black history month mini research project

Top 50+ Black History Month Research Projects [Updated]

Black History Month stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. It’s a time to celebrate achievements, acknowledge struggles, and delve into the rich tapestry of Black experiences. One powerful way to engage with this history is through research projects. In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of Black History Month research projects, how to choose a compelling topic, conduct thorough research, organize your project effectively, and present your findings with impact.

Black History Month: Background Information

Table of Contents

Black History Month traces its roots back to the pioneering work of Carter G. Woodson, who initiated “Negro History Week” in 1926 to promote the study of Black history. This week was later expanded into a month-long celebration in 1976.

The significance of Black History Month lies in its ability to shine a spotlight on the achievements and struggles of African Americans, challenge historical narratives, and foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of race and identity in America.

How Do You Select Black History Month Research Projects?

Selecting Black History Month research projects involves thoughtful consideration of topics that highlight significant aspects of African American history and culture. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Reflect on Personal Interest: Consider topics that resonate with you personally or align with your academic or professional interests. Reflect on aspects of African American history that inspire curiosity or passion.
• Identify Important Themes: Explore key themes within Black history, such as civil rights movements, cultural contributions, notable figures, or social movements. Consider the significance of these themes and their relevance to contemporary issues.
• Research Existing Literature: Familiarize yourself with existing research and literature on Black history topics. Identify gaps or areas where further investigation is needed. Pay attention to emerging scholarship and perspectives.
• Consider Untold Stories: Explore lesser-known or overlooked aspects of Black history. Look for stories of resilience, resistance, and triumph that may have been marginalized or forgotten in mainstream narratives.
• Engage with Community Perspectives: Seek input from community members, historians, scholars, and educators to gain insights into important topics and perspectives within Black history. Consider the impact of historical events on different communities and identities.
• Evaluate Feasibility: Assess the feasibility of potential research topics based on available resources, time constraints, and access to relevant materials. Choose topics that are manageable within the scope of your research project.
• Narrow Down Options: Narrow down your list of potential topics based on relevance, significance, and personal interest. Consider the depth and breadth of available research, as well as the potential for original contributions to the field.
• Define Research Questions: Formulate clear research questions or objectives that guide your investigation. Define the scope and focus of your research project, ensuring clarity and specificity in your approach.
• Seek Feedback: Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or instructors on your chosen topic and research questions. Consider their input and suggestions for refining or expanding your research project.
• Finalize Your Choice: Make a final decision on your Black History Month research project topic based on your interests, research goals, and feasibility. Embrace the opportunity to delve into a meaningful and impactful exploration of African American history.

Top 50+ Black History Month Research Projects

• The Role of African American Women in the Black Panther Party
• African American Vernacular English: Origins, Evolution, and Influence
• African American Spirituals: Songs of Survival and Resistance
• The Impact of Black-Owned Businesses on Economic Empowerment
• African American Medical Pioneers: Contributions to Healthcare and Medicine
• The Influence of African American Music on Popular Culture
• African American Inventors and Their Contributions to Innovation
• Black Power Movement: Ideologies, Leaders, and Legacy
• The Great Migration: Causes, Effects, and Significance
• Exploring African American Folklore and Oral Traditions
• African American Representation in Film and Media
• The Underground Railroad: Stories of Escape and Resistance
• African American Religious Movements and Spiritual Traditions
• The Impact of Redlining and Segregation on African American Communities
• African American Women Writers and Their Literary Contributions
• Civil Rights Activism Beyond the United States: Global Perspectives
• The Legacy of Slavery and Its Continued Effects on African American Communities
• African American Art: From the Harlem Renaissance to Contemporary Times
• The Intersection of Race, Gender, and Class in African American History
• Black Panther Party: Ideals, Activities, and Influence
• The Tulsa Race Massacre: History, Impact, and Legacy
• Afrofuturism: Exploring Black Identity and Culture in Science Fiction
• African American Hair and Identity: Cultural Significance and Political Statements
• African American LGBTQ+ Activism and Community Building
• The Harlem Hellfighters: African American Soldiers in WWI
• Voting Rights Struggles and Achievements for African Americans
• Black Feminist Thought and Its Impact on Social Movements
• The Impact of African American Athletes on Sports and Society
• African American Cuisine: History, Traditions, and Influences
• The Role of African American Churches in Social Justice Movements
• Environmental Justice and African American Communities
• The Civil Rights Movement in the American South: Key Figures and Events
• African American Military Leaders and Their Contributions to History
• The Detroit Race Riots of 1967: Causes, Events, and Aftermath
• Afrofuturism in Literature: Exploring Black Identity and Imagination
• The Legacy of Malcolm X: Activism, Ideals, and Influence
• African American Education: Challenges and Triumphs
• The Black Lives Matter Movement: Origins, Goals, and Impact
• The Legacy of the Montgomery Bus Boycott: Lessons in Nonviolent Resistance
• Afro-Latinx Identity and Activism in the United States
• Police Brutality and Its Historical Roots in African American Communities
• African American Military Service in the Vietnam War
• African American Folk Music and Its Influence on American Music Traditions
• Black Wall Street: The Rise and Fall of Greenwood, Oklahoma
• The Significance of Juneteenth in Contemporary America
• African American Activism in the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement
• The Chicago Race Riot of 1919: Causes, Events, and Aftermath
• African American Contributions to the Harlem Globetrotters
• African American Environmental Justice Leaders and Movements
• The Significance of Juneteenth: History, Celebrations, and Contemporary Relevance
• The Cultural Significance of Kwanzaa in African American Communities

Tips for Black History Month Research Projects

Creating a compelling Black History Month research project requires careful planning and execution. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Start Early: Begin your research and planning well in advance of Black History Month to allow ample time for exploration, analysis, and writing.
• Choose a Relevant Topic: Select a topic that aligns with the themes and goals of Black History Month. Consider the significance of the topic and its relevance to contemporary issues facing African American communities.
• Conduct Thorough Research: Utilize a variety of sources, including books, articles, archival materials, and oral histories, to gather comprehensive information on your chosen topic. Pay attention to credibility, relevance, and diversity of perspectives in your research.
• Engage with Primary Sources: Whenever possible, incorporate primary sources such as letters, diaries, speeches, and photographs into your research. These firsthand accounts provide valuable insights into historical events and perspectives.
• Analyze Critically: Approach your research with a critical eye, questioning assumptions, biases, and interpretations. Evaluate sources for reliability, accuracy, and relevance to your research questions.
• Organize Your Findings: Create an outline or structure for your research project to organize your ideas and findings logically. Develop a clear thesis statement that articulates the central argument or focus of your project.
• Provide Context: Provide background information and historical context to help readers understand the significance of your topic. Situate your research within broader historical narratives and social, political, and cultural contexts.
• Engage with Diverse Perspectives: Explore diverse perspectives and experiences within African American history , including those of marginalized groups and individuals. Consider the intersectionality of race, gender, class, sexuality, and other factors in shaping historical narratives.
• Cite Your Sources: Properly cite all sources used in your research project to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism. Follow the conventions of your chosen citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) consistently throughout your project.
• Share Your Findings: Share your research findings with others through presentations, discussions, or written publications. Engage with your audience to foster dialogue, exchange ideas, and raise awareness of important issues in Black history.

