Blactastic performers Debra Mims, Baba Bomani, Jamaal “Mr. Root” Collier, Quynn Johnson, Drew Anderson, and Jessica “Culture Queen” Smith along with videographer Jimmy Powell gather in the shade of a white, wooden gazebo on a bright, sunny day. The group–in matching black t-shirts printed with Arts for Learning's bold cyan, magenta, and yellow logo–smiles into the camera.

Blacktastic! 2025 – Black History Month Content like no other

This February, the fifth annual Blacktastic! returns, bigger and better than ever!

Looking for joyful, original, and exciting Black History Month programming? Join us in celebrating the joy of Maryland’s Black history and culture through Blacktastic! This extended virtual program features Arts for Learning’s teaching artists, enriching and developmentally appropriate virtual performances, trivia, and exciting virtual field trips to historic sites that honor Blacktastic leaders from our marvelous State of Maryland. Our biggest virtual event, over 56,000 students registered to take part in Blacktastic in 2024!

One recent participant shared: “Blacktastic. It’s not a word. It’s a feeling, a celebration—a close encounter with the work of some very dedicated artists who bring their work through the computer to your classroom. This festival was an amazing opportunity for students and teachers alike to experience the power of the arts—a variety of forms and contents, all in one. Can’t wait to see where this goes next year!”

This February’s honorees include abolitionist Harriet Tubman; author and minister Josiah Henson; current creative director at Mattel Studios, Sidney Clifton; and pioneering trade union leader Isaac Myers and more, brought to you by our talented Arts for Learning teaching artists and some special local guests. Featured Arts for Learning teaching artists for 2025: Debra Mims, Baba Bomani, Jamaal “Mr. Root” Collier, Quynn Johnson, Drew Anderson, Tyronda Boone, Dr. David Fakunle and Jessica “Culture Queen” Smith.

NEW this year!
You asked for content tailored to the students you teach. This year, Blacktastic will be split into two days. Wednesday, February 26 will include content for elementary school students and Thursday, February 27 will feature content for students in middle and high school.
All on a new and improved user-friendly streaming platform!

The best part? You don’t have to pay anything additional. Registration includes live access to both days of programming, a curriculum-aligned activity book to lock in the learning, and extended access to revisit the programs—through June 30, 2024!

Experience Maryland’s Black History with this program like no other! Register your school or classroom today on our website at artsforlearningmd.org/blacktastic!