black history month music assignment

• Amazon.com Favorites
• Grants & Scholarships
• Music Education Blogs
• Songs, Games, Content
• Technology Links
• Videos for Students
• Videos for Teachers
• Live Video Archive
• Musical Mondays Recap 2018-2019
• Musical Mondays Recap 2019 – 2020
• Musical Mondays Recap 2020-2021
• Musical Mondays Recap 2021-2022
• Musical Mondays Recap 2022-2023
• Musical Mondays Recap 2023-2024
• Musical Mondays Recap 2024-2025

Black History Month in the Music Room

• Classroom Ideas

Teaching lessons themed around Black History Month can be a great way to celebrate and reflect. In this blog post I wanted to talk about several ways that you can make authentic connections and include Black History Month in your classroom.  I’ll discuss black musicians to celebrate, literature to incorporate, and lesson ideas for songs and games that you can play.

Black Musicians to Celebrate

One easy way to incorporate Black History Month in the classroom is to take time to learn about influential black musicians. There aren’t many black composers that we know of in the Baroque, Classical, or Romantic musical periods but the last few hundred years are bursting with examples of black musicians who have been innovators in their fields and changed music as we know it.  Here are a few examples that I try and highlight every year.

Scott Joplin was a self-taught musician who left home at the age of 16 to try and make it big as a professional musician. Joplin became famous for a type of music called “Ragtime.”  His pieces “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer” are two of the most famous rags of all time.

Miles Davis was a jazz musician, trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame named him “one of the key figures in the development of jazz.” The music that Davis created and performed with his musical groups helped to shape jazz music variations including bebop, cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, and jazz fusion.

Duke Ellington was a composer, pianist, and bandleader of jazz orchestras (big band). Ellington was a pivotal figure in the development of jazz and many believe that he helped to change the perception of jazz from something very basic into a true art form. Ellington collaborated with countless musicians and created over 1,500 compositions in all styles and forms.

Bessie Smith was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s and earned herself the title “The Empress of the Blues.” She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and, along with Louis Armstrong, a major influence on other jazz vocalists.

Jimi Hendrix was a musician, guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Hendrix was known for his impressive guitar playing and stage presence and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame calls him “one of the greatest instrumentalists in the history of rock music.”

Whitney Houston was a singer, actress, producer, and model. Houston was one of pop music’s best selling artists and was noted by Guinness World Records as the most awarded female act of all time.

Michael Jackson was a singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actor. Jackson started out with his brothers as part of “The Jackson 5” but he went on to have a successful pop music solo career. His innovative music videos helped to break down racial barriers and transform music videos into an art form. Jackson was an amazing dancer and live performer. He created and popularized the Robot and the Moonwalk.

Leontyne Price is an opera singer who rose to international acclaim in the 1950s and 1960s and was one of the first African Americans to become a leading artist at the Metropolitan Opera. Price has been honored by the Kennedy Center, Grammy Awards, National Endowment for the Arts, and has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She has been honored more than any other classical singer.

Learning Through Literature

In college I took a World Religions class and had a wonderful semester learning about cultures, traditions, and people from around the world. One of my favorite elements of the course was our required reading. My professor knew that many/all of the students in her class were born and raised in the Midwest and didn’t have much exposure to any of the world religions we would discuss in the course (except for maybe Christianity or Judaism).  So, one of the course requirements was to read novels where the main characters believed and practiced one of the world faiths we were studying. The idea was that we would immerse ourselves in a story and get personal insights from the very people who live the religion day in and day out. By reading their narratives we would learn more about the nuance and balance of each faith than we ever would by reading a textbook.

So, I’ve taken that idea and applied it to my classroom. I try to find books that feature the stories of black musicians, composers, and performers. Even if I can’t read them all in class during the month of February I put them out in a place where my students can see them and I share some with my elementary school librarian. I read at least one book to each grade and often I couple them with a guided listening lesson. Below you’ll find several examples of books that I use in my classroom!

Here’s a longer list with lots of great books to use during Black History Month!

Songs, Games, and Lesson Ideas

There are so many different lessons and songs that you could teach during Black History Month and I’m going to take a moment to focus on two different things: Playground Game Songs and Spirituals.

Playground Game Songs

So many of the game songs, chants, and rhymes that we use in the music room each year find their origins on the playgrounds of African American children. Songs like “Draw Me a Bucket of Water,” “Shoo Turkey,” “Little Sally Walker,” “Charlie Over the Ocean,” and “All Round the Brickyard,” either originated with the African American community or were made popular and spread widely by black children all over the country.  So I teach the songs and the games and then take a moment to make students aware of the history and connections behind the song.  When we repeat those songs and play those games we join in to the tradition and honor those children who sang for years before us.

There are a variety of really wonderful resources for African American Game songs. Two books I recommend are “Step It Down” by Bessie Jones and Bess Lomax Hawes and “Juba This and Juba That” by Darlene Powell Hopson and Derek Hopson. You can also find some really wonderful resources for free on the blog Pancocojams which showcases the music, dances, language practices, and customs of African Americans and of other people of black descent throughout the world.

I know that some people hesitate to teach Spirituals because they are connected to slavery and sometimes religion (many mention God or Jesus). I haven’t yet met opposition from parents or administration when teaching Spirituals but I’m always ready just in case. I always remind kids that we learn Spirituals because they are an important part of our American heritage.  They might detail a dark part of our history, but it’s a part that we don’t want to forget lest it happen again.  On top of that, Spirituals are so important to music history as they led to the development of the Blues and Jazz and also have a place among the American hymn tradition.  Here’s a great series of resources for teaching Spirituals, their backstory, and vocabulary.

My last suggestion for incorporating Black History Month into your classroom is to be well-equipped.  Do your research with the resources you have and/or seek out the books I mentioned above.  I’ve included links to Amazon but you can also look for each book in your local or school library.  Do some searching online, ask other teachers in your district, and plan ahead.  The best lessons are the ones where you feel confident about the content and process.

Teaching Black History Month in the music room doesn’t mean that every lesson every day needs to be all about black history.  Include that listening lesson on Louis Armstrong in one grade and the book about Ella Fitzgerald in another.  Teach “Miss Mary Mack” to one class and do a unit on Spirituals in another.  You can even use these lessons to help fulfill state and national standards about connecting music to history, culture, and other subjects outside the arts.  The more you think about ways to include black history into your lessons the better your lessons will become and the more authentic the learning.

Related Posts

Where and how to buy children’s books!

DIY Music Crayons

It Starts with the Standards – Advocacy for Elementary Music

Pingback: Teaching Music History | Classroom Activities | Advancement Courses

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Kansas City

[email protected]

From  Music & Youth Initiative ,

a nonprofit FOR nonprofits.

Music Impact Network

Free Music Program Resources

Black History Month Resources

Updated for 2022 – In honor of Black History Month, we’ve curated a list of resources to inspire a song or project.

Black History Month

Updated February 2, 202 2

Creating a Black History Month Song/Project

Emphasize key events and leaders in black history while creating an original song.

