Celebrate platypuses, valentines and Black History Month with Disney Channel and Disney XD

Disney Channel is educating its young viewers about Black History Month and celebrating Valentine’s Day with two new campaigns this month that aim to get kids thinking about the world around them. In addition, the countdown to National Platypus Day has begun.

This past weekend, Disney Channel and Disney XD actors began posting #ShowSomeHeart messages on their Twitter accounts. These links feature videos showing how the stars champion generosity of spirit, and they encourage acts of kindness among their followers.

The actors participating in the campaign are China Anne McClain (“A.N.T. Farm”); Ross Lynch and Laura Marano (“Austin & Ally”); Cole Jensen and Crash (“Crash & Bernstein”); Bridgit Mendler (“Good Luck Charlie”); Debby Ryan (“Jessie”); Leo Howard and Olivia Holt (“Kickin’ It”); Spencer Boldman and Tyrel Jackson Williams (“Lab Rats”); and Bella Thorne and Zendaya (“Shake It Up”).

Beginning Feb. 13, the videos also will be posted on DisneyChannel.com and DisneyXD.com.

Disney Channel also sought out personal anecdotes for its Black History Month interstitials, but these are from everyday kids who talk about their favorite heroes, sources of inspiration and dreams for the future. The “This Is Me” series was filmed at the Long Beach, Calif., Boys & Girls Club and is designed to highlight what makes kids ages 6 to 14 unique and special. In addition, black professionals are featured in some spots, such as the ones tied to the new show, “Doc McStuffins.”

Finally, the television network launched a monthlong celebration leading up to National Platypus Day on March 2. The stars of the party are, of course, the characters from “Phineas and Ferb,” which includes popular secret agent Perry the Platypus. In February, the “O.W.C.A” (Organization Without a Cool Acronym) disco anthem, inspired by The Village People’s iconic hit “Y.M.C.A.,” debuted in music videos with Disney Channel and Disney XD actors — and even Good Morning America anchors.

Starting Feb. 22, “Phineas and Ferb” fans are invited to visit DisneyChannel.com/platypus and DisneyXD.com/platypus to watch short “How to Draw Perry” videos depicting their favorite Disney stars, and draw and upload their very own Perry creations. In addition, a new online game, “Agent P: Return of the Platypus,” will be available.

Viewers can look forward to two new episodes where Agent P (Perry) is in the spotlight on March 1 and 2. Also on National Platypus Day, Disney XD will air a five-hour “Phineas and Ferb” marathon.