Black History Month and Year-Round Classroom Resources
Black History Month is observed each February, but Black history is an integral part of American history throughout the year. Across generations, Black Americans have shaped the United States and the world through leadership, innovation, creativity, civic participation and movements for freedom and equality.
The observance originated in 1926, when historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the organization now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History established Negro History Week. ASALH expanded the commemoration to Black History Month in 1976, the same year President Gerald Ford issued the first presidential message recognizing the month.
This curated collection offers free, high-quality and classroom-ready Black history lesson plans, activities, blogs, multimedia resources and professional development webinars for educators across grade levels. Materials explore Black history, experiences and contributions in:
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Politics, labor and civil rights,
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Science, technology, engineering and math,
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Literature, music and the arts,
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Sports, education and public life, and
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Contemporary issues and ongoing movements for change.
Educators can select resources suited to their students, subjects and learning goals during Black History Month or at any point in the school year. The collection provides multiple ways to examine Black history through historical context, first-person perspectives, inquiry and cross-curricular learning.