By following these tips, you can create a meaningful and impactful Black History Month research project that contributes to a deeper understanding and appreciation of African American history and culture.

As we commemorate Black History Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to honoring the achievements and struggles of African Americans past and present. May our Black History Month research projects serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of resilience, perseverance, as well as triumph in the face of adversity. 

Together, let us continue to amplify Black voices, challenge systemic inequities, as well as strive for a more just and inclusive society.

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Black History Month Research Project

If ever there was a time to celebrate Black History Month in our classrooms, it is now! This Black History Month Research Project is the perfect activity for middle school students! By researching an influential African American, students will not only learn invaluable research skills but will also engage in thoughtful discussions about current events!

Research Best Practices

When I teach this unit in my classroom, I spend approximately two and a half weeks. I spend the first few days teaching basic research skills. This helps set students up for research success! We don’t want students to waste their precious researching time because they aren’t equipped with the right tools! Several Slides presentations included in my TpT product discuss types of resources, evaluating sources for credibility and bias. I believe that it is imperative that students know how to find credible, balanced sources– especially in today’s world when so many “news sources” overtly express their bias and opinion masquerades as fact! I’ve always felt strongly about teaching students to use primary sources and think for themselves, but this issue feels even more important to me now due the current political climate. Teachers are in a prime position to help stop the spread of misinformation!

We also spend time talking about how to find sources through an internet search. My Slides presentations help students learn the most effective ways to find the information they are seeking. We also discuss Wikipedia [teacher eyeroll]. While I try to make it abundantly clear that Wikipedia cannot be used as a “source,” I do show students one way that Wikipedia can be used to find other credible sources.

Once students have a base understanding of research best practices, they will spend time researching their individuals. I’ve included some note-taking graphic organizes for students in the product. These graphic organizers help students organize their information while they are researching.

Drafting and Revision

Students will then create an essay outline and begin the drafting process. I’ve included some teacher models to help students see exactly what is expected of them for this assignment. Another great teaching tactic is to actually draft a paper of your own live for students. With your projector running, simply demonstrate how one takes the gathered information and creates something new with it!

Following a peer edit, students revise and complete their final essay! I find it is also helpful to do a live peer edit and revision to model for students how to make it an effective use of time instead of an exercise in futility. Too often, students breeze through the editing process and, instead of revising their essay, simply rewrite their first draft. Definitely not the result we want. Modeling this live is a great way to get better results from students!

Black History Month Posters & Presentations

Once their essays are finished, the fun part begins! Students will create a poster to serve as a visual representation of their individual. I require my students to have 7-10 bullet points highlighting the most important and most interesting facts about their individual and at least two pictures. They can design and decorate their poster any way they choose.

The students always have fun with this creative portion of the project. I love to have a few low-key days where students can use the creative side of their brains after the hard work of researching and writing! Sometimes, we will put on some school-appropriate music to make it really enjoyable! [Side bar: A great and free way to reward great behavior is to allow well-behaved students the opportunity to choose a song they like on days like this!]

After students have had enough time to finish their posters, the presentations can begin! I love, love, love doing class presentations! Public speaking is such an important skill to have–even (maybe especially) for students who tend to be more reserved and timid in regular class discussions. Before we begin, I like to model both a great oral presentation and a poor oral presentation. I usually begin with the poor oral presentation. It’s fun to step out of the classroom and throw some grubby clothes on over my regular work clothes and skulk in and very poorly and very briefly talk about my individual slumping into poor posture while waving my poster around so no one can see it and other antics I’m sure all teachers have seen many times. My students always seem to get a kick out of it!

I then juxtapose that with a proper oral presentation: well-dressed (although I don’t like to make a big deal out of this one so that no student feels uncomfortable about their clothes), good posture, making eye contact, speaking clearly, etc. Like always, students do better when they have sometime to model!

Black History Month Hallway Decorations

When the students have all presented their posters, I love to hang them up in the hallways! It’s fun to see all students stop and read about the countless African Americans that have broken barriers and made a difference in the world! I am always inspired by this Black History Month project and I hope you and your students will be too!

How do you like to celebrate Black History Month with your students?

Brenna (Mrs. Nelson)

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Black History Month Research and One-Pager

Description.

Celebrate Black History Month with this one-pager project that requires students to research important African American figures in history. Completed projects make beautiful hallway or classroom displays; students’ artwork also makes for great bulletin boards that highlight Black History Month.

Included in this purchase is:

• Student directions for the one pager project (2 Versions: PDF and word document)
• Rubric for the one pager project
• Example one pager (Maya Angelou)
• 10 BLANK TEMPLATES (printable — optional)

Some research options include:

Ruby Bridges Toni Morrison Langston Hughes Zora Neale Hurston Alice Walker Maya Angelou Jesse Owens Langston Hughes Martin Luther King Jr. Jackie Robinson Frederick Douglass George Washington Carver Muhammad Ali Rosa Parks W. E. B. Du Bois Jesse Jackson Thurgood Marshall Harriet Tubman Malcolm X Barack Obama Booker T. Washington Ella Baker Shirley Chisholm Ida B. Wells Benjamin O. Davis Sr. Robert Sengstacke Abbott

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Teaching Black History Month – Research Projects & More!

Enjoy teaching Black History Month with research projects and two other ELA activities. First, kids research famous African Americans. Second, they learn about the earliest Black settlers in the United States. Third, students read a biography of Martin Luther King, Junior, create a timeline, and more.

Ms. Sneed Searches for New Ideas for Teaching Black History Month

Our favorite fourth grade teacher, Ms. Sneed, sat at the side table with her student teacher. “Let’s find some ideas teaching Black History Month in our ELA block ,” she said.

She opened her laptop and looked through her files.

“Aha,” Mr. Grow said. “I see you have an entire folder of activities – research projects and more!”

Differentiated Research Projects on Famous African Americans

Ms. Sneed smiled. “Yes, these are some of my favorites.”

She clicked on a file named African American Research Project .

As Mr. Grow looked on, she began to explain. “Initially, kids complete this template. It asks them to describe the person’s life, as well as what made them famous.

“For our lowest readers, this may be all we ask. However, a second sheet asks for challenges the person faced, how they overcame them, and who helped or inspired them.”

Mr. Grow nodded his head. “I like that. Kids will understand that great people are supported by others.”

Next, Ms. Sneed scrolled between two more worksheets. “This timeline asks kids to chronicle events in the person’s life, as well as events in history. Then they explain how historical events changed the person, as well as how the person changed history.”

“Powerful,” Mr. Grow responded. “I can see that kids will need to dig much farther in their research , as well as think more deeply.”

Ms. Sneed nodded. “That’s why I like using this for teaching Black History Month. To me, it cuts to the core of what the celebration is about.

“Additionally, these additional pages challenge our strongest readers. As you can see, the project is fully differentiated. That means we’ll reach every student at an appropriate level.”

Creating a Black History Month Display

Once again, Ms. Sneed began to scroll. “In this file, we find templates for 32 famous African Americans:

• Susan B. Anthony
• Muhammed Ali
• Marian Anderson
• Maya Angelou
• Louis Armstrong
• Josephine Baker
• Benjamin Banneker
• Ruby Bridges
• Gwendolyn Brooks
• Kobe Bryant
• George Washington Carver
• Frederick Douglass
• Charles Drew
• Langston Hughes
• Michael Jackson
• Lebron James
• Katherine Johnson
• Michael Jordan
• Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Thurgood Marshall
• Barack Obama
• Michelle Obama
• Jesse Owens
• Jackie Robinson
• Wilma Rudolph

“For each leader, we have two different templates. A page with a large picture asks kids to simply write their contribution. Then a lined page lets them write a report.”

