.png?width=150&height=90&name=CM%20Trans%20(300%20x%20400%20px).png "CM Trans (300 x 400 px)")
Black History Month Activities for Families in Charlotte: Celebrating Culture, Creativity, and Heritage
Black History Month Activities for Families in Charlotte: Celebrating Culture, Creativity, and Heritage
Black History Month is a time to honor the extraordinary contributions of African Americans throughout history, and Charlotte offers a variety of events that families can enjoy together. From fun educational activities to arts-based programs and historical discussions, these events are perfect for kids, teens, and adults alike. Below is a roundup of some of the best events happening this February to celebrate Black History Month in Charlotte.
1. Black History Month Scavenger Hunt
Date: Saturday, February 1 - Monday, March 3 - Ongoing
Location: West Boulevard Library
Details: Kick off Black History Month with a fun scavenger hunt at the West Boulevard Library! Inspired by Amanda Gorman’s poem In This Place (An American Lyric), this scavenger hunt focuses on both past and present black history. It’s a fantastic way for families to learn and engage with African American culture while having fun.
More Info
2. Rhythm on Buckets: Percussion Fun
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Steele Creek Library
Details: Explore the art of rhythm through bucket drumming! Presented by Central Fine Arts teachers, this percussion class will introduce kids (ages 5-11) to the basics of rhythm in an interactive and engaging way.
More Info
3. Family First: Imprint Your Family Story - Workshop at the Gantt Center
Date: Saturday, February 1, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Ages: 8+
Cost: $10 per participant
Register Here
This hands-on Family First workshop at the Gantt Center is a unique opportunity for families to explore African symbols like Adinkra and Kente patterns. Participants will learn about the history behind these symbols, then create their own personalized symbols that reflect their family values and stories. You’ll have the chance to either paint or carve your design on canvases using acrylic paint or linocut techniques. The workshop culminates in a collaborative art piece to celebrate community and connection. This event is perfect for children ages 8 and up and is a meaningful way to celebrate culture and family heritage.
4. Black History Nature Series Presents: Black on Water
Date: Tuesday, February 4, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Steven Creek Nature Preserve
Details:
Explore the complex history between African Americans and water in this lecture-style presentation. Learn about historical figures, events, and organizations that helped challenge the stereotype of African Americans being afraid of water, with an engaging discussion throughout. More Info
5. Teen Art Club: Artist Study – Jean-Michel Basquiat
Date: Tuesday, February 4, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Steele Creek Library
Details: Teens can join the Teen Art Club to learn about the life and art of Jean-Michel Basquiat. After the study, teens will create their own masterpieces inspired by Basquiat’s vibrant style.
More Info
6. Tween Crafternoon: Kimmy Cantrell Masks
Date: Wednesday, February 5, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: ImaginOn
Details: Calling all preteens! Celebrate Black History Month by crafting creative masks inspired by artist Kimmy Cantrell. This fun and hands-on activity is perfect for ages 9-12.
More Info
7. The Charlotte Post Presents: Legends and Legacy - Harvey B. Gantt & Mel Watt
Date: Thursday, February 6, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library
Details: Engage in a conversation with local legends Harvey B. Gantt and Mel Watt. Learn about their impactful careers and contributions to Charlotte’s history. This event is part of a larger series honoring Black leaders.
More Info
8. Soaring High with Sweet Success in Black History!
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Sugar Creek Library
Details: Learn about Bessie Coleman, the first African American female pilot, and create paper airplanes to honor her trailblazing legacy. Then, dive into the sweet contributions of Augustus Jackson, the Father of Ice Cream, by using simple ingredients and a bit of science to make your own delicious ice cream. This hands-on program is perfect for kids and families to learn, create, and have fun together!
More Info
9. Black History Month - African Drum Circle & Dancers
Date: Sunday, February 9, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: North County Regional Library
Details: Experience the rich rhythms and movements of African culture through a dynamic drum circle and dance performance. Participants will learn about the history and significance of African rhythms.
More Info
10. STEAM 101: Dash Line Painting
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Hickory Grove Library
Details: Inspired by artist Alma Thomas, explore abstract art through Dash Line Painting. Learn about Thomas’s unique style and create your own artwork inspired by her iconic pieces.
More Info
11. Rookie Science: Solar System Cake Pops
Details: Kids ages 9-12 are invited to explore the world of science through books, hands-on activities, and experiments. In honor of Black History Month, this session will focus on the legacy of Dr. Mae Carol Jemison, the first African American astronaut in space. Participants will learn about Dr. Jemison’s achievements while creating solar system-themed cake pops. It’s a fun and educational way to celebrate science and the remarkable contributions of Dr. Jemison! Register for event
12. Cultural Exploration: A Taste of Heritage - Banana Pudding Edition
Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: North County Regional Library
Details: Celebrate culture and heritage through food in this interactive and delicious program! Teens will learn about the history and cultural significance of banana pudding while making their own individual servings of this beloved dessert. Come discover how food connects us to our roots and communities. All ingredients and supplies will be provided. Register for event
13. Family Storytime
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM & 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Steele Creek Regional Library
Details: Your whole family can enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of books and reading in your child. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate. In celebration of Black History month, this story time will feature books with African American authors and/or characters. More Info
14. Fall in Love with Alma Thomas
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Charlotte Museum of History
Cost: Free Admission
Celebrate Black History Month at the Steele Creek Library by exploring the artwork of Alma Thomas, a renowned African American artist known for her vibrant colors and mosaic style. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own masterpiece on canvas, inspired by Alma Thomas’s iconic mosaic technique. More Info
15. Tween Crafternoon: Mosaic Landscape Painting
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: ImaginOn
Details: Calling all preteens! Celebrate Black History Month by crafting creative masks inspired by artist Kimmy Cantrell. This fun and hands-on activity is perfect for ages 9-12.
More Info
16. African American Heritage Festival at the Charlotte Museum of History
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Charlotte Museum of History
Cost: Free Admission
More Info
The African American Heritage Festival is a fantastic way to dive deep into Charlotte’s Black history and culture. This year’s event, titled "Black Country," focuses on the Black experience in rural Mecklenburg County over time. It includes performances, guest speakers, panels, and activities that the whole family can enjoy. This celebration is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local African American heritage and explore its rich history. Last year’s event saw over 1,100 attendees, and this year’s festival promises to be even bigger and better!
These events provide families in Charlotte with a wonderful opportunity to explore Black history, art, culture, and innovation. Whether your family enjoys hands-on creative activities, films, or discussions, there’s something for everyone this Black History Month! Make sure to register in advance, as some events have limited spaces. Happy celebrating!
SEO Keywords:
Black History Month events Charlotte, family-friendly activities Charlotte, Black History Month for kids, Charlotte library events, Black history celebrations, African American history Charlotte, family activities in Charlotte, Black History Month for families