Black History month is a national, month-long celebration in the United States that highlights the contributions, achievements, and history of black Americans. In 1976, President Ford declared February officially as national Black History Month to help promote the teaching of black history in schools and universities. Click Here to visit the Association for the Study of African American Life and History website and explore Black History Month resources.

By celebrating diversity in our community we can educate ourselves and recognize the creativity and curiosity in people around us. PBS Kids for Parents has a list of resources to include younger children in Black History Month celebrations. Take time this month to learn about black leaders, scientists, artists and more to help build your child’s curiosity and encourage empathy for other people’s experiences. Click here to browse their resource page.

Bring learning home this month with products created by black makers. Check out the author spotlight on Patrice McLaurin, in Curiosity Corner, the Scott Family Amazeum’s museum store. Patrice is a best-selling author and works to empower and enhance the lives of youth. Her series, Thank an Inventor inspires STEM learning and highlights black inventors. Click here to shop Patrice McLaurin’s books at Curiosity Corner.

Brown Toy Box products focus on early exposure to STEAM education, cultural representation, and purposeful play that center and celebrate black children. The Chemistry STEAM Kit features a DIY crystal making experiment, scientific tools,  periodic table puzzle, and more. The Inventor’s Journal is a dry-erase journal designed to encourage young people to cultivate their curiosity while dreaming up and creating new inventions. Click here to shop all the Brown Toy Box products at Curiosity Corner.

Check out J’Aaron Presents Joyful Coloring, a coloring book filled with assorted lined coloring pages. The theme of the coloring book shows diverse examples of kids in STEAM fields. J’Aaron Merchant is a local illustrator and visual development artist. She has illustrated children’s books, created concept art for animated content, and  designed products for everyday consumption. Click here to shop J’Aaron’s products at Curiosity Corner.

Supporting Black-owned businesses is always a great choice throughout the year. Visit BlackOwnedNWA’s online directory of local businesses and organizations in the region.

Family-friendly events are planned during the month of February, to help celebrate black art, literature, music, and more! Art on the Bricks in downtown Rogers, Arkansas, hosts extended hours in retail shops as well as art galleries and pop-up art exhibits that are scheduled from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month. Lovers of art, poetry, music and food are invited to celebrate Black History Month during the February Art on the Bricks Art Walk as history and art meet. Click here for more information about this free event on February 9th.

We Write For You IV is a free event at the Rogers Public Library, celebrating four award-winning national authors and illustrators on Saturday, February 11th at 2:00 p.m. Children ages 0 to 17 will receive free books. Food and drinks will be provided for all attendees. Click here for more information about this event.

The Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra presents Game Changers: Vital New Music on February 11th at 7:00 p.m. This concert will showcase ‘Movements for Flute and Orchestra’ by composer Carlos Simon, featuring flutist Brian Dunbar. The concert will be held at Thaden School’s award-winning performing arts center, in Bentonville, Arkansas. Click here for more information about this event.

Head over to the Fayetteville Town Square in downtown Fayetteville for the 5th Annual Black Owned Northwest Arkansas Business Expo on February 25th. From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., shop small and black owned businesses that feature items ranging from vintage clothing and candles, to baked goods and samosas from over 60 vendors. This event is free, open to the public, and everyone is welcome! The Expo is about showing up for the black community in Northwest Arkansas and registration is free, but donations are encouraged. Click here for more information about this upcoming event.