Black History Month Activities Beyond the Basics

Beyond the Same Five People

Every February, students learn about Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Ruby Bridges, and George Washington Carver. These are important figures, but Black history is vast, diverse, and ongoing. Your students deserve a richer experience.

Guiding Principles

Black History Is American History -- It should be woven into your curriculum year-round, not confined to one month.

Beyond Struggle Narratives -- Black history includes joy, innovation, art, science, business, and excellence, not just slavery, segregation, and civil rights struggles.

Age-Appropriate Honesty -- Do not sugarcoat history, but teach it in ways appropriate for your students' developmental level.

Contemporary Connections -- Include living Black Americans who are shaping the world right now.

Activity Ideas

Research Lesser-Known Figures -- Students research Black Americans they have never heard of: Bessie Coleman (first Black female pilot), Lewis Latimer (improved the light bulb), Mae Jemison (first Black female astronaut), Bayard Rustin (organized the March on Washington).

Local History -- Research Black history in your own community. Who were the important figures? What happened here?

Art and Literature -- Study Black artists, musicians, poets, and authors. Read books by Black authors throughout the month.

STEM Connections -- Highlight Black scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and inventors. Study their contributions and connect to current curriculum.

Student Choice Projects -- Let students choose a topic within Black history that interests them. Provide research resources and a range of product options.

Books to Use

Keep a classroom library of books by and about Black Americans that is available year-round, not just in February. Include picture books, chapter books, poetry, and nonfiction.

Use the AI lesson plan generator to create lessons that integrate Black history into your content area.