Students perform, raising their fists high into the air.

Save the Date: February 20, 2025

Blacktastic!

A Virtual Children's Festival of Maryland Black History and Culture

On February 20, 2025, we invite your classes to celebrate Black History Month and the joy of Maryland Black history and culture with our teaching artists and special guests. Enriching virtual performances and workshops—all in one day and for all grade levels!—will bring the inspiration of the arts into your classroom.

This year's artists and special guests will be announced in November, and registration will open in December. Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news and updates.

Blacktastic Activity Book 2024-FINAL COVER-sm1000

Check out last year's Activity Book!

Curious about Blacktastic?

Check out last year's program!

Order In The COURT! Thurgood Marshall's Rap Musical

Thurgood Marshall made Blacktastic history when he became the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Join Jamaal "Mr. Root" Collier as he brings Thurgood Marshall's legacy and story to life through rhyming raps. This program will feature a virtual field trip to the Thurgood Marshall Memorial Statue on the Maryland State House Grounds in Annapolis, Thurgood Marshall's childhood home in Baltimore, and the Thurgood Marshall Mural designed by Iandry Randriamandroso on the campus of Coppin State University.

Grade Levels: All Grades

With Jamaal "Mr. Root" Collier

Victorious Verda's Welcome Wagon: The Life and Times of Verda Freeman Welcome

Senator Verda Freeman Welcome made Blacktastic history when she became the first Black woman elected to the Maryland House of Delegates and Maryland's second female senator! Join singing storyteller Debra Mims in this one-woman show as she portrays Verda Freeman Welcome as you've never seen her before. The program will feature a virtual field trip to Morgan State University's Verda Freeman Welcome Bridge!

Grade Levels: All Grades

With Debra Mims

Molding History: The Making of the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, join teaching artists as they bring the museum's origin story to life with a biopic-inspired hip-hop musical. Artists Drew Anderson and Tracie Jiggetts portray founders Drs. Elmer and Joanne Martin, with a virtual behind-the-scenes field trip included.

Grade Levels: Grades 6-12

With Drew Anderson and Tracie Jiggetts

Denyce Graves: A Real Life Diva

Join 2024 Blacktastic Living Legend Honoree Mezzo Soprano Opera Singer Denyce Graves as she presents an interactive vocal workshop and shares historical artifacts from her career. Jam along with Baba Bomani as he presents his musical tribute to Denyce Graves entitled, "Denyce Graves: A Real Life Diva." Experience an engaging vocal lesson and an interactive interview as she reflects on the lessons she learned in her career and life. Go behind the scenes of her vocal studio at the historic Peabody Conservatory, the oldest conservatory in the United States. This program will also feature a virtual field trip to the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University.

Grade Levels: All Grades

With Baba bomani

Receive a free digital Blacktastic Activity Book

Blacktastic! A Children’s Festival of Black History & Culture

Every class or school that registers can access our digital Blacktastic Activity Book, filled with Creative Challenge activities that reinforce what students learned during the festival!

Join in on the Black History Bop Dance Challenge!

Ready for a dance challenge? Join Arts for Learning students to master the Black History Bop! with original choreography, lyrics, and music by teaching artists Quynn Johnson, Jessica "Culture Queen" Hebron, and Baba Bomani!

Participate in Maryland Black History trivia games

In between each performance and workshop, students can participate in trivia games that test young learners’ knowledge of some of our state’s famous historical Black figures!

Receive a Free Digital Blacktastic Activity Book

Every class or school that registers can access our digital Blacktastic Activity Book, filled with Creative Challenge activities that reinforce what students learned during the festival!

Join in on the Black History Bop Dance Challenge!

Ready for a dance challenge? Join Arts for Learning students and learn the Black History Bop!—featuring original choreography, lyrics, and music by teaching artists Quynn Johnson, Jessica "Culture Queen" Hebron, and Baba Bomani!

Participate in Maryland Black History Trivia Games

In between each performance and workshop, students can participate in trivia games that test young learners’ knowledge of some of our state’s famous historical Black figures!