There are so many ways to celebrate Black History Month in February, which highlights the huge contributions made throughout history by Black men and women. In addition to heading out to events planned in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor throughout the month, here are three different ways to keep the kids talking and thinking about Black history all year long.
Play
Dolls that embrace diversity, break barriers: Surprise Powerz
Detroit native Kristel Bell wants girls to have dolls that inspire them. So she’s created a line of dolls to encourage them to embrace the world of science, technology, engineering and math. After selling out immediately, she plans to have Codie The Coder, Astro the Astronaut, Vera the Vet and Maria the Mathemagician in stock again in February.
“There is definitely a lot of under-representation of girls in powerful positions and girls of diverse backgrounds in these powerful positions. We need to start showing our kids at an early age, ‘You can be this, you can be anything you put your mind to. You aren’t limited to being a princess,'” says Bell, also the founder of the charity Black Girls Movement.
Eat
Family friendly and oozing with Black History: La Petit Dejeuner
No three words more perfectly describe the founding values and easy-going experience of dining at La Petit Dejeuner (meaning simply, “Breakfast” in French) than ‘vintage,’ ‘family’ and ‘friendly.” Featuring a menu that highlights classic southern and Black favorites while also including sweet and savory things perfect for kids, Tina Motley’s Black-owned eatery also encourages guests to share “a bit of this and a bit of that” from the large-plate dining style.
And don’t worry if the kids cry — you’re family.
Explore
Great place to discover Black History: Detroit Experience Factory
The Detroit Experience Factory is a unique organization in the way that it offers immersive tours and training experiences that focus on educating about racism, progressive action, diversity and history relevant to who and where they are in the world. Its walking tours escort visitors through the past and show them what life was like in areas such as Paradise Valley and Black Bottom, East English Village and more.
In an effort to keep things healthy and pandemic friendly, Detroit Experience Factory now offers more virtual tours and sessions for the family to enjoy from the comfort of the living room sectional. Same history and experience, zero risk of catching COVID.
Arianna Smith is a native Detroiter and journalist with a love for telling Detroit’s stories.
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