“So,” said Mr. Grow. “our students begin the project with the research questions?”

Ms. Sneed nodded.

“And then they use their research for these pages.”

“Right again. And guess what? We get a beautiful Black History Month display! I like to staple both pages to a 12×18″ sheet of construction paper before hanging them up.”

More Research Projects Featuring Black Inventors

Now Ms. Sneed opened a new file entitled Famous Black Inventors . As she scrolled through it, Mr. Grow could see that it was the same as the first Black History Month research project.

“The people in this file are innovators. They include:

• Patricia Bath
• Andrew Jackson Beard
• Otis Boykin
• Albert and Marie Brown
• George Carruthers
• Alfred Cralle
• David Crosthwait
• Philip Downing
• Sarah E. Goode
• Bessie Blount Griffin
• Walter Lincoln Hawkins
• Thomas L. Jennings
• Lonnie Johnson
• Frederick McKinley Jones
• Marjorie Joyner
• Percy Lavon Julian
• Lewis Howard Latimer
• Elijah McCoy
• Alexander Miles
• Garrett Morgan
• Samuel R. Scottron

“As an alternative, we could ask our kids to explore these people.”

“Hmm,” Mr. Grow said. “It’s a tough choice. However, this set would tie in with our engineering design unit.”

Again, Ms. Sneed smiled. Her student teacher was beginning to understand double duty teaching.

Early Black History

Next, Ms. Sneed clicked on a file named Early Black History .

“This month,” she said, we’ll also learn about the earliest African Americans. Although neither of these settlements exists today, Fort Caroline and Fort Mose provide insight on the earliest Black settlers.”

Mr. Grow studied the activity. “First, kids read a one-page informational text. Second, they find and label locations on a map of the southeastern portion of the United States. Finally, they use the information to create a timeline. Once again, I love the integrated skills! This will fit nicely into our ELA lesson plans.”

Teaching Black History Month with Martin Luther King, Junior

Finally, Ms. Sneed clicked on a file that was simply labeled MLK .

“In my opinion,” she said, “teaching about Martin Luther King, Junior, must occur during Black History Month. This time, kids will read a three-page biography. It’s written specifically for kids in third, fourth, and fifth grades. Not too long, not too short.”

“After they’ve read the text,” she continued, “students organize the events on a timeline.”

“Cut and paste?” Mr. Grow asked.

“Yes. Kids cut out these rectangles. Then they arrange them chronologically on the other page.”

Cause-Effect and Quotes

Once again, Ms. Sneed scrolled down. “Additional activities are included. For example, on this worksheet, students match causes and effects in MLK’s life and history. And on this one, they analyze some of his most famous quotes.”

“Wow,” Mr. Grow exclaimed, “I’m going to love teaching Black History month – research papers, early history, and Martin Luther King, Junior. These activities will engage our learners. Furthermore, we’ll hit a variety of ELA skills and standards.”

Enjoy Teaching

“Yes, February promises to be an inspirational month in this classroom,” said Ms. Sneed. As usual, famous teacher smile spread across her lips.

10 Inspiring Black History Month Activities for Students

Written by Laney Kennedy

• Teacher Resources
• Teaching Activities

• 7 Black History Month topic ideas
• Guidelines for teaching during Black History Month
• 10 Black History Month activities for your students

February is Black History Month : the celebration of African American history, contributions, and achievements that’s recognized annually across the United States and Canada. 

For teachers, it’s a great opportunity to teach with intention, honoring the tradition and showing students its importance, along with the importance of Black history and culture. 

And this year, it's more important than ever to uphold this tradition and celebrate Black history — no matter where your students are learning.

Use these 10 activity ideas to teach Black history all month and keep your students engaged, whether they're in-class or online!

Typically, teachers tend to stick with the same few topics during Black History Month: civil rights, historical Black leaders or celebrities, and important milestones.

While these are still great topics to explore, there are also plenty of other important concepts you should consider introducing to your students this year, such as: 

• Current Black political issues
• The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity
• Stereotypes and microaggressions
• The history and impact of Black culture
• The history of hip hop 
• African Americans and the Vote
• Black Health and Wellness (this year's Black History Month theme!)

For Black History Month 2022, this year's theme is Black Health and Wellness. People are encouraged to explore how North American healthcare has underserved the black community and recognize the contributions to medicine and healthcare by black people.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Firsties♥️Ms. Salamak (@fur_babies_and_firsties)

When teaching Black history, remember to: 

• Follow the  do’s and dont’s
• Always promote  diversity in your classroom
• Remind students that  Black history  is  American history
• Leverage Black voices as much as you can (use relevant media, invite guest speakers etc.)

P.S. If you want to help parents talk about Black history and racial issues with their kids at home, use these 8 tips for parents as a helpful resource to start with — including additional resources for anyone who wants to learn more.

Use these activities throughout the month (and the rest of the year) to keep Black history at the forefront of your lessons and encourage your students to keep learning more.

1. Quote or fact of the day

Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.

Maya Angelou

Every morning, greet your students with a new quote or fact that’s relevant to Black history. 

Say them aloud during your lesson, add them to your bulletin board or send them in an online message (or all of the above, if you’re feeling ambitious). After this, you can open a discussion with your class about the relevance of each quote or fact.

Your students will love looking forward to what each day brings!

Try these: 

• Black history facts
• 15 Inspiring quotes
• 5 Black history quote posters
• Black history quotes - mini posters

2. Person of the day or week 

Take time to talk about Black influencers and their accomplishments. Highlight a different person every day or week and center your lessons around them!

Explore categories like:

• Politicians
• Historical figures
• Heroes and iconic leaders
• Scientists and mathematicians

Tip: Try to look beyond typical historical figures and popular celebrities. There are plenty of Black contributors students may not have even heard of yet — use this chance to introduce them! 

3. Black history trivia & games

Bring some fun (and maybe a little competition) into your lessons this month! Find trivia and games that focus on Black history, or repurpose other classroom games to incorporate Black History Month questions and answers.

• Black history multiplication - true or false
• Black history quizzes (these online quizzes are perfect for remote learning!)

4. Worksheet activities

Teach students about Black history while they work on fun activities at their own pace. Send worksheets to students online or print them out for independent classroom learning.

• Black history coloring pages
• Barack Obama crossword and trivia

5. Virtual events

Classroom learning is great, but there’s so much students can learn from their own experiences! 

This year especially, there are plenty of online activities and events celebrating Black History Month. So why not choose a youth-appropriate one your class can participate in?

• National Museum of African American History: Classroom Connections
• Black History Every Month: Virtual Events That Inspire Action, Education, and Connection

6. Timeline activity

Provide more context on important events in Black history with a bit of chronology.

Have students put together their own timelines, whether individually or in groups, that focus on specific historical events or people. They’ll have fun putting all the events together and learn lots along the way!

7. Study (and create) art

Art in the Black community carries so much historical and cultural significance that can inspire some great, illuminative lessons.

