Why Celebrate Black History Month? 4 Reasons + Activities for Families (2026)

Why Celebrate Black History Month? 4 Reasons + Activities for Families (2026)

Black History Month is more than a page on the calendar—it's an opportunity to honor the incredible contributions, resilience, and achievements of African Americans throughout history. Whether you're looking for educational activities for your kids, meaningful ways to celebrate with friends, or local Dallas-Fort Worth events to attend this February, this guide will help you make the most of Black History Month 2026.

In this article:

• Why Black History Month Matters
• 4 Reasons to Celebrate
• How to Celebrate in DFW
• Educational Resources for Families
• Frequently Asked Questions

The History of Black History Month

Black History Month is a time when we recognize the essential roles, contributions, and sacrifices of African Americans throughout U.S. history. This month-long observance in February grew from an initiative by Carter G. Woodson, a brilliant scholar and the son of formerly enslaved people.

In 1926, Woodson established Negro History Week to honor African American heritage and achievements. Fifty years later, President Gerald Ford expanded this celebration to the entire month of February, urging all Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."

Every U.S. President since has issued a proclamation in honor of Black History Month. Today, countries around the world also dedicate time to celebrating Black history and culture.

No matter your own heritage or background, Black History Month offers something valuable for everyone. Here are four compelling reasons to participate in this important observance, along with practical ways to celebrate right here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

1. It Celebrates the Beauty of Diversity

Black History Month doesn't just promote diversity—it celebrates it.

There's a meaningful difference between these two approaches. Promoting diversity means acknowledging that we're all different and that everyone has something to contribute. But celebrating diversity takes it further. It declares that our differences are beautiful, worthy of honor, and deserving of recognition.

When we celebrate Black History Month, we go beyond checking boxes or meeting quotas. We publicly honor the men and women who shaped our world. We tell their stories in ways that help us understand how they've impacted our daily lives—how our communities, our country, and our culture wouldn't be the same without their courage, creativity, and contributions.

How to celebrate diversity this month: Visit Dallas' own African American Museum, the only museum of its kind in the Southwestern region. Located in Fair Park, it features rotating exhibits, permanent collections, and educational programs that bring African American history and culture to life for visitors of all ages.

2. It Brings Us Together

Celebrating diversity doesn't divide us—it unites us.

When we take time to learn about people from different cultures and backgrounds, we discover how connected we really are. We find common ground in unexpected places. We realize that the challenges others have overcome aren't so different from our own struggles. We see that their triumphs inspire us to reach higher in our own lives.

Think about how good it feels when family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors gather to celebrate your achievements—a graduation, a birthday, a promotion. There's something powerful about seeing people from different parts of your life come together, sometimes putting aside their differences, to honor you.

Black History Month does this on a larger scale. When we celebrate the achievements of African Americans, we're choosing to set aside our opinions and differences to commemorate our shared history. We're deciding to take joy in each other's successes.

This kind of celebration has a way of changing how we see one another. It reminds us that our differences can actually bring us together rather than pull us apart.

How to unite through celebration: Attend a local Black History Month event with friends or family members from different backgrounds. Many Dallas-Fort Worth libraries, community centers, and cultural institutions host free programs throughout February featuring speakers, performances, and educational activities.

3. It Takes Us Beyond the Textbook

Throughout our education, we study history—World History, U.S. History, European History. And while textbooks do their best, they often focus on the "major players" and leave out countless remarkable figures who accomplished incredible things.

Black History Month gives us permission to expand our understanding beyond what the history books decided to include. It's an invitation to discover the fuller, richer story of how we got to where we are today.

Lesser-Known Inventors Who Changed Your Life

For example, you probably studied Thomas Edison and the invention of the light bulb in school. But do you know about Lewis Howard Latimer?

Latimer was an accomplished inventor and engineer who worked with Edison to create a longer-lasting carbon filament for the light bulb—the innovation that actually made electric lighting practical for homes and businesses. Without his contribution, those early light bulbs would have burned out far too quickly to be useful.

Or consider Elijah McCoy, a member of the National Inventor's Hall of Fame who held over 50 patents for various inventions. His automatic lubricator for steam engines was so superior to competing products that inspectors would ask, "Is this the real McCoy?" Even today, we use that phrase to mean "the genuine article."

The Stories Behind the Names

Even when we do learn about prominent African Americans in school, we often only get the basic facts—names, dates, and one or two accomplishments. Black History Month encourages us to dig deeper and discover the full humanity of these historical figures.

You might have learned about Ida B. Wells, the prominent journalist and activist who fought against lynching. But you might not know that she became an orphan at 14 when her parents died during a yellow fever epidemic. Rather than let her siblings be separated, she took a teaching job to keep her family together while still a teenager herself. Later, when her anti-lynching campaign angered a violent mob, she was forced to flee Memphis for her safety—but she never stopped fighting for justice.