“I used this large group collaborative project during Black History Month to help teach my preteens and teens about their own history – for example, many of them didn’t know the basics of historical events and leaders.  I combined an educational approach (researching basic Black History facts) with beat making in our studio to create an original song that we rehearsed, recorded and performed for the rest of our Club.” – Josh Alfonzo Boys and Girls Clubs of Tarrant County

Below are additional Black History Month Resources to help inspire a project or a song!

Educational resources.

• 3rd EyE Unlimited Modern Black History Series: Influential Black Figures To Know
• AfricanAmericanHistoryMonth.gov
• Anti-Defamation League
• Apollo Theater “Digital Stage”
• Apollo Theater – “School Day Live Digital Events” – February 8 – March 11, 2022
• BET – Black History Month
• The Black Music History Library ( VERY comprehensive)
• Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America Club Experience Blog – Ideas For Black History Month
• Celebrate Black History Month With NPR (Spotify Podcast playlist)
• Celebrating The Black Women Guitarists Who Made Music History
• Center for Racial Justice in Education
• Ebony.com – Black HIstory Month
• Education.com
• Google Doodle – 44th Anniversary of the Birth of Hip Hop (interactive!)
• National Association for Music Education – Thinking Outside the Box for Black History Month
• National Education Association – Black History Month Lessons & Resources
• NPR – Celebrating Black History Month At The Tiny Desk
• Music is History by Questlove
• Oodles of Music – Black History Month Songs & Curriculum
• Reverb.com – Music History, Is Black History
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum – Black History Month Resources, music and inductees
• Rock the Bells –
• Sc h olastic.com
• Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture
• Spotify – Black History is Now
• Stax Museum and Stax Music Academy Free Virtual Black History Month Events 2022
• TeachRock – #BLACKLIVESMATTER: MUSIC IN A MOVEMENT (Classroom lesson plans)
• Universal Hip Hop Museum – Hip-Hop Education Center
• Video Resources

Note: Some services require a subscription . Check TV and Movies ratings to determine age-appropriateness

• A Man Named Scott
• Betty: They Say I’m Different
• Bob Marley: Freedom Road
• Hitsville: The Making of Motown
• Howlin’ Wolf – The Howlin’ Wolf Story – The Secret History Of Rock & Roll
• James Brown – Mr Dynamite: The Rise Of James Brown
• Kanye With Special Guest Drake Free Larry Hoover Benefit Concert
• Nas, Live from the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra
• Nas: Time is Illmatic
• NWA & Eazy-E: Kings of Compton
• One Night in Miami… (fictional)
• Sam Cooke Legend
• Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap
• Tear the Roof Off: The Untold Story of Parliament Funkadelic
• Thunder Soul
• Whitney: Can I Be Me
• Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men
• Amazing Grace
• B.B. King: On the Road
• Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami
• Hip Hop Uncovered
• Summer of Soul – by Questlove
• Behind the Curtain: Todrick Hall
• Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell
• The Black Godfather
• Clarence Clemons: Who Do I Think I Am?
• Dark City Beneath the Beat
• HipHop Evolution
• HOMECOMING: A film by Beyoncé
• I Called Him Morgan
• Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom: A Legacy Brought to Screen
• Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool
• Once in a Lifetime Sessions with TLC
• The Rap Game
• Roxanne Roxanne
• Sample This
• This Is the Life
• Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly
• Voices of Fire
• What Happened, Miss Simone?
• Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America
• Music History Is Black History (Reverb.com)
• My Mic Sounds Nice: The Truth About Women And Hip Hop
• Sound Field – Jazz Shaped Hip-Hop, but How Has Hip-Hop Impacted Jazz?
• The Story of Jay-Z
• Voices of Black Creativity (YouTube Black History Month Playlist)

Audio Resources

• Apple Music’s For Us By Us Playlist
• Spotify’s Black History is Now Playlists
• Youtube’s Black History Month Playlist
• BMI’s Black History Month Playlist

Project Download – “Sampling the Civil Rights Movement”

• “I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel to Be Free)” – by Nina Simone
• “Selma March” – by Grant Green
• “We Shall Overcome” – by Larry Goldings
• “Alabama” – by John Coltrane
• “Change Gonna Come” – by Sam Cooke
• “Lift Every Voice And Sing” – by Hank Crawford and Jimmy McGriff
• “Oh Freedom!” – by The Golden Gospel Singers
• “People Get Ready” – by The Impressions
• “Strange Fruit” – by Billie Holiday
• “The Times They Are A Changin” – by Bob Dylan
• “We Shall Not Be Moved” – by Mavis Staples

If you have a music-themed Black History Month resource or project to share, please post it on the  Music Impact Network Facebook Group  and we’ll add it to the list.

Tagged: black history month

• Most Popular Downloads
• Music Production
• Instrument Programming
• Performance Ideas
• Youth Development
• Equipment & Design
• Staffing Resources
• All Resources
• What is the Music Impact Network?

20 Easy Lessons for Celebrating Black History Month in Music Class

Finding engaging lessons for your middle school music class for Black History Month doesn’t have to be hard, especially with these “20 Easy Lessons for Celebrating Black History Month in Music Class.”

There is enough variety and choice here to keep all your music students learning about significant Black History musical figures not only all month long, but even all year long!

In this blog post you will discover why integrating Black history into your music appreciation curriculum is crucial for cultural representation, inclusivity, broadening musical perspectives, providing historical context, and empowering students.

What is Black History Month and Why is it Important?

“Black History Month”, celebrated annually in February, originated in the United States as a way to honor the achievements, contributions, and history of African Americans. Historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History) established the original celebrations in 1926 during the second week of February, and was then known as “Negro History Week”. 

This particular week was chosen because it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both men being notable figures in the history of African-American people. The celebration expanded over the years, officially becoming Black History Month in 1976. Now Black History Month is observed internationally, and it serves as a pivotal time to recognize the resilience, cultural richness, and societal impact of African culture in countries across the globe. 

Teaching Black History Month in your own music classroom is important because for the following 5 reasons:

• Cultural Representation : By incorporating diverse musical narratives that are more than just Euro-centric, ensure that students of all backgrounds see themselves reflected in your music curriculum.
• Promotes Inclusivity : Teaching Black history to all students in your music classroom helps to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment, cultivating cultural empathy and understanding among students.
• Broadens Musical Perspectives : Introducing your music students to the wide variety of major music history contributions of African-American musicians expands their musical repertoire and appreciation for various genres beyond the ones they prefer to listen to for their own enjoyment
• Historical Context : Integrating Black history provides students with a broader understanding of the historical and social contexts that influenced musical developments.
• Empowers Students : By exploring the stories of African-American musicians, students gain a sense of empowerment, recognizing the impact of significant individuals who overcame adversity to leave lasting legacies in the world of music.

5 Ways to Use Music to Celebrate Black History Month

There are many ways to celebrate African-American musical heritage during Black History Month. Below are five innovative ways that you could use to incorporate music into your celebrations. These ideas will not require a lot of prior preparation, and will certainly add to your music appreciation lessons!

