Check out this wonderful lineup of local Black History Month events to help kick start discussions about race with your kids throughout February — and beyond. 

MTCC Black History Storytime Showcase

Join MTCC Director Christina Shutt for a virtual story time that features authors and main characters of color. Each story will help families open dialog with children about how everyone, no matter their differences, can be amazing.

Sweet Tip: Listen up! During the reading, Director Shutt will reveal a secret code for one free kid’s scoop of ice cream per family at Loblolly Creamery.  

One More Sweet Idea: While you’re at Loblolly, give the flavor "Maple Leaf Ragtime" a try. With every purchase of this Scott Joplin-inspired flavor throughout the month, Loblolly will donate a portion of sales to MTCC. 

When: Every Thursday in February | 7 p.m. Where: Facebook Live or YouTube channel More information: event page 

Our sister publication Little Rock Soirée rounded up all of MTCC’s Black History events here. 

2021 Virtual Black History Quiz Bowl

The Arkansas Black History Quiz Bowl Association, The Black History Commission of Arkansas and Mosaic Templars Cultural Center will present the 2021 Black History Quiz bowl. The event is hosted by Frank Bateman with study material provided by MTCC. The virtual Quiz Bowl will be held via an MTCC online platform. 

When: Feb. 20 | 11 a.m. for sixth-eighth graders and noon for ninth-12th graders Where: Virtual event More information: event page

Black History Month with CALS 

Check out CALS’ printable schedule for their February activities, crafts, storytimes and more. Here are some family-friendly highlights: 

  • Black History Month Elementary Storytime

When: Feb. 17 | 2 p.m. Where: Grab a bag from Maumelle Library | 10 Lake Pointe Drive, Maumelle Best ages: 6-8

  • Family Fun Night Trivia: Black History & Culture 

When: Feb. 19 | 7-8 p.m. Where: Virtual event | Register here

The 28-Day Arkansas Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge

The UCA Center for Community and Economic Development has partnered with the Arkansas Peace and Justice Memorial Movement and The Yarn Storytelling to develop the 28-Day Arkansas Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge. This challenge offers a daily actionable step — like reading articles, watching videoes and reflection — to learn more about racial and social justice and how you can take action in your life and in your community.  Learn more here. 

Little Rock Civil Rights Self-Guided Tour

If you want to get out and about, the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau put together a fabulous self-guided tour for Little Rock residents and visitors. Check out the top five spots on the tour here. 

7th Street Mural Project

Another out and about option includes visiting the 7th Street Mural Project. This collection of murals is dedicated to social artwork for peace, justice and equality. 

Where: 2435-2325 W. 7th St., Little Rock 

Central High National Park National Historic Site 

Visit the Central High NPS Facebook page for daily updates and information on the civil rights movement. 

Minnijean Brown-Trickey & Spirit Tawfiq Virtual Event

Presented by CHARTS, this Zoom event will feature the story and voices of Minnijean Brown-Trickey, one of the Little Rock Nine, and her daughter, Spirit Tawfiq, an antiracism educator and storyteller. 

When: Feb. 4 | 7 p.m. Where: Zoom | Register here

Diversify Your Dollars

For this month’s issue, we dedicated our calendar section to Black-owned businesses we love. Check out the list for restaurants, educational resources, wellness support and more. 

Keep Reading 

For even more, check out this feature from our February 2020 issue on how to celebrate Black History Month in Little Rock and our September 2020 issue on how to talk to your kids about race.