Assign one of these activities from Creative Child , or get students to:

• Write a story 
• Make a video or podcast
• Create visual art or crafts

8. Use relevant media

There’s so much good media out there to help you teach Black history — use it to your advantage!

Read books or watch videos with your class, then discuss the themes and lessons of each piece of media. After this, you can assign work based on them.

Try these books:

• All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
• The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

9. Host thought activities

Strengthen collaboration skills with various thought activities during February. These will get students thinking and help them learn new ideas and perspectives from each other. 

Start by posing a relevant question to your class, like: 

• Why do we celebrate?
• What does Black History Month mean to you?
• How can we fight intolerance in our everyday lives?

Encourage plenty of participation, then discuss everyone’s answers together! 

10. Assign a  class project

Give your class a larger assignment they can work on for the entire month, like a collaborative media project or group presentation — like this one from The Core Coaches on Teachers Pay Teachers .

These bigger projects let students build on what they’re learning and work together towards something they can be proud of!

Additional resources

Get inspired by these extra resources to help you even more:

• Black History milestones
• Black History in the National Archives
• Teaching tools for Black History Month
• Black History in America teaching guide
• Black History Month resources and lessons
• 10 Picture book biographies to celebrate Black History Month
• 20 Important lessons to teach kids about Black History Month

P.S. Want to make your math classes more engaging? Research shows Prodigy make math more fun and can even contribute to better test performance! Discover more about Prodigy's adaptive math platform today!

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Black History Month Biographies & Websites for Student Research

Let’s face it: research projects can be daunting. But did you know it doesn’t have to feel that way with the right tools? Yes, I’ve compiled Black History Month biographies for you that are kid-friendly and … yes, FREE! Read on to learn more.

Research Templates

First, if you’re looking for a Black History Month bulletin board project for elementary , consider research templates.

You can assign students an influential Black leader and have them compile their research via a graphic organizer. They can then transfer their information to a bulletin board-ready template.

I’ve created scaffolded templates & graphic organizers to help you meet students where they’re at as they take on such a large project!

Using these templates, students take on the role of their given prominent figure, providing a first-person point of view.

Even better, there are blank and pre-filled options with specified Black leaders’ images.👇🏽

So, how do these Black History Month biographies work?

• FIRST: Students choose a figure to research, then compile their research. There are pointers for students on the scaffolded version. Students can use the graphic organizer included to compile their research.
• NEXT: Students will fill in their research using either the blank or scaffolded versions .
• THEN: It is up to you ultimately if you want to have students hang them in the hallway or on a bulletin board. If choosing to do this, you should have students cut out the excess white areas around the scroll.
• LAST: Students can cut out and paste onto construction paper.

There are 42 influential Black leaders , including well-known, lesser-known, and modern individuals. This way, you don’t have to worry about finding the Black figures for your students to research. I’ve taken care of step one for ya!

Need a better look? Here’s a quick video tutorial!👇🏽

@thecomptoncreative Engage students in research this Black History Month using a kid-friendly project! #BlackHistoryMonth #BiographyProject #BarackObama ♬ OMG – White Gangster

FREE Biography Research Sites

Use the following sites for students to research. I’ve linked to the specific pages you’ll need below.

• National Geographic Kids
• Britannica Kids
• Fact Monster
• Social Studies for Kids

I’ve personally used a combination of these sites for my fourth graders’ as they researched Black History Month biographies. The content of each site is presented in a kid-friendly and engaging format, making it accessible and suitable for young learners.

Black History Month Video Biographies

You may also consider showing YouTube videos by Black content creators for students to complete their research. Alternatively, give them the links to dig in on their own. Here are some of my favorites.

The Wise Channel

These biographies are presented in SUCH an entertaining, kid-friendly way. Students will find some downright hilarious. This playlist has many Black History Month biographies.

Educational Videos for Students

These videos are presented in cartoon format and include various Black leaders’ biographies. This playlist contains interesting facts about over 100 Black leaders. Give his channel a look, too!

Black History Month Biographies

By now, you should have a starting point or at least an idea for your students’ Black History Month research project !

If you need other ideas, I’ve compiled three Black History Month activities for students , too.

Click the images to learn more about the research templates.⬇️

thecomptoncreative

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40 Black History Month Activities for February and Beyond

Celebrate and inspire with these Black history lesson ideas.

We know that Black history is American history and needs to be embedded into your classroom experiences year-round. At the same time, Black History Month provides the necessary opportunity to dig deeper with students. Every February, we can support students as they learn more, discover cultural impacts, and follow social movements from the past to the present day. These Black History Month lessons and activities cannot be isolated or one-off classroom experiences. Think of how you can connect these topics to what you’re already doing and make it authentic. And most important, do not just focus on oppression: Focus on the joy too!

Since 1928, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History has provided a theme for Black History Month. In 2024, the theme is African Americans and the Arts .

1. Learn the basics about Black History Month

Watch an introductory video about Black History Month. Then ask students to write their questions about Black history and use those to curate your resources and lessons for the month.

2. Re-create civil rights freedom posters

The Civil Rights Movement Veterans site offers powerful examples of freedom movement posters, as does the Civil Rights Digital Library . Review them with your students, and then have them get into groups and create their own to share.

3. Explore Black history through primary sources from the National Archives

Primary sources are great discussion starters to talk about Black experiences. Choose from thousands of resources , including this 1970s photo series of Chicago.

4. Learn about famous Black artists

Future Jacob Lawrences and Elizabeth Catletts will appreciate learning more about artists and expanding their own talents. Plus, check out these other Black artists .

5. Watch a Black History Month video

Get more specific information or do a deep dive into an area of Black history with a video about civil rights, slavery, accomplished Black Americans, and more.

Check out this list of Black history videos for students in every grade level.

6. Learn about Black Lives Matter

The Black Lives Matter site explains the group’s history while books like Dear Martin and  The Hate U Give explore the movement from a fictional perspective.

7. Learn about the inventor of the traffic light

Garrett Morgan invented the traffic light and patented the three-position traffic signal. Teach students about his achievements as an example of how Black Americans impact our everyday experiences. Watch a video about Morgan and talk about what inspired his invention and how being an African American impacted him as an inventor.

Buy it: Garrett Morgan Activity Pack at Amazon

8. Create a newsletter or magazine with content from Black authors

Have your students generate their own newsletter or literacy magazine to distribute to parents. Include poems and short stories by Black authors, as well as student-generated writings and images that center on Black History Month.

9. Read a Black History Month poem

To enhance our conversations this month, we’ve put together this list of powerful Black History Month poems for kids of all ages.

10. Listen to young poet Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman is another accomplished Black American and a great introduction to Black poetry. Watch the poem she read at Barack Obama’s inauguration, read her book Change Sings , and learn about her at Poets.org.

Buy it: Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem at Amazon

11. Turn your classroom (or school!) into a history museum

Have your students choose a notable Black pioneer they’d like to know more about, such as voting rights and women’s rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, dancer Alvin Ailey, or Betty Reid Soskin, the oldest full-time national parks ranger . Then, host a living museum right in your classroom.

12. Decorate your classroom door for Black History Month

Turn your classroom door into an educational experience. Check out how these teachers decorated their classroom doors in amazing ways to showcase Black History Month, and review this video with ideas.