• Diverse Repertoire Selection : Expand your music appreciation curriculum by incorporating a diverse selection of compositions by African-American artists. Try exploring genres like jazz, blues, gospel, hip-hop, and R&B, showcasing the richness of contributions across musical styles. When choosing music, make sure that you check the lyrics, especially for the more current music as there may be explicit language! One way to avoid this is to search for “radio” or “clean” edit versions of songs.
• Artist Spotlights : Dedicate class lessons to spotlighting influential African-American musicians and composers. Share their biographies, discuss their impact on the music industry, and explore key works that have left a lasting legacy. This website here will get you started with 5 musicians, and it is kid-friendly too! Link to Black History Month:5 Influential Musicians blog post here  
• Interactive Listening Activities : Engage students in interactive listening activities centered around music with historical and cultural significance. Discuss the historical context of each piece, encouraging students to reflect on the emotions and messages conveyed through the music. YouTube is a great place to find a wide selection of music, or you can of course use your own favorite music streaming service provider!
• Collaborative Projects : Foster creativity and teamwork in your music classroom by assigning collaborative projects that involve researching, performing, or composing music inspired by Black history. This hands-on approach encourages students to actively participate in the celebration.
• Community Involvement : Extend the celebration beyond the classroom by organizing performances or events that involve the local community. Collaborate with other teachers, schools, or community organizations to create a broader impact and showcase the importance of diversity in music. This could be in the form of a concert or show, or maybe try creating a website showcasing your music students research projects!

Celebrating Black History Month through music not only enriches the educational experience but also promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation for the cultural contributions of African-American musicians.

Black History Month Listening Activities

This year. Why not try immersing your students in a dynamic exploration of musical heritage during Black History Month with some Elements of Music listening activities. By letting your students study the diverse musical genres rooted in African-American culture and spotlighting iconic musicians you will be encouraging interactive discussions, and inspiring creative responses. 

When your students use the Elements of Music for listening activities, they will be able to deepen their own understanding and appreciation of the profound impact of Black musicians throughout musical history. By letting students study and choose their own musical journey through the music from Black Musicians, you will help them by fostering connections between students and the cultural richness of Black History Month.

Some Black History Month listening activities that you might want to try include:

• Genre Exploration : Introduce students to a variety of music genres with roots in African-American culture, such as jazz, blues, gospel, soul, and hip-hop. Provide historical context for each genre, allowing students to appreciate the cultural and musical significance.
• Musician Spotlights: Feature listening sessions dedicated to influential African-American musicians and composers. Showcase a diverse range of artists, from trailblazers like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald to contemporary figures like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar.
• Interactive Discussions: Facilitate open discussions about the emotions, themes, and historical background of selected musical pieces. Encourage students to express their interpretations, fostering a deeper connection to the music and its cultural context.
• Comparative Analysis: Explore the evolution of musical styles by comparing historical recordings with contemporary versions of the same song. Discuss how artists have drawn inspiration from their cultural heritage and the impact this has on the evolution of music. It would also be a great lesson to compare versions between artists of different racial backgrounds. For example, Fats Domino and Pat Boone. There’s a lot to discuss about the different versions, and why some artists made more money than others, and the reasons behind it!
• Creative Responses : Foster creativity by assigning projects where students create their own musical compositions inspired by the themes and sounds they’ve explored during Black History Month. This hands-on approach allows students to actively engage with the cultural richness of the music.

If you are looking for some Black History Month Listening Activities that are ready to use, check out these worksheets. Link here to the worksheets

If you want to know more about the 8 Elements of Music, click the link here.

Black History Month Research Activities

If you are looking for some more Black History Month music lesson ideas then these five more activity ideas will help! One of the best ways for your students to learn about significant Black History Musicians or Music is for students to research and discover themselves. And, if you give students the opportunity for choice in what they research, and with who they work with, they will learn even more!

There are many ways to get your music students researching, and below are five ideas to get your started.

• Composer Biographies: Assign students to research and present biographies of African-American composers, spanning from historical figures like William Grant Still to contemporary composers like Valerie Coleman. This provides students with insight into the diverse contributions to classical music.
• Musical Genre Exploration: Encourage students to delve into the history and development of various musical genres rooted in Black history, such as blues, jazz, gospel, funk, and reggae. Explore key artists and seminal recordings that shaped these genres over time. Try listening and studying the different genres for their unique stylistic features through the analysis of how the Elements of Music are used.
• Influential Musicians: Task students with researching influential African-American musicians across different genres, showcasing the impact of artists like Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Robert Johnson, and Mary J. Blige. This exposes students to a wide spectrum of musical talent.
• Cultural Fusion Projects : Foster creativity by assigning projects that explore the fusion of African-American musical styles with other cultures, such as Afro-Latin, Afro-Caribbean, or jazz influences in global music. This highlights the interconnectedness of musical traditions.
• Timeline of Musical Movements: Have students create timelines illustrating the evolution of Black music movements, from the Harlem Renaissance and Motown to the rise of hip-hop. This helps students understand how music reflects and responds to societal changes.

But, if you are still looking for some more music lesson research ideas for your students to try, check out these 2 blog posts that are linked below

15 Fun Music Topics to Research Ideas for Your Music Appreciation Class

7 Creative Research of Music Assessment Ideas for Your Music Class

And if you want to make it easier for yourself and you are looking for some resources that are ready for your music students to start researching, there are a few products you might like to try, click each link below for more information.

Black History Month Music Listening Worksheets

Jazz Musician Study Bundle for Use with Google Slides

Black Musicians Black History Month Bundle

Black History Month Coloring Pages

Another way to easily incorporate Black History Month and ignite creativity in the music classroom is with coloring pages. Try using illustrations of notable African-American musicians, iconic instruments, and African Art symbolism. Be sure to check that the resources you are using are authentic and not “generalized” in any way.

Some music lesson activity ideas to consider for using or finding coloring pages for your music students to use include:

• Notable Figures Illustrations: Create coloring pages featuring illustrations of influential African-American musicians, composers, and artists. Include iconic figures like Duke Ellington, Nina Simone, Scott Joplin, and contemporary stars like Beyoncé, allowing students to visually connect with their musical heritage.
• Musical Instrument Designs: Design coloring pages that showcase various musical instruments with historical significance in Black music genres. From the saxophone in jazz to the djembe in African music, this provides a fun and educational activity for students to explore instruments associated with diverse cultural traditions.
• African Art & Symbolism: Incorporate African Art & Symbolism elements in coloring pages, such as symbols representing unity, diversity, and cultural pride. This allows students to engage with broader concepts while expressing their creativity through color and design. Or let your students use their creativity and create a colorful classroom display that is inspired by the art and symbolism associated with Black History Month.
• Interactive Storytelling: Accompany coloring pages with short narratives or anecdotes about the depicted musicians or cultural symbols. This combination of visual and written content enhances the educational aspect, making it an immersive experience for students.
• Collaborative Art Display: Encourage students to collectively contribute to a Black History Month mural by coloring individual pages. Once completed, assemble the pages into a vibrant display that celebrates the diversity and creativity within the music classroom.

To make it easier for you to include this simple Black History Month activity into your music lessons is with 3 resources that are listed below. Both of these will help your students to recognize significant musical figures as well as let your students enjoy showing their creative side!

