Celebrate Black History Month With These Activities for the Family!
Community, resilience, resourcefulness — the list goes on when we think of the many lessons we can learn from Black history. As a community of innovators and creative thinkers, we here at GIANT are incredibly inspired by everything the Black community has contributed and continues to contribute.
In times like these where DEI and education are at stake, it is extremely important that the children of today learn about the contributions of marginalized communities, and that their accomplishments are not erased.
We invite you and your family to get inspired by Black innovators, artists, and changemakers with these activities. We chose these figures because of all of their hard work and dedication to not only pave the way for the Black community, but also for change and advancement in our world.
Become a Medical Inventor Like Patricia Bath
Patricia Bath (November 4th, 1942 - May 30th, 2019) was a renowned ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist specializes in the treatment of eye disorders. Bath was the first woman to lead a post-graduate training program in ophthalmology and the first Black woman to serve as a resident of ophthalmology at New York University and on staff as a surgeon at UCLA Medical Center.
Bath was the developer of the laser phaco probe, a medical device that improved the efficiency of lasers used to remove cataracts. Her device quickly and almost painlessly removes cataracts and is used all over the world to treat people with cataracts.
Design your own prototype of a device that can help out sick or injured people! Check out the creative prompt!
Here are some examples and prototypes made by GIANT kids!
Repair a Heart Like Daniel Hale Williams
Daniel Hale Williams (January 18th, 1856 - August 4th, 1931) was a surgeon and the founder of Provident Hospital, the first non-segregated hospital in the United States. He is the first person on record to successfully perform heart surgery.
Let’s simultaneously honor Dr. Williams and celebrate Valentine’s Day by creating our very own heart puzzles and putting them back together!
All you need is:
Paper, cardboard, or illustration board
Scissors
Markers
Check out the creative prompt and video at the link below!
Take a look at these samples by GIANT kids!
Imagine Yourself as a Music Icon Like Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald (April 25th, 1917 - June 15th, 1996) was an American jazz singer, composer, and songwriter. She is known by many as “the Queen of Jazz” due to her perfect pitch, impressive scatting (a vocal improvisational skill where singers mimic instruments), and beautiful tone.
Fitzgerald earned 13 Grammys throughout her career and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1967.
Pick your favorite song OR write your own, and then make your own microphone, instruments, and maybe even a costume!
Check out the creative prompt at the link below!
Take a look at these prototypes by GIANT kids!
Explore Time and Space Like Neil deGrasse Tyson
Neil deGrasse Tyson (October 5th, 1958) is an astrophysicist and writer. Tyson has written several books on astrophysics, served on the Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry, served on the President’s Commission on Implementation of the United States Space Exploration Policy, served as the director of the Hayden Planetarium — the list goes on.
Tyson has also been known to advocate for women in scientific fields, and for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
Think: if you could travel to any point in time, where would you travel to? Create a time machine and/or a spaceship!
Check out the creative prompt at the link below!
Take a look at these prototypes by GIANT kids!
Imagine a Peaceful and Equitable Future Like Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15th, 1929 - April 4th, 1968) was a minister, activist, and of course one of the most prominent leaders of the civil rights movement. King played a huge hand in the advancement of rights for people of color. He organized to fight for labor rights, voting rights, and desegregation. His “I Have A Dream” speech has gone down as one of the most famous and impactful speeches in US history.
King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977, unfortunately after his death. He was imprisoned several times for fighting for what he believed was right and continued to fight until the day he was assassinated.
Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by imagining a better future and making your own peace box!
Check out the creative prompt below!
Take a look at these prototypes by GIANT kids!
Check out these books to dig deeper and learn more about Black history!
