Celebrating Black History: Educational Activities for All Ages

Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is observed every February to celebrate the accomplishments of Black people in the United States and their significant roles throughout history. From elementary school to adulthood, engaging in educational activities during this month is a powerful step towards creating an inclusive environment.

The Origins and Significance of Black History Month

Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, but its origins date back to the 1920s with historian and scholar Carter G. Woodson. Early celebrations included a national week dedicated to Black history, typically held during the second week of February. Black History Month serves to highlight the achievements of Black people. It expands young people’s understanding of the Black experience beyond slavery and civil rights, building empathy and understanding.

Engaging Activities for Students and Children

There are numerous ways to engage students and children in Black History Month, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and an appreciation for Black culture and history.

Interactive Discussions and Critical Thinking

Asking someone to describe something is one of the best ways to spark critical thinking. It also establishes a safe space to talk through and interpret each other’s thoughts and understanding. This activity extends to concepts like equality, civil rights, and pride around heritage. For example, asking, “What does equality mean to you?” can lead to insightful responses. One student, Kayla, age 9, shared, “Equality means that I can do things that every other person can, it means being fair and being friends with whoever I want. As an African American, I can make things more equal if I share my voice.”

Art Projects and Creative Expression

Art has always been central to Black expression, and students can harness that power in creative ways. Students can participate in Black History Month art projects for kids, such as making colorful mosaics inspired by artist Alma Thomas or drawing their favorite influential Black individual on a blank piece of paper using Color Code Markers. First, students will draw their influential figure with pencil large and will include empty places for the color codes. Next, students will color in their codes and lines with markers with the help from the Color Codes Chart. They can also explore the concept of “Afrofuturism” by watching films like “Black Panther” or reading science-fiction books by Octavia E. Butler.

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Exploring Black Music and Dance

Introduce students to the rich history of Black music and dance. For example, introduce students to the history of hip-hop culture. Hosting a listening (and dance!) party featuring Black musical artists or different styles of Black and African American music throughout the ages connects history to areas of interest.

Field Trips and Virtual Tours

Museums and historic sites are a wealth of knowledge. Visit local museums or historical sites that focus on Black history, such as the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. If in-person visits are not possible, virtual field trips to museums would be just as amazing. Questions like “What surprised you most?” or “How did you feel when you learned about X?” can spark conversation and critical thinking on the drive home or at the dinner table.

Film Screenings and Discussions

Watch films on Black history, such as "Harriet," which tells the remarkable journey of Harriet Tubman. Help draw connections between historical events and current issues, fostering critical thinking skills.

Research Projects and Presentations

Students can create a biographical encyclopedia with one or two paragraphs each about Black leaders who contributed to the civil rights movement throughout history and explain why those individuals' accomplishments deserve to be recognized. Then, students can dive into the role that each figure played in history, what events they influenced, and their legacy. This is a good chance to teach students about finding credible sources online, creating a bibliography, and improving their writing. Your students can exchange their final Black History Month projects and provide peer feedback, or share them with the entire class.

Timeline of the Civil Rights Movement

Review the timeline of the civil rights movement. Then, distribute the timeline activity and have your students fill in details about nine key events of the civil rights movement based on their research. Once complete, your students should cut out each event; place them in chronological order; and glue, paste, or tape them to a piece of paper.

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Persuasive Essays

Many Black people have made valuable contributions to the world throughout history. Postal Service to create a new stamp honoring an influential Black person. They should explain their choice and the impact the person has had on the world. Maybe they want to focus on Katherine Johnson's contribution to science and space exploration or Stevie Wonder's legacy in music. Have students read their essays to one another or submit them for extra credit.

Black Scientists in History

If you're looking to explore famous Black scientists in history, you can download these posters, hang them in your classroom or distribute them to your students. This activity can take a lot of different forms. You may simply have a classroom discussion about the legacies of each of these scientists, or you can encourage your students to dig further and create their own list of famous Black scientists. Students might even focus on influential Black innovators in specific scientific fields, such as chemistry or mathematics. Your students can write about these individuals' lives, accomplishments, and continued legacy today, and perhaps create their own posters to hang on a bulletin board.

Experiments Inspired by Black Scientists

Get hands on and further explore the extraordinary works of famous Black scientists, inventors, and mathematicians by conducting experiments inspired by their work. Find a collection of Black History Month science activities and experiments that touch on earth and space sciences, agriculture, biology, and more, so students can study space like Dr. Mae Jemison, or nurture plants like George Washington Carver.

Quizzes and Word Searches

Test students' knowledge with our Black History Month quiz. A teacher answer key is also included. Download this word search for students that includes the names of influential figures, key events, and terms related to Black history. Once students find all the words listed, have them write a short description or definition of each term.

Reading and Story Time

Reading the experiences of African Americans and notable Black people helps us understand their struggles and triumphs, as well as their everyday lives. Picture books are also a great way to bring the stories and histories of Black trailblazers to life for kids.

Quote Gallery Walk

Display quotes from notable Black figures in your classroom and engage students in a quote gallery walk. Use these Black History Month quotes for students for the gallery walk. Alongside the quote, include the person’s name, title, and brief biography. Post the quotes around the room. Place students in small groups and have them explore each quote. As groups stop at a quote, ask students to discuss with each other what the quote means to them. Then have them use a marker to jot down their thoughts and reflections on the chart paper. Afterwards, lead a class discussion about the powerful words the class just read.

Poetry Reading

Study the works of famous Black poets, like Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes, and teach students the art of performing poetry by hosting a class poetry reading. Show students videos of Black poets reciting their works, so students can learn about the change of tone, inflection, and body language when poems are read aloud. Then have students choose a poem penned by a Black author that they will share during the class poetry reading. Give students the time to practice reciting their poems aloud in small groups. On the day of the event, you can convert your classroom into a poetry café. If possible, invite caregivers or guardians to watch the performances. After their reading, students can share fun facts about the poet, why they chose the poem they did, and what resonated with them.

Transforming the Classroom into a Black History Museum

Bring the museum into your classroom with this Black History Month activity. Ask students to research notable Black figures or key events in Black history. Students will then create posters based on their research. Display students’ work throughout the classroom, organizing the posters into exhibits, such as science, history, art, and literature, to transform your classroom into a Black history museum. If possible, chose a date and invite other classes and guardians or caregivers to a museum showing of your class’s Black history exhibits. Students can present the information on their posters to guests as museum guides and educators.

Resources and Materials

Utilize various resources to enhance Black History Month activities:

Books: Select age-appropriate books that highlight Black history and culture.
Museums and Historic Sites: Plan visits or virtual tours to relevant museums and historical landmarks.
Online Resources: Utilize online resources from organizations like the National Museum of African American History & Culture and the National Education Association.
Primary Sources: Incorporate primary sources such as documents, photographs, and recordings to provide authentic historical context.

Student-Led Initiatives and Community Involvement

Principals know that events designed and run by students tend to feel more engaging and relatable. Letting students take the lead can turn the celebration into a living, breathing exploration of identity, justice, and shared humanity. The most impactful celebrations begin with students defining what the month should represent. When students articulate the themes they want to highlight-innovation, activism, joy, art, or local history-they create a foundation that feels relevant to their school community. Community partnerships can deepen the impact of school-based celebrations. Students might collaborate with local museums, cultural centers, historically Black colleges, or Black-owned businesses. These partnerships can bring in guest speakers, provide resources for projects, or create opportunities for service learning.

Extending Black History Beyond February

One of the most meaningful things students can do is ensure that Black history doesn’t disappear on March 1. Students have the creativity, insight, and passion to make Black History Month celebrations transformative.

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