During February, our art classroom was a vibrant space of learning and reflection as we celebrated Black History Month. I centered our lessons on the Civil Rights Movement and the stories of influential Black figures who have shaped our nation, using art as a medium for students to engage with this history.

Kindergarten & 1st Grade: Astronaut Mae Jemison

Our youngest artists explored the life of Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel into space. We discussed her courage and the significance of her breaking barriers. The students expressed what they learned by using construction paper and tempera sticks to create dynamic portraits of Dr. Jemison.

2nd & 3rd Grade: Rosa Parks

These students dove into the powerful story of Rosa Parks and her pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. Through our class discussion, they explored the gravity of her bravery. To capture this moment in history, the children created watercolor illustrations depicting Mrs. Parks on the bus.

4th & 5th Grade: Barack Obama & Representation

Our older students explored the presidency of Barack Obama, specifically focusing on the importance of representation in positions of power. Inspired by the striking style of artist Kehinde Wiley, the students used tempera paint to recreate his famous portrait of President Obama, focusing on bold colors and symbolic, botanical backgrounds.