Deepening Understanding: Resources for Honoring Black History Month
Exploring the origins, impact, and year-round relevance of Black History Month with trusted resources, reflection tools, and community learning opportunities.
By Spark Kindness Team
At Spark Kindness, our motto guides everything we do: “Kindness without justice is incomplete.” We believe justice begins with an authentic understanding of truth, which is why we are honored to recognize the origins and significance of Black History Month.
This month—and beyond—we invite you to deepen your understanding of Black history and its enduring impact. Our team has found inspiration, meaningful calls to action, and valuable learning in the resources shared below. We hope they support you in reflecting and finding ways to engage with this critical legacy.
In Kindness & Justice,
The Spark Kindness Team
Explore Local Attractions:
- Embrace Boston is a nonprofit and social justice initiative dedicated to dismantling structural racism in Boston through policy advocacy, art, and community initiatives. It is best known for creating "The Embrace," a 20-foot bronze memorial on Boston Common dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
- Museum of African American History is New England's largest institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the contributions of people of African descent, featuring sites in Beacon Hill and Nantucket.
- National Center of Afro-American Artists is a premier Boston-based institution in Roxbury, founded in 1968 by Elma Lewis, dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and exhibiting the arts heritage of African American and global Black cultures. It operates a museum, providing exhibitions, educational programs, and performing arts.
- Boston African American National Historic Site includes the Black Heritage Trail (self-guided tours can be taken anytime, ranger guided tours available in summer and fall).
- The Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller Collection at Danforth Art Museum is the world’s largest holding of works from the African-American sculptor Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller (1877–1968).
- The National Black Doll Museum of History & Culture (NBDMHC) is a non-profit institution dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history, art, and culture of Black dolls.
Downtown Natick StoryWalk - Celebrate Black History Month:
In recognition of Black History Month, everyone is invited to experience The ABCs of Black History and learn more about the people, places and ideas on the pages. You can find the StoryWalk in local businesses and municipal buildings throughout downtown Natick from February 1-28, 2026. Scan the QR code on each page to hear it read aloud by youth readers who participated in a community reading during the 21st Annual MLK Day Community Celebration.
Hosted by the Natick Center Cultural District, in partnership with the Natick MLK Dream Team, organizers of the Annual MLK Day program. Learn more here.
Featured Online Resources:
- PBS Kids for Parents: Black History Month - this online hub features informative articles and age-appropriate printables, activities, and crafts. Check it out here.
- Journey of Black History Month from the National Museum of African American History & Culture. View here.
- Additional Resources on Standing Up to Racism and Discrimination here.
A Timeline of Black History Month:
On February 7, 1926, noted Black historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson inaugurated the first celebration of "Negro History Week." Dr. Woodson sought to highlight Black Americans' rich history and contributions, often ignored or misrepresented in the story of America. Dr. Woodson advocated year-round study of Negro History, leading to its expansion from a week to Black History Month.
Dr. Woodson strategically chose February as it was a month that encompassed previous traditions and signified reform in Black communities. Since 1865, the Black community had celebrated Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (on February 12, 1809). In addition, Black communities had long celebrated Frederick Douglass’ chosen birthday, February 14, boosting Dr. Woodson’s initiative, which proved highly successful.