13. Read books with Black characters in honor of Marley Dias

Dias is a young activist who started the #1000blackgirlbooks campaign as a sixth grader. She has compiled an excellent guide to books with Black girl characters . Check out WeAreTeachers’ list of books with Black protagonists as well.

14. Learn the story of the Henrietta Marie

The Henrietta Marie was a slave ship that sunk off the coast of Florida. Learn about the ship, its journey, and the underwater memorial that honors African slaves. Get more information about the Henrietta Marie at National Geographic.

15. Experience the I Have a Dream speech from multiple perspectives

Read A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech that Inspired a Nation by Barry Wittenstein. Then, watch the I Have a Dream Speech online, and explore resources about the speech at National Geographic . Engage students in discussing why this speech is so important in American history and why it continues to resonate today.

Buy it: A Place to Land at Amazon

16. Meet Oprah

Oprah Winfrey is a name every student knows, learn more about this influential Black American in this interview:

17. Read Black History Month books

If you’re looking for more reading activities, these picture books help celebrate Black History Month and educate your students on how these influential Black people helped shape history.

18. Learn the art of stepping

Stepping is a form of dancing in which the body itself is used to create unique rhythms and sounds. The website Step Afrika!  has videos and information about the history of stepping.

19. Take a virtual field trip to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The digital collections of the Schomburg Center, located in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood, feature some amazing online exhibits, interviews, and podcasts.

20. Virtually visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

You can browse the collection online by topic, date, or place.

21. Host a poetry reading featuring works by Black poets

Have students choose a poem by a Black poet to learn and recite for the class. Choose a student to serve as the emcee, write up a program, and set the tone with dimmed lights and jazz music played between performances. The Poetry Foundation has excellent resources that can help get you started.

Here’s inspiration with Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise:

22. Check out online Black history exhibits

Educating yourself and your students with these shows is one more way to understand Black history and the current moment.

23. Dive into Georgia Stories: Black History Collection on PBS

As a state, Georgia played a huge role in the 2020 presidential election, and its Black history dates back to the earliest days of slavery in the colony.

24. Discuss implicit bias, systemic racism, and social justice

Start a much-needed discussion around implicit bias and systemic racism with these resources that can empower students to fight for justice in our society.

25. Read and discuss Freedom in Congo Square

The award-winning picture book Freedom in Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford and R. Gregory Christie is a nonfiction children’s book that describes the tyranny of slavery to help young readers understand how jubilant Sundays were for slaves.

Buy it: Freedom in Congo Square at Amazon

26. Watch Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History

Kevin Hart highlights the fascinating contributions of Black history’s unsung heroes in this entertaining—and educational—comedy special.

27. Recognize Black visionaries

This great poster featuring activists, artists, authors, and revolutionaries will highlight Black changemakers in your classroom. Use companion activities to deepen understanding by researching several of the visionaries and asking students to write a story or create their own poster about what they’ve learned.

28. Review a timeline of Black history

Why is Black History Month in February? How long ago was it founded, and who started it? Find the answers to these questions and learn more with this timeline .

29. Explore the music of Black artists

This lesson traces the long history of how Black artists have used music as a vehicle for communicating beliefs, aspirations, observations, joy, despair, resistance, and more across U.S. history.

30. Sample Black-founded snack brands

Honor Black History Month with delicious snacks from Black-founded brands delivered to your classroom—5% of proceeds are donated to the Equal Justice Initiative and one meal is donated to Feeding America for every box delivered.

31. Understand the role of Black women in NASA’s history

How much do your students know about Black contributions to space exploration? Rent the film Hidden Figures and watch with your students to remember, honor, and share the incredible accomplishments of three Black women working on NASA’s space flight program. Before watching the movie, research the liberties the film took in telling the story and discuss with your students the function of the choices. Did the filmmakers make the right choices?

Watch it: Hidden Figures at Amazon

32. Support local Black-owned businesses

Research your city’s Black-owned businesses and see if you can purchase a sample of their products, invite some of the entrepreneurs to speak to your class, or book a field trip!

33. Stream Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices on Netflix

“ Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices is a live-action collection of 12 five-minute episodes featuring prominent Black celebrities and artists reading children’s books from Black authors that highlight the Black experience.”

34. Celebrate the “Black Lives Matter at School” movement

“Black Lives Matter at School” is a national coalition organized for racial justice in education. It encourages all educators, students, parents, unions, and community organizations to join an annual week of action during the first week of February each year.​ For a variety of Black History Month activities, visit their website to learn more about their campaign .

35. Watch a historic moment

When Barack Obama was inaugurated in 2009, it was a monumental day for Black History. Watch his inauguration and discuss what this meant for American history.

36. Analyze Hair Love

You can approach the book Hair Love by Matthew Cherry in a few ways. Talk about the importance of representation in picture books and media, have students share their connections with the story, or analyze the book as a story about modern Black families.

Buy it: Hair Love at Amazon

37. Study the Underground Railroad

Examine the Underground Railroad using various sources, like the picture book biography Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome. National Geographic has a collection of resources about the Underground Railroad . And you can take a virtual tour of the Harriet Tubman museum.

Buy it: Before She Was Harriet at Amazon

38. Research Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates the freedom of enslaved people. Learn about Juneteenth , how it came about, and what it means to Black Americans with these National Geographic resources.

39. Listen to musician Rhiannon Giddens

As she was trying to understand and make sense of violence against Black Americans in 2020, folk musician Rhiannon Giddens wrote and released the song “Build a House.” The song came out on the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth. The song, which was made into a picture book, captures 400 years of Black history in a lyrical and thoughtful way. Use Giddens’ book either to introduce or wrap up a month on Black history.

Read an essay about the song , and watch the video.

Buy it: Build a House at Amazon

40. Study the pivotal court case Loving v. Virginia

Loving v. Virginia, decided in 1967, made marriage between people of different races legal. Learn about the Loving decision and why it’s important at National Geographic.

Plus, get inspiration from these Black History Month bulletin boards for your classroom .

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13 Meaningful Black History Month Activities for Kids to Add to Your Lesson Plans

Written by Jeanne Sager

Do you have your Black History Month activities lined up for your February lesson plans yet? Wondering how to teach about Black history in a way that’s meaningful and appropriate?

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s one that you can pack with important lessons about our nation’s shameful history of slavery and segregation and the triumphant stories of Black Americans who led the Civil Rights movement in a fight for a more equitable society. Not sure where to get started?

The teacher team at Teach Starter has got you covered! We’ve compiled some of our favorite Black History Month activities and ideas for teachers in elementary school and middle school to help you make this month’s lessons more impactful.

Read on to find out how to strike just the right tone in the classroom this February with virtual field trip ideas, read-alouds, lesson plans and activities for kids that aren’t just appropriate but also reflective of the Black experience and Black Americans’ huge role in the history of our nation. We’ve even added some free printables to the list!

Black History Month Do’s and Don’ts for Teachers

Maybe you feel you’ve already got a handle on this as a culturally responsive teacher, and if so, bravo! You clearly are doing something right, and we applaud an inclusive and diverse approach to teaching. Feel free to skip right to the activities.

Still feeling a little trepidatious? That’s OK, too. It means you care to make sure you get this right – during Black History Month and throughout the school year. So let’s go over a few quick tips before we dig into the activities.