Music Class Decor for Black History Month

Music Classroom Posters – Black History Month

Music Classroom Posters – Jazz Musicians

Hopefully this blog post has given you a wide variety of music lesson ideas to try while celebrating Black History Month this year. From spotlighting influential musicians to interactive listening activities, research projects, and even coloring pages, these diverse learning approaches serve as a gateway to deeper cultural understanding. 

By fostering connections to the profound impact of Black musicians on musical history, you can ensure that the celebration of Black History Month resonates not only in your own music classroom but also in the hearts and minds of your music students, promoting appreciation and unity through the universal language of music.

Until next time

Happy teaching

Julia from Jooya 

Share this:

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Copyright 2021 | Jooya Teaching Resources | All Rights Reserved

Discover more from Jooya Teaching Resources

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

National Museum of African American History & Culture

• Plan Your Visit
• Group Visits
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Accessibility Options
• Sweet Home Café
• Museum Store
• Museum Maps
• Our Mobile App
• Search the Collection
• Initiatives
• Museum Centers
• Publications
• Digital Resource Guide
• The Searchable Museum
• Exhibitions
• Freedmen's Bureau Search Portal
• Teaching and Learning
• STEM at NMAAHC
• School Group Tours
• Opportunity Corner
• Early Childhood
• Talking About Race
• Digital Learning
• Strategic Partnerships
• Ways to Give
• Internships & Fellowships
• Today at the Museum
• Upcoming Events
• Ongoing Tours & Activities
• Past Events
• Host an Event at NMAAHC
• About the Museum
• The Building
• Meet Our Curators
• Founding Donors
• Corporate Leadership Councils
• NMAAHC Annual Reports

Black History Month Resources

Students, make your voice heard this Black History Month with our museum. Join us in exploring stories of African Americans in the Arts throughout February, with a special focus on art as a platform for social justice around five weekly focus areas: literature and poetry, performing art, visual art, music and digital art.

• Week 1, Feb. 1-4: Literature and Poetry
• Week 2, Feb. 5-11: Performing Arts
• Week 3, Feb. 12-18: Visual Arts
• Week 4, Feb. 19-25: Music
• Week 5, Feb. 26-29: Digital Arts

Social justice has historically created visual and literary arts to capture the spirit and platforms of resistance, and to share those messages to audiences outside of mainstream ways. Art as a platform for social justice is found throughout African American history   .

Resources for the Classroom or Home

NMAAHC Smithsonian Learning Labs All Grades Learning Lab from the Smithsonian Institution is a free, interactive platform for learners and educators. Users can explore well-known and lesser-known moments of history through millions of authentic, digital resources, create content with online tools, and share in the Smithsonian's expansive community of knowledge and learning​.

Grade K-2 and Up

• Black Women Artists
• Music & Sound: Instruments in the NMAAHC Collection

Grade 3 and Up

• Essential Historian Skills: Art As A Platform For Social Justice
• Essential Historian Skills: Taking the Stage
• Harriet Tubman
• Frederick Douglass
• Madam C.J. Walker
• Jackie Robinson
• Martin Luther King, Jr.

Grade 6 and Up

• In Full Color: The Black Arts Movement of the 1960s-70s
• Read Between the Brushstrokes: Unite
• Read Between the Brushstrokes: Walking
• African American Historians of the 19th and Early 20th Centuries
• The New Negro Movement and the Harlem Renaissance
• The Science of Sound: Acoustic Activities Inspired by Dr. James West
• The Corona's Cooling Power
• A Celebration of African Americans at NASA

Resources for a Museum Visit

NMAAHC Pathways    Grade 3 and Up and Great for Families and Groups    Use these self-guided tour experiences to explore the NMAAHC.

• Art in Community
• But Is This Art? 

Essential Historian Skills    Grade 6 and Up    Some of the answers of the past are locked in primary sources. Practice becoming a historian by questioning primary sources in our History Galleries.

• Artist in Context: Phillis Wheatley 
• Artist in Context: Paul Laurence Dunbar
• Art in Context: The Black Arts Movement

My NMAAHC Journal    Grade 3 and Up    Students find artifacts and stories centered on the arts in our Culture Galleries. Practice ways to think like a historian and how to question gallery objects.

• Exploring the Arts! 

NMAAHC Highlights    Grade 3 and Up    A quick guide of three not-to-miss objects and stories throughout the NMAAHC that highlight the connection between art and social justice.

• Art as Platform for Social Justice 

Programs at the Museum and Online

North Star: A Digital Journey of African American History

Explore African American history through digital activities on the Smithsonian Learning Lab platform. The activities, or collections, have gathered objects, stories, videos and thinking questions all in one place.

Black History Month Digital Toolkit

Join us in uplifting the humanity, innovation and vision of African American artists throughout February.

Subtitle here for the credits modal.

Jan. 31, 2023, 7:37 a.m.

Classroom resources for Black History Month

Commemorate Black History Month in your classroom with lesson plans and resources that cover topics ranging from civil rights events to discussions about race in current events. These lessons are appropriate for history, ELA and social studies classrooms, and include resources for students in middle or high school.

The March on Washington basic resources | Resources

This resource page includes a quick guide to the March on Washington, an interactive timeline of the civil rights movement and a glossary of terms. Use these to get started on your classroom curriculum.

A history of discrimination and its consequences | Lesson Plan

In this lesson for middle and high school students, students analyze what "The American Dream" means and what role racial discrimination may play in failing to attain that dream.

“I have a dream” speech as a visionary text | Lesson Plan

Help your students connect to the rich imagery of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech by learning the history of the speech and then illustrating some of its most famous lines in this creative lesson plan.

“I have a dream” as a work of literature | Lesson Plan

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s delivered his most memorable speech, “I Have a Dream,” on August 28, 1963 before more than 200,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., as part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

The Harlem Renaissance | Lesson Plan

Students will learn about the social, cultural and political circumstances which gave rise to the Harlem Renaissance. They will also learn about the influences that inspired the work of the Harlem Renaissance’s artists and musicians. Finally, students will be given several opportunities to create their own Harlem Renaissance inspired work.

Racial equality — How far have we come and how far do we still need to go? | Lesson Plan

Martin Luther King., Jr. dreamed of an America where people could "not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Use this lesson plan to start a discussion in your classroom about where we are on the path to realizing this dream.

History of Juneteenth and why it's set to become a national holiday | Lesson Plan

Explore and discuss the history and context around the Juneteenth holiday in the United States. Topics explored will include the history of racial injustice in the U.S., the Civil War and the limitations of the Emancipation Proclamation. Additionally, students will be encouraged to explore the modern significance of Juneteenth and its long-term impact.

Explore art and movement inspired by Jacob Lawrence's Migration series | Lesson Plan

Have students engage in a "close reading" of a timeless Jacob Lawrence painting through art-making, observation and analysis, and learn about the history of the Great Migration in the process.

Teaching About Selma | Lessons and Resources from Teaching for Change

Try out these interactive lessons and recommended resources from

Teaching for Change

that invite students to step into the history and think critically and creatively about the continued fight for justice today.

