MLK Day Kicks off the Start of Black History Month With Celebration and Reverance
Remembering, celebrating, and learning alongside our kids are special and unique opportunities. We get to do this all month long in February during Black History Month – and MLK Day kicks off this reverent time.
In past years, our family would usually head out to a museum, or event to learn in our community. Excitingly, there are many ways to participate in MLK Day and Black History Month in 2021!
Black History Month Honors How Far We’ve Come + Spurs us on in Expectation of Where We’re Going
Though there is still progress to be made, Black History Month is a time for commemorating the ground that’s been covered through the hard work and sacrifice of those who’ve gone before us.
The song Dance for the Dead by Sareem Poems expresses this month of observance so eloquently in its chorus, “dance for those that we’ve lost, dance for those who paid the cost, dance for those who gave their lives, dance until we get it right.”
Here are some ways where we can “dance” (honor) this February in honor of Black History Month:
MLK JR. DAY & BLACK HISTORY MONTH
5 Ways to Participate in Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month
I’m sure kids are thrilled to “sleep in” and rest on their day off, (So am I!) But Martin Luther King Jr., MLK Day, is first a special day for learning, celebration, and hope for the whole family.
MLK Jr. Day is more than just a day off.
My husband and I look forward to this day with high anticipation. This year more than ever we are planning to pause, remember, and learn more about our nation’s history and present alongside our kids.
This year, instead of in person events because of Covid, we are looking to these 5 ideas:
01) Celebration Cinema
They are presenting two films and movie discussions afterward. Find more info here.
02) Libraries
Local Libraries are committed to having MLK and Black History resources available. Check with your local library to find out how you can get started. East Lansing Library, CADL, and Delta District libraries do a phenomenal job to name a few.
MSU is holding a book drive this month to “stuff the library” in public schools full of diverse reading material. Find out how you can get involved here.
03) Family Friendly Movies
USA Today lists 15 family-friendly movies for Black History Month. We’ve watched many of these movies ourselves but quite a few of them our kids haven’t seen yet.
I’m really looking forward to watching these. But, this year we’re adding in our own discussion time afterward in leu of events we would normally attend in past years.
04) Epic
Epic has online books for kids to learn more about African American History. Is your child signed up? My son has it this year because his school is virtual and it’s one of the tools they are using.
It has proven to be a great resource and is a really fun way for the kids to learn.
EVENTS
05) Virtual Events
This year is quite different as far as events but we are still really looking forward to these virtual opportunities. Because, learning, reflecting, and action is the goal and these, fortunately, can be done even in the comfort of our own homes.
Thank you CADL and East Lansing Public Libary, for providing such intentional and awesome events each year!
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 🆓
Hosted by East Lansing Public Library
Virtual Event
» January 12, 2021 | 7pm-8pm
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. online with several special guests and performances.
Black History Month Storytime Series 🆓
Hosted by Capital Area District Libraries
Virtual Event
» February 6, 2021 | 11am
Celebrate African-American and African culture through a series of preschool storytimes in February. Special guests and performances, too!
Black History Month Event: Meet Award-winning Author Beverly Jenkins (for adults) 🆓
Hosted by Capital Area District Libraries
Virtual Event
» February 11, 2021 | 6:30pm
A popular and distinguished writer of historical, romantic, African American and contemporary fiction, Beverly Jenkins has won a Michigan Library Association Author of the Year Award, an NAACP Image Award nomination, and the Romance Writers of America Lifetime Achievement Award.
Black History Month Storytime Series 🆓
Hosted by Capital Area District Libraries
Virtual Event
» February 14, 2021 | 2pm
Celebrate African-American and African culture through a series of preschool storytimes in February. Special guests and performances, too!
Black History Month Storytime Series 🆓
Hosted by Capital Area District Libraries
Virtual Event
» February 20, 2021 | 11am
Celebrate African-American and African culture through a series of preschool storytimes in February. Special guests and performances, too!
Black History Month Storytime Series 🆓
Hosted by Capital Area District Libraries
Virtual Event
» February 25, 2021 | 6:30pm
Celebrate African-American and African culture through a series of preschool storytimes in February. Special guests and performances, too!