Don’t Treat Black History as the Past

While Black history is, well, history, it’s important not to put some rose-colored glasses “this happened a long, long time” ago focus on Black History. For example, we only saw the first Black American president in 2008 and the first Black American vice president in 2020, and the fight for equality is ongoing.

Do Address That Black History Is American History

The month may be called Black History Month, but what you are teaching is really American history. It’s important that white students understand that this is part of their history as well, and not just something for Black classmates to care about.

Don’t Single Out Black Students

Some Black students may come to you and ask to share stories of their cultural heritage, and that’s OK, but Black students should never be forced to represent their race for the sake of teaching white classmates.

Do Take Time to Evaluate Your Teaching As a Whole

No, we’re not looking to attack anyone here. But we’re more than halfway through the school year (the 100th Day of School is typically around now), and it’s a good time to reflect back on the past few months of the school year.

Is Black History Month the first time you’ve talked about Black Americans in your classroom? Have you read a book featuring Black children or adults this school year? Some 7.4 million American public school students are Black , and another 2.2 million are biracial. These students deserve to see themselves in the books read in their classroom, the stories told, and the history taught … all year round.

If you haven’t been doing that all year, don’t panic. You have recognized it, and now’s a great time to make adjustments.

Black History Month Activities for Kids

Looking for specific activities for your classroom? From read-alongs and teaching slides about Black history to biography projects about Black Americans, here is a range of Black History Month activities for kids that can be done with children from pre-K on up through upper elementary school.

1. Write About Famous Quotes From Black Americans

Looking for a way to incorporate Black History Month into your ELA lesson plans? One teacher on our team likes to highlight individual Black Americans throughout the month, using some of their inspirational quotes to get her students thinking critically.

She posts that person’s quote on her whiteboard in the morning for students to read, then shares a read-aloud story about that individual. Students then write a paragraph, explaining what they think the person’s quote means.

To get you started, here are some great read-alouds focused on individual Black Americans who have made an enormous impact on our society, along with a famous quote from each:

1. Booker T. Washington

• Read-Aloud — Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington by Jabari Asim
• Quote —”Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.”

2. Ruby Bridges

• Read-Aloud — I Am Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges
• Quote —”Racism is a grown-up disease, and we must stop using our children to spread it.”

3. Bessie Coleman

• Read-Aloud — Flying Free: How Bessie Coleman’s Dreams Took Flight by Karyn Parsons
• Quote —”The air is the only place free from prejudices.”

2. Set Up a Door Decorating Contest

Challenge the other teachers on your grade level (or maybe even your hall) to a classroom door decorating contest that honors Black History Month, and get your students involved in the process.

While their level of involvement will quite obviously depend on the grade level you teach, there’s plenty kids can do, from voting on a theme for a door decorating contest, planning out the door decor to actually decorating. If you’re teaching younger kids, decorating might fall on your shoulders, but you can use your students’ work to decorate — making your Black History Month door a means to celebrate their learning.

3. Study the Civil Rights Movement & Segregation

Help older kids demonstrate their understanding of the Civil Rights leaders who helped put an end to racist segregationist laws and important moments in the fight for equal rights by creating brochures about some of the most influential figures and moments during the Civil Rights Movement. Students can work in groups or create their brochures individually, working to find information from multiple sources.

Some of the topics kids can cover include:

• The 14th Amendment
• Jim Crow Laws
• Brown vs. Board of Education –  Ruby Bridges
• Montgomery Bus Boycott –  Rosa Parks
• March on Washington –  Martin Luther King, Jr.
• The Civil Rights Act

4. Take Virtual Field Trips

Are you looking to take a February field trip to explore Black history? You don’t have to leave the school — or even the classroom — with a virtual field trip. Here are a few favorite trips that focus on different elements of Black history:

• Virtual Harlem  — Explore New York City’s Harlem during the days of the Harlem Renaissance with a virtual look at the Jazz Age. This free field trip includes famous musicians like Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday, as well as a host of different Black painters and sculptors.
• Slavery and Making of America Museum  — This is a virtual museum created with donations from a number of members of the Association of African-American Museums. The free “field trip” includes resources for kids to make their own virtual museum exhibits.
• New York Public Library — One of America’s biggest libraries offers virtual exhibits from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. They are free to browse and introduce kids to historic figures from Nat Turner to Emmett Till.

5. Get to Know Local Black Americans

Biography projects are a classic Black History Month activity, and there are plenty of amazing Black Americans to add to your list of subjects. But if you’re looking for a fresh take, why not refocus your biography projects more locally?

Challenge students to research Black leaders, artists, musicians and so on from your own community?

6. Read Books With Black Protagonists

Does your classroom library reflect the faces of the children in your classroom and the people in your community? These powerful books are perfect to use in the classroom to celebrate Black authors and Black stories.

• I Am Enough by Grace Byers   – This beautiful story from Grace Byers is all about loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to each other.
• Skin Like Mine by Latashia M. Perry   – Latashia gives us a heartfelt story about appreciating everyone regardless of their skin color. This is a lighthearted way of breaking down the barrier when talking about different skin tones and loving the body you were given!
• Teammates by Peter Golenbock  – Peter Golenbock brings us the moving story about Jackie Robinson and part of his journey on becoming the first Black Major League baseball player.
• The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson  – Jacqueline tells us a story of two young girls – one black and one white – who, despite the barrier of a fence and the ‘grown-ups’, manage to develop a strong friendship.

For more books to add to your library, check out Marley Dias’ expansive list of 1,000 Black Girl Books featuring Black girls front and center. Dias was just 11 when she created the  #1000BlackGirlBooks drive, collecting books for schools while also bringing attention to the importance of including Black girls in literature and the lack of diversity in children’s books.

Consider using Dias’ story and her book Marley Dias Gets It Done as a prompt for your young writers.

• What lesson did they learn from Marley?
• What is something they can do in their own communities to be like her?

Teaching middle school? Check out Schomburg’s Black Liberation List for Young Readers from the New York Public Library for book ideas for your older students!

7. Create Timelines of Important Moments in Black History

Are you thinking of assigning a timeline activity for students to explore some of the most important events and figures in Black history?

Timeline activities can help kids learn about the order and sequence of events in history, as well as the cause-and-effect relationships between them. They also help kids learn about different time periods and historical figures, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing and interpreting historical information.

Timeline activities can help children develop their organizational and research skills by gathering and arranging historical information in a logical and coherent way.

8. Read Up With Comprehension Worksheets

It doesn’t have to be Black History Month for your comprehension worksheets to be inclusive and show representation of important Black Americans, but February is a great time to start adding these to the rotation.

Work on students’ understanding of the main ideas, characters, events, and details in a text with a focus on Black Americans who have made an impact on our country’s history.

Not only will students boost their ability to identify important information, make inferences, and understand the relationships between characters and events in a story, they’ll have a better understanding of some of the Black figures throughout history.

Explore more printables about famous historical figures in American history !

9. Dive Into Diversity and Inclusion Vocabulary

Black History Month is a good time to introduce students to vocabulary around diversity and inclusion and discuss what it means to put these words into practice in our everyday lives. Some key vocabulary terms you can discuss include:

• Inclusiveness

Use the  E veryone Belongs Vocabulary Flip Book template with your students to discuss vocabulary associated with diversity and equality.