Introduction to Selma | Lesson Plan

Help introduce and engage students in the story of the March from Selma to Montgomery with clips from the film, "Selma", courtesy of Paramount Pictures. In the main activity, students will be asked to view three short videos about the March and critically think about the audience, message, and stereotypes seen.

Discrimination — fair or unfair? | Lesson Plan

Make issues of fairness, justice and discrimination personal to your students with this lesson plan, which includes an activity with Dr. Seuss! This lesson is designed for students for students who have difficulty with verbal or written expression.

Leadership at the March through music and speeches | Lesson Plan

While Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech became the most famous of the March on Washington, he was by no means to only person to address the massive crowd assembled on the National Mall. Use this lesson plan to look at the other civil rights leaders and orators who spoke that day and how effectively they conveyed their messages.

The March on Washington and its impact | Lesson Plan

In this lesson plan, students compare King's "I Have a Dream" speech to other famous texts in American history, including the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address. This is a great addition to any speech, English or history class.

Analyzing "Stop and Frisk" through personal narratives and infographics | Lesson Plan

This Common Core-aligned lesson helps students explore the New York City’s “stop, question and frisk” program through videos, graphics and a news article. An engaging introduction creates a foundation to help students understand infographics and their utility as a cross-curricular tool.

Remembering Nelson Mandela | Lesson Plan

In this lesson plan, students will use text from Mandela’s autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom” to connect with Mandela’s life and words. It also contains a 20-minute video from the PBS NewsHour to help students understand the magnitude of his life.

The Trials of Muhammad Ali | Discussion Guide

and discussion guide to pique students' interest in the story of Muhammad Ali, who was both an athlete and a defender of human rights. You can purchase the film on iTunes, but it is not recommended for class use due to language and some mature content unless it has been approved by you and your school to use in the classroom.

Student Reporting Labs "Race and Change" videos | Resource

Use this dynamic resource to get students thinking about Martin Luther King, Jr. and whether his dream has been accomplished today. These 12 high school students are part of PBS NewsHour's Student Reporting Labs and come from around the country.

Recent Posts

• Black History Month
• social-studies
• lesson-plans
• social-issues
• Civil Rights Movement
• March on Washington
• civil-rights

SUPPORTED BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

Copyright © 2023 NewsHour Production LLC. All Rights Reserved

Illustrations by Annamaria Ward

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Don't Miss a Post! Subscribe

• Guest Posts

• Educational AI
• Edtech Tools
• Edtech Apps
• Teacher Resources
• Special Education
• Edtech for Kids
• Buying Guides for Teachers

Educators Technology

Innovative EdTech for teachers, educators, parents, and students

Black History Month Activities for High School Students

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Last Update: May 10, 2024

Black History Month a unique opportunity to delve deep into the rich and multifaceted history of African Americans, exploring their struggles, achievements, and enduring impact on society. Engaging high schoolers in Black History Month activities is not just about recounting historical facts; it’s about fostering a profound understanding and appreciation for the contributions of Black individuals throughout history.

In this post, we’ll explore a variety of dynamic and educational Black History Month activities for high school students, designed to spark curiosity, promote empathy, and encourage critical thinking. From analyzing iconic speeches to creating social justice art projects, these activities aim to provide students with a deeper insight into the Black experience in America and beyond.

Related: Black History Month Resources for Teachers

Here are some of our suggestions for Black History Month activities for high school students

1. Black History Videos

Curate a list of impactful TED talks on Black history and culture. After watching a selected video in class, engage students in pre- and post-viewing discussions. Prepare questions that encourage critical thinking about the themes presented and facilitate group discussions to explore different viewpoints and insights. This activity not only educates but also fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of Black history’s complexities.

2. Create Videos

Encourage students to use digital tools like WeVideo or Canva Video to create short documentaries or explanatory videos on a chosen theme related to Black history. This project allows students to delve into research, scriptwriting, and video editing, culminating in a presentation where they can share their work with peers. It’s a powerful way to engage with history creatively and personally.

3. Group Projects

Assign students to groups and have them select a Black history theme to explore using primary resources from National Archives or other reputable sources. They could prepare a presentation or document to share with the class or publish on the class or school website. This collaborative effort encourages deep research, critical analysis, and effective communication skills.

4. Black History Figures

Divide students into groups, assigning each a different field (e.g., sports, medicine, law). Task each group with researching Black figures who have revolutionized their assigned area. This activity highlights the widespread impact of Black individuals across various sectors and fosters a greater appreciation for their contributions to society.

Black History Poems

Inspired by poets like Amanda Gorman , ask students to write their own poems reflecting themes of Black history. Initiating a discussion about Gorman’s work or other Black poets can provide a rich foundation for students to draw inspiration from. This activity encourages self-expression and a personal connection to the themes explored.

Decorate Class

Use printables, posters, and student-created artwork to decorate the classroom with themes of Black history. Engaging students in this hands-on activity not only beautifies the learning environment but also makes the history they’re studying a visible part of their daily lives.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Roadways

Utilize the National Geographic Map of roads named in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., as a starting point for discussions about his impact across the United States. This activity can expand into a deeper exploration of his life, the civil rights movement, and how his legacy continues to influence America.

“I Have a Dream” Speech Activities

Leverage resources to delve into Martin Luther King Jr.’s “ I Have a Dream ” speech. Activities can include watching videos, analyzing the speech’s rhetorical strategies, and discussing its historical context and lasting impact. Encourage students to reflect on how King’s vision resonates in today’s society.

Virtual Tours of Black History Museums

Take virtual tours of institutions like the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture or explore virtual Harlem . These tours offer students immersive experiences to learn about Black history, culture, and contributions in a dynamic and accessible way.

Introduce Black History Vocabulary

Introduce key vocabulary related to diversity, inclusion, and Black history. Facilitate discussions on these terms, encouraging students to reflect on their meanings and how they apply to both historical contexts and current events. This activity fosters a more inclusive and empathetic classroom environment.

Black History Month Books

Create a curated list of books that delve into the Black experience in America. Encourage students to read works by Black authors, ranging from historical accounts to fiction, poetry, and memoirs. This initiative can include a book club format where students choose a book to read and then come together to discuss its themes, characters, and impact. Through literature, students can gain a deeper understanding of the struggles, triumphs, and rich narratives that have shaped Black history and continue to influence society today.

Black History Month Music

Compile a playlist of music genres that are rooted in Black culture, such as jazz, blues, gospel, hip-hop, and R&B. Discuss the origins of each genre and its cultural significance, highlighting how music has been a form of expression, resistance, and celebration throughout Black history. You could also organize listening sessions or a mini “music festival” in class, where students can experience the evolution of these genres over time. By exploring the soundtrack of the movement, students not only enjoy the rich musical heritage but also understand its pivotal role in shaping and reflecting the Black experience in America.

Analyze Civil Rights Movement Speeches

Select key speeches from the Civil Rights Movement for students to analyze. This could include famous addresses by Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Angela Davis, and others. Students can explore the rhetorical strategies employed, the historical context of each speech, and its impact on the movement and beyond. Encourage them to present their analyses, highlighting how these speeches used language to inspire, mobilize, and effect change.

