No matter how your child is learning (i.e. Homeschool, Virtual Learning, Traditional School, etc) YouTube (or “YouTube University” which it’s so affectionately called) is a great resource for families who are looking for educational support. However, the majority of the educational content lacks diversity, especially that of Black characters, culture, and history. We are often left with information about our culture & history being presented through the lens (no pun intended) of White YouTubers who usually do not paint the entire story b/c they were not taught the entire narrative.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that non-Black Content Creators cannot share the stories of Black people. In fact, when the story is told accurately and in an excellent manner, their content serves a great purpose of educating others in their community who also are non-Black. However, there’s something empowering and even more meaningful when Black children (and parents too!) learn about their culture, history, and frankly anything else (like the Alphabet, Shapes, Math, etc.) from a Black Teacher or Content Creator.
So, I have curated a list of the 7 best YouTube channels that feature either Black or African characters, Content Creators, or Educators. While a couple of these channels are new to my family, the rest are all channels that my homeschooled children watch either daily or when we need something specific on Black History, Art, or Culture.
Circle Time With Ms. Monica
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and families, whether homeschooling or not, were faced with so much uncertainty and stress, Early Childhood Educator and Child Behavior Specialist Monica J. Sutton came, and really “saved the day” for many parents with little ones. Weekly she provides structure for traditionally schooled and homeschooled preschoolers alike with her 20-30 minute Circle Times. This has allowed for parents to be able to engage their school-aged children with Virtual Learning or Homeschooling while giving their little ones something fun and educational to interact with. Filled with fun songs, crafts, and games, children learn about the weather, days of the week, letters, counting, shapes, and more, kids will be asking for Circle Time with their Teacher Ms. Monica!
Akili and Me
If you are looking for a great program for kids ages 2-7 that is unlike the rest, you will love Akili and Me! This show features a beautiful, African girl with braids as its star. Because this is an original African cartoon, it boasts of rich African culture, language, storytelling, and even DANCE. You and your kids will not be able to sit still while learning their letters, counting, emotions, shapes, and more because of the amazing African music played throughout each episode. As a bonus to your homeschool, Akili and Me is produced in a variety of different languages!
Bino & Fino
This is another really great show that features African characters, a Nigerian brother and sister named Bino and Fino, and their Magic Butterfly friend Zeena. Kids will learn everything from different African languages and Science, all the way to Timbuktu and the Mighty Walls of Benin. This program boasts of great storytelling, Afro Beats, and fun animation as Bino and Fino learn more about Africa and the world around them. This show is great for kids of all ages!
Ubongo Kids
Originally created in Tanzania for underprivileged children across Africa, the creators of Akili Me have another channel that features African characters, language, and culture while teaching life lessons, Science, Coding, and more to school-aged children. This program features the characters Kibena, Kiduchu, Koba, and Baraka as they go on adventures and solve problems.
Fresberg Cartoon
This channel tells interesting facts, biographies, and history through amazingly detailed and fun cartoons and humor. This is definitely a go-to resource when looking for ways to explain big thoughts and important historical figures in a way that captures the attention of school-aged children, while probably sparking an interest in art!
Goose Goose Duck
This is an amazing channel that explains Black History to kids ages 2+ by way of fun songs, storytelling, nursery rhymes, and more! It also features engaging and fun cartoons.
Kids Black History
This channel tells of Black History outside of what is typically taught in schools, highlighting the many contributions African society has made to our world at large. Kids will love the excitement of Kid YouTuber RaiyahFunPlay who presents children with facts about our amazing history.
Have you and your child seen any of these YouTube channels before? If so, did you favorites make the list? What other channels on YouTube University do you recommend for Black children and families?
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