Celebrating Black History Month with 4-H Ontario: A Time to Learn, Share, and Grow Together 

As we observe this month, we encourage our volunteers, participants, and Cloverbud leaders to incorporate activities that teach our youth about Black history, inspire creativity, and celebrate resilience. Whether you’re hosting a meeting for your club or looking for ways to enrich the learning experience, we’ve got some great resources and activities to help you bring Black History Month into your 4-H programming. 

Before you move on, take a moment to reflect. How has Black history shaped the world around you and your life? How can you continue to educate yourself, learn and grow—not just this month but all year long? 

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

Harriet Tubman

For Cloverbud Volunteers: Story Time and Creative Crafting 

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Activity 1: Story Time with “Mae Among the Stars”

Storytelling is a powerful tool for learning. When introducing new educational lessons and prompting youth to learn and understand diversity is through story. One fantastic resource is the “Mae Among the Stars” storybook, which tells the inspiring tale of Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel in space. 🌌 It’s an uplifting story that highlights the power of dreams and perseverance. 

🖍️ What You’ll Need: 

• Mae Among the Stars (physical copy or YouTube video)
• Pre and Post Reading Questions

📝 Instructions: 

Pre Reading Questions

• What is your dream job and why?  
• What accomplishment are you most proud of? 

Post Reading Questions

• What did Mae want to be when she grew up? 
• When Mae told her mother about wanting to see the Earth from afar, what did her mother say to her? 
• What steps did Mae take to pursue her dream of becoming an Astronaut? 

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Activity 2: Paper Craft Activity: “Dream Big” Paper Art

Try a hands-on paper craft activity that lets Cloverbuds reflect on Mae’s journey and think about their dreams. 

🖍️ What You’ll Need: 

• Activity Sheet 
• Scissors
• Markers, crayons or coloured pencils
• Glitter, stickers or other decorations (optional)

📝 Instructions: 

1. Cut out a large star from construction paper (or provide a printed template for younger kids). 

2. Inside the star, have the kids draw a picture of themselves in the future doing what they dream of—whether it’s being an astronaut, a farmer, a veterinarian, a teacher, or something else! 

3. Write their dream on the star (e.g., “Future Scientist!” or “I want to help animals!”). 

4. Decorate the star with glitter, stickers, or any creative touches that make it shine! 

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For 4-H Club Volunteers: Interactive Activities and Learning Through Play 

Activity 1: Choose a Dish to Cook 

Learning by doing is at the heart of 4-H, and cooking is a great way to explore different cultures! 🍲🌍 Whether you’re trying new recipes, learning traditional techniques, or sharing meals with friends, every dish tells a story. Using A World of Food in Canada Project Manual, have youth pick a recipe to prepare. Options include: 

✅ Jollof Rice – A flavorful West African rice dish, popular in Ghana and Nigeria. 

✅ Riz Gras – A rich, spiced rice dish from Burkina Faso. 

✅ Bobotie – A South African dish made with spiced minced meat and an egg topping. 

✅ Spiced Carrot Millet – A nutritious grain dish featuring millet, a staple in African cuisine. 

🔹 Tip: If cooking as a group, assign different dishes and set up separate stations. 

Post-Cooking Questions

• How did the ingredients or flavors differ from what you’re used to cooking?
• What was your favorite part of making this dish? Why?
• How can food be a way to bring people together from different cultures?

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Activity 2: Hidden Figures: Light & Colour Experiment

Inspired by Katherine Johnson, Mae Jemison & Black Innovators in STEM

Exploring natural pH indicators is a hands-on way to bring colour to life through chemistry! 🎨🔬 Kids will love experimenting with everyday household items to create vibrant, colour-changing reactions. Try making your own pH-sensitive paints using natural ingredients like red cabbage, while also learning about the incredible contributions of Black scientists in STEM and the history of Black History Month. Science is full of colourful discoveries—what will you create next?

🖍️ What You’ll Need: 

• Red Cabbage
• Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Paper – water colour paper or cardstock would work best
• Brush

📝 Instructions:

1. Learn – Start by introducing Black scientists, such as:

• Katherine Johnson – NASA mathematician who helped send astronauts to space 🚀
• Mae Jemison – First Black woman in space 🛰️
• George Washington Carver – Innovator in agricultural science 🌱

2. Experiment – Make a natural pH indicator with red cabbage:

• Chop up red cabbage and boil it in water for 10 minutes.
• Strain the purple liquid—it will act as your color-changing paint base! 🎨

3. Test Different pH Levels:

• Mix small amounts of household acids (like vinegar) and bases (like baking soda) into different cups.
• Observe how the paint color changes depending on the substance!
• Acidic = pink/red, Neutral = purple, Basic = green/blue

4. Create Art!

As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s continue to inspire and empower the next generation through education, creativity, and community. Together, we can create lasting memories and foster a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures that enrich our world. Thank you for being part of this journey with us at 4-H Ontario! 🌱✨