Black History Debate Club

Organize debates on significant events or figures in Black history, such as the impact of the Harlem Renaissance on American culture or the effectiveness of nonviolent versus militant approaches in the Civil Rights Movement. This activity encourages students to research different viewpoints, develop persuasive arguments, and engage in respectful discourse, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of complex historical narratives.

Black Entrepreneurs and Innovators Project

Task students with researching Black entrepreneurs and innovators past and present, from Madam C.J. Walker to contemporary figures like Robert F. Smith. Students can create presentations or write profiles exploring these individuals’ contributions to their industries and their roles in shaping economic landscapes. This project sheds light on the significant, yet often overlooked, impact of Black individuals in the business world.

Social Justice Art Project

Encourage students to create art pieces inspired by themes of social justice, equality, and Black history. This could be in any medium—painting, digital art, sculpture, or mixed media. Host an exhibition of the completed works to facilitate discussions about the messages and emotions conveyed through art. This activity allows students to explore and express their understanding of Black history and contemporary issues creatively.

Interactive Timeline Project

Have students collaborate on creating an interactive timeline of Black history , highlighting key events, figures, and cultural milestones. This could be a digital project using software that allows for the incorporation of images, text, and multimedia elements, or a physical timeline in the classroom. Encouraging students to dive into different eras and themes, this project can help them visualize the breadth and interconnectedness of Black history across centuries and continents.

Related: Black History Month Activities for Kids and Elementary Students

Final thoughts

Incorporating these Black History Month activities for high school students into your curriculum can transform how young people perceive and engage with history. By moving beyond traditional lectures to more interactive and creative approaches, you can ignite students’ passions and inspire them to learn more about the rich fabric of Black history. These activities not only educate but also empower students, encouraging them to reflect on their roles in a diverse society and how they can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive future.

Join our mailing list

Never miss an EdTech beat! Subscribe now for exclusive insights and resources .

Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational technology landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

Join our email list for exclusive EdTech content.

“I have a dream…”

Explore African American history with our curated collection for Black History Month. Discover articles, lesson plans, resources, and visuals that highlight the contributions of the African American community. Downloadable materials enhance the learning experience. Celebrate diversity and deepen your understanding of our shared history with this empowering compilation.

Have a lesson or article that would go well in this curated collection?

We want to hear from you! Join our writing team and share your expertise with other colleagues. We are always seeking high-quality body percussion lesson ideas, classroom inspirations, or articles in K-8 music education.

Music ConstructED uses cookies. By using our site you agree to our privacy policy . I agree

Enter the online course site: Click Here

Click here for FREE music lessons:

How to use music lessons for black history month.

What is your favorite way to study Black History Month? Reading books, watching movies, writing essays or reports, doing art? Have you ever tried doing music lessons for Black History Month? Today, I’ll share many ideas to guide you!

Music Lessons for Black History Month

Musical Genres 

African Americans have had a huge influence on the music of America. If you’d like to study musical genres, here are some to get you started:

• African American Spirituals
• Ragtime and Stride Piano
• Rock and Roll
• Rhythm and Blues (R&B)
• Hip Hop and Rap
• Musical Theater

Specific Music Lessons for Black History Month

Here are some free music lessons for black history month:.

15-Minute Music Lesson for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• 15-Minute Music Lesson for Juneteenth
• Learn about African American spirituals and singer Henry T. Burleigh here
• 15-Minute Music Freebie on Jazz Saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker
• Hamilton the Musical Projects for Teens
• 15-Minute Music Lesson on “Hamilton the Musical”
• Learn about the African instrument the Kalimba here.
• Get a couple of musical instrument notebooking pages of African instruments (agogo bells and balafon) here.

The free   Sampler Music Appreciation course has lessons on:

• Blues and Jazz
• “Follow the Drinking Gourd” , a folk song about the Underground Railroad
• International Jazz Day
• Hymn “Amazing Grace” (written by John Newton, repentant former slave ship captain)

Online Music Course Lessons

• Many countries of Africa are featured in the World Music for Elementary online course , where instruments, folk dances, and indigenous music is explored.
• Learn about the following topics and people in the American Music for Elementary online course : African American spirituals, ragtime and Scott Joplin, Jazz (and musicians such as Duke Ellington), blues, rock and roll
• Three spirituals/folk songs are featured in the A Folk Song a Week online course : “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”; “When the Saints Go Marching In”; and “Follow the Drinking Gourd”
• There are 22 lessons from the continent of Africa in the My First Amazing Journey Around the World online course.
• Learn about George Gershwin who fused classical music with jazz and wrote the first American folk opera Porgy and Bess (featuring classically trained African American opera singers) in the Learn Classical Music with Cartoons online course.

Other Fine Arts Ideas for Black History Month

• Poetry: African American female poets Phillis Wheatley and Maya Angelou are featured in the Charlotte Mason Inspired High School Fine Arts  course
• Dance: An African Dance masterclass is featured in the Fine Arts in Our Homeschool Plus high school membership experience
• Theater: A masterclass on “Hamilton the Musical: How and Why it Became a Sensation” is featured in the Fine Arts in Our Homeschool Plus high school membership experience
• Art: Learn to draw some African animals in the My First Amazing Journey Around the World online course.

Related Posts:

15-Minute Music Lesson on Charlie “Bird” Parker, jazz saxophonist with free printables

Free 15-Minute Music Lesson for Juneteenth

Similar Posts

KinderBach Sale in December

KinderBach has piano lessons online, piano lesson DVDs, fun online music lessons for preschoolers, songbooks, etc! Kinderbach is no longer available, but check out 10 Songs All Preschoolers Should Know here! Right now they are having their Christmas Countdown Sale! See the schedule below for discounts and make your choice.  The earlier you buy the more…

SQUILT Christmas Carols – Music Appreciation

SQUILT Christmas Carols Have you heard of SQUILT? It stands for Super Quiet Uninterrupted Listening Time and is an extremely easy and fun way to teach music appreciation to your kids. SQUILT Christmas Carols by Mary Prather is a great way to learn about the great Christmas carols during December. Christmas Carols Volume 1 is 24 pages…

Maestro Classics Winter Sale

Do you have any Maestro Classics CDs? They are wonderful for music appreciation because you get the story with the music. We recently listened to The Nutcracker, and I love the way Jim Weiss narrates through the story while we hear the music in the background. It’s also a shortened version, so it’s easier for…

The “Music in Our Homeschool” Website Launch Giveaway- worth over $500! (Day 2)

“Music in Our Homeschool” Website Launch Giveaway I am so excited to share with you about the incredible “Music in Our Homeschool” Website Launch Giveaway! It’s worth over $500! After you enter, be sure to check out all the awesome posts that are part of the 31 Days of Music in Our Homeschool series. There are…

“Can You Name That Classical Tune?” (Day 4)

“Can You Name That Classical Tune?”  [Today’s article was written by Amy Schorr and is part of the 31 Days of Music in Our Homeschool Series.] My boys’ attitude about anything to do with music was, in a word, reluctant. I had just assumed they would somehow, perhaps genetically, inherit a love of music from…

“Hallelujah!”

Oh, such a beautiful rendition. Enjoy!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Membership is Open May 1-9, 2022!

