Ideas for Celebrating Black History Month
February 6, 2023
During February, we take time to observe Black History Month, which is an annual celebration of the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. It has been observed in the United States since being recognized by the federal government in 1976. Initially recognized as a week, it evolved to a full month. The focus is not only on the struggles and triumphs experienced by African Americans in the fight for civil rights and equality and it also brings awareness to the cultural, economic, and political contributions that have been made in American society.
In recognition of the month, people participate in events and activities that honor and celebrate the rich history and diverse culture of African Americans. In cultural centers and museums, there are special events held as well as educational programs for the community that schools can participate in. Black History Month helps to educate and inform people about the significant role that African Americans have played in shaping the history and culture of the United States. To celebrate Black History Month, there are a variety of activities that we can do in our classrooms to help students to develop greater awareness and understanding of its importance.
Activities to Celebrate Black History Month
There are many activities that schools can do to celebrate Black History Month. With intentional planning, schools and other organizations can find a variety of wonderful opportunities to make available to their communities. Here are a few ideas:
1. Guest speakers: Invite local community leaders, activists, or scholars to speak to students about African American history and culture.
2. Organize a field trip: Visit a local museum or cultural center that has exhibits on African American history and culture.
3. Create a display or exhibit: Encourage students to research and present information about important figures or events in African American history. This a great opportunity for students to explore the stories available in Capstone and to create using PebbleGo!
These are just a few ideas, but there are many other ways that schools can celebrate Black History Month and recognize the contributions of African Americans.
Build Literacy Skills
It is important for students to continue to develop their writing skills and another way to celebrate Black History Month is to provide a variety of writing prompts and have students explore based on their interests.
Here are five ideas:
1. Have students research and then create a biographical sketch about an important figure in African American history.
2. Students can research and share what they have learned about a significant event in African American history, such as the Civil Rights Movement or the abolition of slavery.
3. Help students build their persuasive writing skills and research Black History Month and then write an essay or create a presentation explaining why it should be recognized and celebrated.
4. Encourage reflection and social awareness and have students create a representation of how learning about African American history has affected their perspective or understanding of the world.
5. Research and write an essay about the contributions of African Americans to a particular field or industry, such as the arts, education, science, or politics.
Depending on the age of the students, they could also interview a person who has firsthand knowledge or experience with an important event or movement in African American history. Their presentation can include audio or even video which can be shared with others! Check out this Buncee board for some additional ideas!
Create a PSA about Black History Month
Sharing information beyond our schools is important. Students can create PSAs to display in the school and inform others about the importance of Black History Month! Here are four PSA ideas
1. Inform others about the significance of Black History Month and why it is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of African Americans.
2. Share profiles or interviews of important figures in African American history, including their achievements, and the impact they have had on the world.
3. Choose a particular field or industry, such as the arts, education, politics, or science, and share how their contributions have shaped and impacted society.
4. Build awareness about the cultural traditions and practices of African Americans, and how they have influenced and enriched American society.
There are many important figures in African American history who are recognized and celebrated during Black History Month. Here are a few examples:
Martin Luther King Jr. is best known for his role in the American civil rights movement. He is famous for his use of nonviolence to protest segregation and discrimination and is known for his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.
Rosa Parks was an African American civil rights activist who is best known for her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist, writer, and statesman who was born into slavery but escaped to freedom. He became one of the most prominent figures in the abolitionist movement and is known for his powerful speeches and writings about slavery and civil rights.
Malcolm X: Malcolm X was an African American Muslim minister and human rights activist who is best known for his work in the civil rights movement.
Harriet Tubman: Tubman was an abolitionist, humanitarian, and armed scout for the United States Army during the American Civil War. She is best known for her work as a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, helping to lead hundreds of slaves to freedom.(Check out the Harriet Tubman wordfind!)
Students can learn about one of these figures, create an overview of what they learned and share it with classmates to promote discussion!
These are just a few examples of the many important figures in African American history who are recognized and celebrated during Black History Month. With PebbleGo, we will engage students in authentic meaningful learning during Black History Month!