia

“African Americans," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2007