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Black History Month Activities & Resources

February is Black History Month

February is Black History Month. Help your students learn about and celebrate the important Black contributions to the American and global story with our cross-curricular lesson plans, worksheets, projects, quizzes, and activities below.

Why Do We Teach Black History Month?

As with any number of topics, approaches to teaching Black history have evolved and changed over the years. While it's roots go back to the early 20th century, Black History Month as a national observance was created as a way to focus attention on the contributions of Black Americans that had been overlooked, marginalized, and outright ignored as part of conventional American history lessons. As President Ford said when announcing the month-long observance in 1976, “In celebrating Black History Month, we can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

For the most part, this led to a fairly "traditional" look at Black historical figures in the classroom - with a heavy emphasis on inspirational people and stories, but little context around the "hard history," as Black educator Rann Miller calls it, of the Black experience. "I was told of Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, and Frederick Douglass. I heard very little of Malcolm X, the FBI’s campaign against civil rights leaders...I was taught about the marches and firehoses in Alabama, but I had to teach myself about the acts of terrorism committed against Black people in Rosewood, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Wilmington, North Carolina," says Miller in a widely-read and influential essay .

Over the past several years, as high-profile events like the murder of George Floyd have forced a reckoning look at systemic racism and inequality in the United States, the teaching of Black history has become more contextual and less personality-driven. It's still important to highlight the considerable achievements of Black Americans for students - but many teachers are also using Black History Month to "explore the impact of racism in the Black experience," as Miller puts it. 

What to Teach for Black History Month

These TeacherVision resources were commissioned or curated to give teachers a wide selection of approaches to integrating Black History Month into existing curriculum. You'll find lesson plans, student choice activities, printables, videos, and more for all of the major curriculum areas - Social Studies, Reading, Math, and Science. 

Choice Boards and Projects

Black History Month Project - Black Pioneers in Medicine

Black History Month Choice Board for Middle School

Educational Videos & Activities

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Videos & Activities
• Slavery & The Civil War Videos & Activities

Technology Resources

• African Storytellers
• African-American Heroes
• Hour of Code: Code a Slideshow for Black History Month

Black History Worksheets for Grades K-5

• Black History Month Profile: Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron
• Black History Month Profile: Young Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman
• Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
• Cultures Day Project Ideas

The Civil Rights Movement

• "I Have a Dream" Little Book
• Jackie Robinson Biography & Activities

Black History Worksheets for Grades 6-8

• Black History Month Profiles: Great African American Poets from Across the Generations
• The Underground Railroad Matching Activity
• The Life and Accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Fever 1793 Teacher's Guide
• I Have a Dream
• The Harlem Renaissance Activities
• Sarah Boone Coloring Page

Black History Worksheets for Grades 9-12

• Black Lives Matter E-Book: A Movement for Racial Justice

Billie Holiday's Song "Strange Fruit"

Defining Jazz Music

Visualizing Jazz Scenes of the Harlem Renaissance

Jazz and Math: Improvisation Permutations

Jazz and Math: Rhythmic Innovations

• African-American Gospel Music
• Black History Word Search

Black History Month Lesson Plans for Grades K-5

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Leader
• Triangular Trade in the Atlantic Ocean
• Write a Letter to Jesse Owens
• Activities for African Folk Tales
• Percussion Performance and Culture
• Influencing Others in Our World

Black History Month Lesson Plans for Grades 6-8

• The Underground Railroad
• The Struggle Against Segregation
• Jackie Robinson and Civil Rights
• Interactive Timeline
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Receives the Nobel Peace Prize

Black History Resources

• African Folk Tales: Background Information

A Raisin in the Sun

Maniac Magee Literature Guide

• Jackie Robinson Coloring Page
• Rosa Parks Coloring Page
• Civil Rights Movement Playlist

EDITOR'S COLLECTIONS

• Top 10 Children's Books for Black History Month
• Top 10 Martin Luther King Activities
• 20 Black History Month Activities
• Kwanzaa Activities (Grades K-8)
• Coloring Book of African-Americans Slideshow
• Civil Rights Quiz
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Quiz
• ABC Order -- Famous Black Americans
• Kwanzaa Facts Quiz
• Black History Month Quiz
• Kwanzaa Word Problems
• Coretta Scott King Award Winners
• Dwight D. Eisenhower's Little Rock Response
• Martin Luther King Jr.'s Life
• Assassinations and Attempts in U.S. Since 1865
• Amendments to the Constitution of the United States
• Amendments to the Constitution: Voting
• Harriet Tubman Biography

Music & Drama Activities

• A Jazz Talk Show
• Learning through The Duke
• Exhibit Scoring Guide
• Assessment of Learning Through "The Duke" Lesson

Language Arts Activities

In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson

• Historical Fiction Reading Warm-Up: Rosa Parks
• Harriet Tubman Writing Activity
• Juneteenth - African Americans Word search

Recommended Black History Month Resources

LESSON PLANS

African-American Scientists: A Comprehensive Social Media Account Project

BOOK GUIDES

The Hate U Give Teaching Guide

Black History Month: Modern Influencers – Reading Comprehension Activities

CHOICE BOARDS

Black History Month Writing Choice Board for Middle School

Grade 3 Holiday Math and Literacy Kit

Notable African-American Women Quiz

EDITOR'S COLLECTIONS

Martin Luther King, Jr. & Black History Month Activities Packet

Langston Hughes, an Everyday Poet

Martin Luther King, Jr. Videos & Activities

Kente Cloth

Dr. Mae Jemison Coloring Page

Black History Series Part 1: Learning Black History through Music

February 5, 2019 David Childs Black History Month , Democracy & Me Blog , Lesson Plans 60

By Dr. David Childs, Ph.D. Northern Kentucky University A critical component in the success of the American democratic project is to embrace the diversity within the United States and its history. In this way, we can celebrate our differences, seeing diversity as a strength and an asset. Black history month is an opportune time to do so, in that it is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the complex history of African Americans in the United States. The study of Black history is a multi-faceted, varied and deeply complex subject. African American history is American history, in the sense that Black folks have been an integral part of United States history from its inception. One of the most commonly explored and researched aspects of African American history is slavery in America. Another topic that is explored often is the Civil Rights movement. Even though these aspects of Black history are of the utmost importance and have played a critical role in shaping history, other aspects of African American history must also be explored. A major back drop and cultural thread through every era of Black history has been music. It is important to understand how it has shaped Black culture and also how Black culture has been shaped by music. Music created by African Americans (Black music) is varied and complex, coming in many shapes and sizes. Indeed, African American music is a very broad phenomenon that describes a wide range of musical styles and genres. Black music was shaped by historical conditions that was a response to a variety of emotions including happiness, joy, suffering, disappointment, despair, exhilaration and pain. Early black music from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was shaped by the terrible conditions and hardships brought on by slavery. The songs that were birthed from slavery were spirituals, work songs and folk songs. After the Civil War many African Americans became employed as musicians playing European classical music. When black musicians blended African culture and rhythms with the European classical music they developed the ragtime style of music. Ragtime would eventually become jazz; both forms of music are distinctly American, but specifically African American. Other styles of music stemming from African cultural roots included the blues and gospel, which led to more contemporary genres such as soul, rock and roll, rhythm and blues and hip-hop. Historic music from certain eras help us understand the way of life during the time it was developed. Classrooms can come alive when teachers incorporate the rich reservoir of African American music that can now be easily accessed via a computer and the Internet. Below we share a wealth of musical resources that allow readers to explore the wide variety of music genres in black cultural history. We also include lesson plan ideas on how music can be incorporated into classroom curriculum in creative, effective and meaningful ways.   