Or take Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., the first African American general in the U.S. Air Force. Learning about his rank is one thing. Learning about his leadership of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II—overcoming discrimination to prove that Black pilots could excel in combat—paints a much richer picture of his courage and character.

How to go beyond the textbook: For families with younger children, explore Vashti Harrison's wonderful book series: Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History and its companion board book Dream Big, Little One, as well as Little Dreamers: Exceptional Men in Black History. These beautifully illustrated books introduce children to inspiring figures they won't find in most textbooks.

4. It Reminds Us That Our Stories Matter

At its heart, Black History Month is about storytelling—sharing and celebrating the stories of countless men and women who made a difference in our world.

Some of these achievements are well-known. Others have been overlooked or forgotten. But all of these stories reveal something important: that ordinary people can change the world when they act with courage, creativity, and conviction.

And here's the thing—when we celebrate the stories of those who came before us, we're reminded that our own stories matter too. The challenges we face, the contributions we make, the ways we serve our communities and families—these all become part of the larger story of who we are and where we're going.

Black History Month invites us to see ourselves as part of an ongoing narrative of progress, justice, and hope. It challenges us to ask: What will our chapter of this story say? How will we use our own gifts and opportunities to make a difference?

How to Celebrate Black History Month in Dallas-Fort Worth (2026)

Looking for ways to observe Black History Month right here in DFW? Here are some local resources and activities:

Visit Cultural Institutions

• African American Museum (Dallas): Explore exhibits celebrating African American art, history, and culture
• Fort Worth Black Historical Museum & Genealogy Center: Discover local Black history and family heritage resources
• Dallas Public Library Branches: Many locations host special Black History Month programs and book displays throughout February

Attend Community Events

Check local event calendars for:

• Black History Month lectures and panel discussions
• Cultural performances and concerts
• Film screenings and documentary viewings
• Art exhibits featuring Black artists
• Community celebrations and festivals

Support Black-Owned Businesses

Make it a point to shop, dine, and support Black entrepreneurs in your community. The Dallas-Fort Worth area has a thriving community of Black-owned restaurants, boutiques, bookstores, and service providers.

Engage in Educational Activities

• Host a family discussion about a different African American historical figure each week
• Read books by Black authors
• Watch documentaries about the Civil Rights Movement
• Visit historical sites and landmarks in your area

Educational Resources for Families

For Young Children

• Board Books: Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison
• Picture Books: Little Leaders series, focusing on diverse role models
• Activities: Age-appropriate craft projects and storytelling

For Elementary Students

• Biography Series: Learn about scientists, inventors, artists, and leaders
• Virtual Museum Tours: Many museums offer online exhibits
• Educational Videos: Age-appropriate documentaries and short films

For Teens and Adults

• Documentaries: Explore in-depth stories of the Civil Rights Movement and beyond
• Books: Read memoirs, biographies, and historical accounts
• Podcasts: Listen to discussions about Black history and current issues
• Community Lectures: Attend talks by historians and community leaders

Celebrating Diversity All Year Round

However we choose to observe Black History Month in February, let's remember that celebrating diversity shouldn't be confined to just one month. The four reasons we've discussed—celebrating diversity, building unity, expanding our knowledge, and honoring meaningful stories—these are values we can carry with us throughout the entire year.

At Chase Oaks, we believe that "Our unity is beautiful when it reflects the diversity of our world. We are committed to the hard work of bringing different people together for good and demonstrating God's love in unexpected ways." Want to learn more about what defines us as Chase Oaks? Check out our DNA or join us for a service this weekend to see it in action.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black History Month

When is Black History Month celebrated?

Black History Month is celebrated every February in the United States and Canada. In the United Kingdom, it's observed in October.

Who started Black History Month?

Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-educated historian and the son of formerly enslaved people, initiated the celebration in 1926 as "Negro History Week." It was expanded to a full month in 1976 by President Gerald Ford.

Why is Black History Month in February?

February was chosen because it coincides with the birthdays of two important figures in Black history: President Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (February 14).

How can I celebrate Black History Month with my family?

You can visit museums, read books by Black authors, watch educational documentaries, attend community events, support Black-owned businesses, and have meaningful conversations about African American history and contributions.

Is Black History Month only for African Americans?

No! Black History Month is for everyone. It's an opportunity for all people, regardless of their background, to learn about and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to our shared history and culture.

What are some Black History Month activities for kids?

Age-appropriate activities include reading picture books about Black historical figures, doing craft projects, watching educational videos, visiting museums, and having family discussions about important people and events in Black history.

Where can I find Black History Month events in Dallas-Fort Worth?

Check the websites of local libraries, the African American Museum in Dallas, community centers, universities, and cultural institutions. Many organizations publish February event calendars in January.

Can I celebrate Black History Month if I'm not Black?

Absolutely! Black History Month is a time for all Americans to learn about and honor the contributions of African Americans. Celebrating diversity and learning about different cultures enriches everyone.

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