10. Celebrate Black Joy With Cultural Activities

Black History Month lessons are often focused on slavery, segregation and the suffering of Black Americans throughout history. We certainly aren’t suggesting you ignore teaching these important lessons, however they are only part of the story of Black America. Take time to focus on Black joy in some of your activities!

Consider looking at other elements of Black History, such as Black music, Black art or Black writers this month. Many of the ideas on this activities list can be completed through this lens, and you may call on people in your own community to supplement.

Do you have an Afro-Caribbean restaurant in your community? Invite their chef to speak to your class about their cuisine. Is there a Black author in your town? Ask them to stop in to talk about their work!

Are you a white educator looking to learn more about what Black joy means? This look at Black joy from writer Chanté Joseph is an excellent read!

Black History Month Craft Activities

Some students learn and express themselves better artistically. Having a craft activity to incorporate into your Black History Month activities is a fantastic way to reflect on learning with your students. Here are a few simple craft ideas for your lesson planning.

1. Create Diversity Hearts

Art teacher Cassie Stephens ( @cassie_stephenz ) shared this heartwarming diversity activity with our teacher team back in June 2020, but it’s just as meaningful today. Stephens wanted to help her students see that all people are worthy of kindness, acceptance, empathy and love.

See the full tutorial, including a video —  Diversity Heart Art Activity .

2. Complete An Everyone Belongs Hand Activity (FREE Download)

Use our free  Diversity Craft Templates to create a visual representation of your class and for students to write down their hopes and dreams for the world.

3. Create A Classroom Hands Banner

Building on the hands theme from above, this diversity-focused craft reminds students that we all may be different, but the end result is beautiful.

Provide students with a variety of paper items — old magazines, wrapping paper, newspaper, etc. — to create their own colorful hands for a classroom banner. Students should trace their hand on the paper of their choosing, then cut out their hand.

All the hands can then be attached to a piece of string to show off the many colors of your classroom.

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Black History Projects & Moving Beyond History Months

Originally published Feb 24, 2020 – updated Feb 4, 2021.

If you google “Black History Month projects,” guess what you’ll find? Same stuff you’ve seen every year.

There are exceptions, of course. But it’s mostly what you get whenever you search for any kind of “______ project.” You'll find websites from commercial publishers and teachers sharing materials that are called “project based” but aren’t of high quality.

These projects may be “hands-on,” “engaging” and “fun!” according to the labels. But rigorous and authentic? Not so much, as we always point out.  

They're not really Project Based Learning.

And like most of the more PBL-ish projects you hear about in February, these materials tend to repeat the same content: famous Black Americans and the usual events.

Frederick Douglass. The Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman. The Tuskegee airmen. Louis Armstrong. Rosa Parks. Brown vs. Board of Education. The “I Have a Dream” speech.

They also tend to be about feel-good stories of progress toward improved race relations and better social and economic conditions for everyone in our society.   

Students doing these projects typically pick someone to research, do some reading and writing, and then create a trifold display or PowerPoint slide presentation. Or perhaps they create an infographic, video, or digital product to explain their famous person and their importance.

Sometimes students assemble their research projects in a public exhibition, open to other students, parents, and the community. A variation of this idea is the classic “museum project.” I’m sure there will be many “Black History Museums” on display in history classrooms this month. For the record, this is not a bad thing! But I’d encourage you to consider how to move beyond them...

But first, let’s pause to reflect on a fundamental question... Should there even be a "month" for Black history at all?

My former colleague Laureen Adams questions the whole idea: “I think we are at a point in time where we should be celebrating and infusing Black history throughout the year.”

This post in Edutopia makes a similar argument: Teaching Black History in Culturally Responsive Ways . So does this one on at Teaching Tolerance: Do’s and Don’ts of Teaching Black History . 

And this article in Education Week Teacher points out the pitfalls of making Black History month a special program: Is Your School Affirming Institutional Racism During Black History Month?

I'd make a similar argument for celebrating the history of all groups in our society throughout the year, rather than during their (lesser-known) months:

• March : Women's Heritage Month
• May : Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month
• September : Latinx Heritage Month
• October : LGBTQIA+ History Month
• November : Native American Heritage Month

After all, the whole idea of token "months" was an attempt to deal with the fact that most history in US classrooms is taught from the Eurocentric/white/male/straight perspective.

With that in mind, all of the ideas below for learning about Black history could apply to projects about any people's history.

When designing PBL units on Black history—for any time of year—consider these 3 ideas...

1.   have students explore lesser-known black history, investigate deeper issues, and answer complex questions..

Research assignments about famous people and events in Black history have their place, but they’re limited. The examples mentioned above may be engaging, particularly if students have a choice of who to research and how to present their work. But if the goal is simply to share information, an opportunity has been lost.

Instead, make the goal to think like historians and to understand underlying forces and trends more deeply. Ask students to do research in the service of answering a deeper question.

Also, consider focusing on people’s movements—rather than individual, exceptional “heroes.”

Design driving questions for projects that will engage students and provoke them to think critically, then share their answer by creating a written or media product, or by presenting it aloud. Here are some examples:

• Should we have “Black History Month”? Has it fulfilled its founder Carter Woodson’s vision ?
• What forgotten people, events, or aspects of Black history should America remember?
• How would the story of ( insert historical event ) be told from the perspective of a Black person at the time?
• How much should police power be limited?
• Should we require an “ethnic studies course” for graduation?
• Should there be reparations for slavery?

2.   Connect national history to local and contemporary history.

Seeing how the past connects to issues in their communities and in the nation or world today is a great motivator for students. Connect the work of famous civil rights leaders to local leaders and groups that students identify. Tell their stories, and join their efforts. Consider local community members too—from artists to writers to business people and more—not just political leaders.

Here are some examples of this kind of project from our project library .

• Marking History, Making History  — How can we as historians uncover and share stories about our community?
• March Through Nashville  — How can we as historians design a virtual civil rights museum app that will preserve the story of Nashville's influence on the Civil Rights Movement?
• History in Pictures  — How can we as historians design an interactive digital tool for a [local museum, historical society, or archive] that demonstrates our local community’s influence on a period in history?

3.   Have students become agents of change.

Ask them to find an issue they care about and take action on it — persuade a particular audience, or advocate for a cause. Send the message that Black History is not something from the past, it is still happening now, and whoever we are, we can contribute to it. Partner with local or national organizations to up the authenticity, find experts, and communicate with outside audiences.

For this kind of project, here are a few more examples to explore...

• Make a Difference  —  How can we take action to make a change in our community?
• Lifting Our Voices . — How can we use our voices to effect change?
• Broken Laws  — How can we change the law to make our society better for everyone?
• Waiting on the World to Change  — How can we make change happen in our community?

Also, be sure to read about the “Breaking Bias” project  that launched in early 2020 across a trio of high schools in Missouri, New York, and Massachusetts. The project's goal was “to listen and learn from one another to better equip ourselves to disarm bias in the future.” You can read more about it here , or listen to this episode of our podcast .

And while you're at it, here are a few additional resources to explore...

• Black Lives Matter at School : a national coalition of educators organizing for racial justice in education offering resources for a week of action, a year of purpose, and more. 
• Anti-Racism Daily: 28 Days of Black History : A virtual exhibition of 28 works that celebrate Black legacy daily through February.
• And join a webinar on February 10 about " Engaging in Antiracism Work: During Black History Month and Beyond ," hosted by Facing History and Ourselves.

