This Black History Month, schools across Maryland will celebrate the joy of Maryland Black history and culture at Blacktastic: A Children’s Festival of Black History & Culture—an arts integrated, performance-packed virtual experience produced by Arts for Learning Maryland (A4L).

Now in its fifth year, Blacktastic features a collection of performances and segments by A4L teaching artists that bring students on a journey through time to learn about important historic Black Marylanders: minister Josiah Henson, abolitionist Harriet Tubman, unionist Isaac Myers, and film producer Sidney Clifton. Featuring animation, music, dance, theater and spoken word from artists including Jamal “Mr. Root” Collier, Drew Anderson, Deborah Mims, Baba Bomani, Dr. David Fakunle, Cullen Cook, Tyronda Boone, and Jessica “Culture Queen” Smith, the immersive experience engages students with creative activities, Black History Trivia, and student performances.