History in Color: A Black History Month Course for Kids - Lesson One

Lesson one of a four-part series, this engaging and interactive lesson introduces kids to the rich history of jazz and rock music through the animated storytelling of Kalifornia. Kids will discover the incredible contributions of Black musicians who shaped these genres, including Duke Ellington, the jazz pioneer who brought joy and unity, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the "godmother of rock ’n’ roll," whose electric guitar and powerful songs sparked a musical revolution. Kids will learn how these iconic genres influenced music as we know it today through fun activities like snapping to jazzy rhythms, rocking out with pretend guitars, and playing a music match-up game. This lesson celebrates the creativity and resilience of these trailblazing legends while inspiring kids to connect with their own love of music.