Have you done (or heard about) some great projects about Black history or the history of other marginalized groups? Our PBL community would love to hear them! Share your stories with @pblworks on Twitter .

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Black History Month Research Activities, Biography Report Templates

Print & Digital Bonus  Influential Black Leaders Research Templates Brochures.  This research template packet includes  50 Influential Individuals  that are important to history.

Total Pages: 200 (Color & BW) + Google Bonus File Size: 9 MB

Products Included in This Bundle:​

Description.

February is  Black History Month, every year we celebrate influential leaders throughout history. Your students will love using these Black History Month Research Brochures. This project contains 28 Influential Individuals & Civil Rights Activist that are important to history. After the individual brochures are completed, they can be displayed in the classroom or in a common area of the school to show off just how appreciated the women who made such a difference in the world are! Studying black history can be be very meaningful for your students!

Kindly Note:  Actual Research is not included in packet these are only research templates.

Kindly Note:  I have added these  templates  to  Google Slides  as a  BONUS  file!  Please read more below.  The slides are  NOT  editable, they are embedded into the background, they have text boxes for students to type into

Black History Month Project Includes:

• Please click preview to see brochure templates
• This product is  NOT Editable
• These are research templates-  research is NOT included .
• This is packet contains a rubric for grading research
• Blank brochure for you to study any other men/ women not on list.

Bonus Google Slides Digital Information:

• In download you will receive a  PDF  with the Teacher Notes with  LINK  to the bonus Google Slides.  SEE PAGE: 3.  You must download in Adobe PDF for link to work.

Influential Individuals Included (50 Included)

Blank for any extra individuals

1. Arthur Ashe

2. Barack Obama

3. Barbara Jordan

4. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr.

5. Bessie Coleman

6. Billie Holiday

7. Booker T. Washington

8. Gen. Colin Powell

9. Condoleezza Rice

10. Daniel Hale Williams

11. Elijah McCoy

12. Fred Jones

13. Frederick Douglass

14. Garrett Morgan

15. George Washington Carver

16. Guion Bluford

17. Harriet Tubman

18. Hattie McDaniel

19. Jackie Robinson

20. James Weldon Johnson

21. John Lewis

22. Katherine Johnson

23. Langston Hughes

24. Louis Armstrong

25. Malcom X

26. Mary McLeod Bethune

27. Matthew Henson

28. Michael Jordan

29. Michelle Obama

30. Misty Copeland

31. Martin Luther King Jr.

32. Muhammad Ali

33. Ralph Ellison

34. Robert Robinson Taylor

35. Shirley Chisholm

36. Sojourner Truth

37. Thurgood Marshall

38. W.E.B. BuBois

39. Jackie Joyner Kersee

40. Maya Angelou

41. Oprah Winfrey

42. Wangari Maathai

43. Whoopi Goldberg

44. Alice Ball

45. Evelyn Boyd Granville

46. Shirley Ann Jackson

47. Serena Williams

48. Simone Biles

49. Wilma Rudolph

50. Lisa Leslie

51. Ruby Bridges

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Black History Month Biographies for Upper Elementary

Black History Month is not the only time to introduce your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to biographies of famous African Americans and their culture and history.  However, it is a great time to celebrate the culture and teach your students about African Americans who have overcome discrimination and other obstacles to help shape American history.

Often, teachers stick with well-known African Americans like Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama.  While these are inspiring people with inspiring stories, there are so many other influential people to introduce your upper elementary students to.

The biographies below are some of my favorites.  They tell stories of perseverance and overcoming the odds.  My 3rd grade students used some of these biographies when completing their Black History Month Research Project every year.

6 Biographies of Notable African Americans Your Students Might Not Know

1. madam c.j. walker (born sarah breedlove).

She also established several beauty schools that provided African Americans women with good jobs and encouraged African Americans to start their own businesses. Madam C.J. Walker used her wealth and influence to promote equal rights and fair treatment of African Americans. She was - and is -  an inspiration to many people.

2. Wilma Rudolph

She was born small and sickly. When Wilma was 4, she got polio. Most people who got polio during this time period either died or were permanently crippled. But not Wilma!

She was determined to overcome her disabilities and she eventually became the fast woman in the world - the first American woman to win 3 gold medals in a single Olympics!

Save yourself some time, stress, and over 40% those first weeks of school with this back to school bundle. It includes:

• No Prep Emergency Sub Plans
• No Prep Beginning of the Year Fun Packet
• A Classroom Procedure Review Activity
• An Interview a Friend Activity
• What I Wish My Teacher Knew About Me
• Back to School Ice Breakers & Writing Prompts
• Classroom Procedures Checklist

3. Bass Reeves

Note: His life as a Deputy U.S. Marshal required violence and the use of guns, and this book includes that part of his life.

4. John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie

He was born into a poor family with an abusive father, and he very angry as a child.  Eventually, he turned to music instead of fighting.

Dizzy wrote and played music in a way that had never been done before. Many people believe he is the best jazz trumpeter of all time. He helped shape jazz and bepop into what it is today.

5. Ann Cole Lowe

Ann's mom was a seamstress, and she taught Ann how to sew at a young age. When Ann was 16, her mom died, and she took over the family business. Ann's skill as a seamstress grew, and she eventually began designing one-of-a-kind dresses and became a sought after fashion designer.

6. Phillis Wheatley

Phillis was brought to America from Africa on a slave ship. She was bought by John and Susanna Wheatley. The Wheatleys taught her to read and write. They encouraged her love of reading and writing poetry. Phillis became the first African American to publish a book of poetry.

Your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students might also like these inspirational picture books about people that have overcome obstacles in their lives.

Or, check out these other Black History Month Ideas, including a free Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks printable.  

Never Stress Over Sub Plans Again!

Make copies, find a fiction book, and you'll be ready for any emergency that comes your way!

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Black History Month Activities - DIGITAL Biography Banners - Research Project

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Description

This best-selling Black History Month project is the PERFECT activity for middle school and high school students to learn about influential African American individuals during Black History Month . Take back your time with this LOW PREP project that comes in DIGITAL format. This banner project contains over 30 pages of instructional materials that will help guide teachers and students through this activity. In addition, the completed banners can not only be used as an informative tool, but the completed Black History Month posters can also be used as purposeful classroom decor when displaying the banners throughout your classroom.

✍ What's Included:

• Black History Month Banners Research Handouts

• Grading Rubric

• 12 Pre-designed and EDITABLE templates with DIRECTIONS

• 12 Pre-designed and EDITABLE templates WITHOUT DIRECTIONS.

• Strong and Weak Teacher Models

⚠️ SAVE MONEY AND BUY THE BUNDLE-GET SIX BLACK HISTORY MONTH RESOURCES! ❤️ Why You'll Love This Resource: ✅ SAVE your TIME and ENERGY with this LOW PREP Resource

✅ Covers MULTIPLE ELA Standards and Skills

✅ Clear Student Directions, Strong Models, and Rubrics Included

✅ Student-Centered Activity: Let Your Students Do the Thinking! ✅ Digital Resources

Please download the product preview before purchasing so that you can see exactly what instructional materials are available in this product!

Created by Stephanie M. Icenogle, The Creative Classroom © 2018

All rights reserved by author.

Permission to copy for single classroom use only.

Electronic distribution limited to single classroom use only.

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