Here are a few ways you can intentionally spend time with your kids to give them a deeper understanding of Little Rock’s Black history and culture.

And don’t stop with five suggestions, take this list as an inspiration to continue being a student of our city year-round!

 

Research Little Rock’s West Ninth Street

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (MTCC), a museum dedicated to telling the African American experience in Arkansas, is nestled in the historic spot of Little Rock’s West Ninth Street. Take a deep dive into this district of black-owned businesses that continued for nearly 100 years after the Civil War. MTCC offers educational lesson plans to help guide your exploration of our city’s past. Visit MosaicTemplarsCenter.com to get started. | Best ages: kindergarten-high school students

Become a Central High Junior Ranger

Little Rock Central High School

In 1998, Congress created the Central High National Historic Site to educate and inspire future generations. The site is designed to teach visitors more about the role Central High played in the integration of public schools and the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. And visitors between the ages of 9-12 can take part in the Junior Ranger program by completing a few activities as they explore the exhibits. Visit the National Park Service's website for more information. | Best ages: 9-12

Channel the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by doing a service project as a family

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” One of MLK Jr.’s most poignant messages is rooted in empowering everyone to find a way to serve others. Find an opportunity that fits the ages of your kids and then volunteer as a family. It can be as simple as donating canned goods to committing to a long-term mentoring program. | All ages

Appreciate art with Arkansas roots

Learn about notable black poets, writers, artists and musicians from Arkansas and then share them with your family. Host a poetry reading. Have a listening party. Or track down a piece in a museum. Try this list for starters: Maya Angelou (poet and writer, seen above), Issac Scott Hathaway (artist), Florence Price (composer). | All ages

Contact your local CALS branch to find books on black history

Introducing even the youngest children to voices that are different from their own is key to broadening their worldview and expanding how they listen and see those around them. Make it a goal to explore books that depict families that are different than yours each time you head to the library. | All ages