What is Black History Month?
About
February is Black History Month, a time the country celebrates achievements by African Americans, and recognizes their central role in U.S. history.
Who started Black History Month?
Carter G. Woodson developed the celebration of Black history, due to the lack of information that was provided to the public about the accomplishments of Black people. In 1926, a week was designated to celebrate Black History to recognize the contributions of African Americans.
This week-long event that Woodson created, became a month-long celebration in 1976 when President Gerald Ford extended the recognition.
“honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
- Gerald Ford
Influential African Americans
Rosa Parks
Frederick Douglass
Martin Luther King Jr.
Bernard Anthony Harris
Bernard Anthony Harris became the first African American to walk in space.
Barack Obama
Barack Obama was the first African-American president of the United States.
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris is the first woman and woman of color to be elected as vice president of the United States.
Books to Read to Honor Black History Month
Look What Brown Can Do! by Marie Harris
This books teaches readers about inspiring contributions to black history and encourages children to dream big.
I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King
This illustration book reveals Martin Luther King Jr.'s inspiring speeches about the importance of equality.
Bippity Bop Barbershop by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
This book highlights the role barbershops play in black culture, and what it is like to conquer your fears as a child.
Princess Hair by Sharee Miller
This story encourages black girls to embrace their hair in all its many forms. It shines a spotlight on the beauty and diversity of black hair, and it teaches young girls that all types of hair is princess hair.
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
This book is a story about the first African American woman who went to space - Mae Jemison. It highlights her dreams as a child, her hard work, and her success in space.
Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper
This book highlights the day in 1865, known as Juneteenth, that marked the end of slavery in 1865. Children can accompany the character Mazie, as she celebrates Juneteenth.
Visit epic! and sharemylesson for more suggestions on books to read during Black History Month.
Online Resources
Sign up with 28 Days of Black History to receive daily emails for the month of February to celebrate Black legacy in the United States.
Each evening at 5 pm, the virtual exhibition will include:
AN INTRODUCTION: "To a moment in Black history exemplified by the art, literature, or artifact featured for the day."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: "To guide conversations with your family, friends, classroom, or colleagues."
ACTION ITEMS: "To dismantle anti-Blackness in your community."
Sign up with Facing History to strengthen your Black History curriculum. There is a variety of teaching resources and blog posts that are created to promote innovative instruction and reflection of these topics.
Register for the upcoming FREE professional development opportunities available through Facing History!
Engaging in Antiracism Work: During Black History Month and Beyond
When? February 10, 2021
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 PM PT
"Black History Month is too often approached as a once-a-year opportunity to highlight the contributions of African Americans to American industry, life, and culture. Join us in this interactive webinar where we will explore the importance of taking a more antiracist approach to celebrating Black achievement throughout the year. Taking a more antiracist approach means committing to confronting present-day inequities in schools and rejecting deficit approaches to educating Black students. Black joy can truly be expressed when students feel socially and emotionally safe and valued in school."
Teaching for Equity and Justice
When? February 11, 2021 to February 12, 2021
Time: 8:00 am - 1:00 PM PT
"Join us for a two-day online learning experience as we examine moments in the history of American education, current systems of inequity, and provide educators with the tools necessary to mitigate these barriers to equity."
Explorations: Building Learning Communities through SEL, Equity and Civic Education
When? March 3, 2021 to March 4, 2021
Time: 8:00 am to 1:00 PM (PT)
"This two-day online introductory “Explorations” workshop is designed for schools and districts interested in learning more about how Facing History can support them in achieving their goals. It introduces Facing History’s programs and approach to social-emotional learning (SEL), equity and civic education, exploring how understanding ourselves, understanding students, understanding history, and understanding learning can empower educators as change agents."
Coursera is currently offering courses taught by Black experts about mental health, finance, workforce development, technology and more, in honor of Black History Month.