This Father's Day will be an especially significant day for African-Americans around the country to honor and connect with the fathers in our communities. Not only have many Black families lost loved ones to Covid-19, some have also lost family members to police brutality. Our heart and prayers go out to George Floyd's children and family; as well as the other African-American family members who have experienced a similar tragedy.

​​ Black visual artists have oftentimes used artistic expression as a way to protest and speak out against the ills of society.  Here are a few art resources to explore as we approach the special day for dads while also protesting racial injustice in America.

Use our latest coloring page art video to have a coloring party with the special father(s) in your life. You can also use this activity as a way to celebrate Father's Day and discuss the recent protests happening around the world.

We are excited about our Justice Photograph Art Lesson. Inspired by the black and white photography of Gordon Parks, this lesson is a great way for young artists to practice their photography and graphic design skills. They can also use this art lesson to  have more conversations about the protests and racial injustice happening around the United States.

 As we mourn the brutal loss of George Food, Breonna Taylor, Ahmad Arbery and many other beloved African-Americans, this Juneteenth is especially significant. Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19 and commemorates the day that the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved Africans/African descendants in the state of Texas in 1865 (two years after it was originally signed in 1863).  

While this historical document was supposed to mark the end of the horrific period of slavery in America, unfortunately we are still burdened by the vestiges of it today.  As we process the many suffered injustices of African-Americans, we will continue to use art to help soothe some of the pain. 

While there are many colors used to decorate for Juneteenth celebrations, the color red has great significance. The use of red in the food and drink served during Juneteenth celebrations,  can be traced back to West Africa. We have created several Juneteenth themed art resources: one of them uses the color red as a focal element. 

Use our Juneteenth Commemorative Plate Art Lesson as an individual or group art activity. Click on the image to learn more.

​This Juneteenth Coloring Set is great resource to add to your curriculum.  

Here's another simple, yet fun creative project you can create for Juneteenth. We used two designs from the Juneteenth Coloring Set and simple art materials that we got from the dollar store.

​1. We made 4 squares using red popsicle sticks and glue dots. 2.Then we placed them next to each other on the wax paper and traced the inside of each square. 3. We traced two of the symbols from the coloring set in the middle of each square using the black sharpie. 

You can use these paper lanterns as centerpieces at your Juneteenth celebration. Make sure to explore our website for more great art lesson and resources.