Lesson Plans Lesson Ideas

• Using spirituals to teach about African American slavery and the Civil War Teachers can use Negro spirituals to teach about the challenges and hardships of slavery. Teachers can use the Internet to locate the words to the songs to accompany the videos, allowing students to do a text analysis of the lyrics. Students can write about the mood and tone of the songs, the religious themes, historical content, melancholy subject matter and even double meaning of the songs. Students can identify the time period in which the song was written and situate it historically, to tie it in to lectures, text book readings and primary source documents.
• Hip-hop and the urban Black experience Students can use various hip-hop songs to highlight the struggle of the urban poor and African Americans in the late twentieth century to present. Thousands of song lyrics are readily available for free on the Internet to supplement the music videos to allow students to take a closer look at the meaning behind the songs. Hip-hop is a great resource for language arts and social studies teaching because many artists address complex social, political, economic and historical issues such as poverty, abortion, racism, drugs and broken families.  
• Using the blues and gospel music to teach Black history Teachers can use the blues and early gospel music to teach about southern rural black culture from the early twentieth century. Classrooms can address all sorts of topics such as the share cropping system, rural poverty, racism, southern cuisine, black families and even popular music as it relates to black musicians in the early twentieth century.

Sample Lesson Plans Lead Belly and His Legacy of Southern Song- Lesson Plan Blending African and Irish Sensibilities in Virginia’s Music Songs, Sounds, and Stories from the Georgia Sea Islands A Smithsonian Folkways Lesson The Vocal Blues: Created in the Deep South of the United States A Smithsonian Folkways Lesson African American Music: Let’s Sing and Play Clapping Games A Smithsonian Folkways Lesson African-American Gospel Music Lesson Plan The History of Hip-Hop: Fresh Air Features Interviews with Some of the Greatest Names in Hip-hop

Please click on any of the links below to explore the various song selections in each genre. Spirituals Marion Williams – Mean Old World Jubilaires- Noah Black Delta Religion Hold On” (Negro Spiritual) Been In The Storm So Long [Full Compilation] Ragtime Maple Leaf Rag Played by Scott Joplin Ragtime Piano : Scott Joplin “The Entertainer ” (1902) The Definitive Jelly Roll Morton – Ragtime & Early Sounds from New Orleans Scott Joplin – Ragtime (Full Album) Jazz Louis Armstrong – West End Blues 1928 Charlie Parker – I’ve Got Rhythm (Best jazz ever) Charlie Parker – Anthropology Miles Davis – So What Blue in Green by Miles Davis Herbie Hancock – Cantaloupe Island John Coltrane – Equinox (Original) John Coltrane – A Love Supreme [Full Album] (1965)

Work Songs Negro Prison Songs / “Rosie” 1947 Work Songs in a Texas Prison

Blues Etta James – I’d Rather Go Blind Etta James – At Last BB King on Ralph Gleason’s Jazz Casual 1968 Part 2 Howlin’ Wolf “Smokestack Lightning” Live 1964 (Reelin’ In The Years Archives) Mississippi John Hurt – You Got To Walk That Lonesome Valley (Live) Lonnie Johnson – Another Night To Cry Muddy Waters, Memphis Slim, Willy Dixon, Otis Spann et al – Bye Bye Blues Leadbelly – House of the Rising Sun Lead Belly – “The Gallis Pole” Lead Belly – Midnight Special Leadbelly – Three Songs 1945 – The Only One Video File with Leadbelly BB King Called This His Best Performance Skip James- Hard Time Killin’ Floor Blues “Devil Got My Woman” by Skip James Lightin’ Hopkins pt 1 Soundies: Black Music from the 1940s Robert Johnson- Crossroad Gospel Sister Rosetta Tharpe – This Train Five Blind Boys of Mississippi “Lord, You’ve Been Good To Me” 1965 (Reelin’ In The Years Archives) Mightly Clouds of Joy- I’ve Been in the Storm Too Long The Soul Stirrers – “I’m a Soldier” “Something’s Got a Hold of Me” (1959)- James Cleveland The Swan Silvertones – Saviour Pass Me Not The Swan Silvertones – Only Believe (Live) Mahalia Jackson ~ How I Got Over Donnie McClurkin- I’ll Trust You Early Twentieth Century African American Music Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come (Official Lyric Video) Chuck Berry – Johnny B. Goode (Live 1958) Little Richard Long Tall Sally – Tutti Frutti Chubby Checker – Let’s Twist Again (lyrics) Harry Belafonte – Banana Boat Song (Day-O) Stand By Me, Ben E King, 1961 Little Eva – Loco-motion (1962) Jimi Hendrix Experience – Hey Joe Live The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Foxey Lady (Miami Pop 1968) Jimi Hendrix Live Full Concert 1969 Amazing Clear Footage Jimi Hendrix “Wild Thing” 1967-05-11 Female Black Groups Be My Baby – The Ronettes – 1963 The Shirelles Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow Ray Charles Ray Charles – Hit the Road Jack! Ray Charles – (Night time Is) The Right Time Ray Charles – What’d I Say Pts. Ray Charles – Unchain My Heart HQ Ray Charles – Drown In My Own Tears Ray Charles – Drown In My Own Tears Ray Charles – Hard Times Ray Charles – I Believe to My Soul Temptations Temptations – I wish It Would Rain Temptations – My Girl & Get Ready – (1965-66) The Temptations Papa Was A Rolling Stone 1972 Single Version James Brown James Brown – Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag Live 1965 (Remasterted) Say It Loud, I’m Black & I’m Proud-James Brown James Brown – Say It Loud, I’m Black And I’m Proud / If I Ruled The World (1968) James Brown- The Famous Flames 1964 James Brown performs “Please Please Please” at the TAMI Show (Live) James Brown – “Cold Sweat” (part 1 & 2)  James Brown – Out of Sight 1965 (Remastered audio) Michael Jackson Michael Jackson – Billie Jean Live First Time Moonwalk Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Official Music Video) Michael Jackson – Beat It (Official Video) Funk Music/Early R and B The Chi-lites “Have you seen her” George Clinton – Atomic Dog [Atomic Mix Long Version] One Nation Under A Groove – Funkadelic (1978) Hip-Hop

Early Hip-Hop Sugar Hill Gang- Rappers Delight Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five – The Message (Official Video) RUN-DMC – King Of Rock (Video) Doug E Fresh & Slick Rick-The Show KRS-One – South Bronx (BDP) Christian Hip Hop Lecrae – TELL THE WORLD Feat. Mali Music   Bizzle – No Hate (feat. Bumps INF) – Official Music Video No Malice – So Woke (Official Video) Reconcile – Catch A Body ft. No Malice Sevin Feat. H.U.R.T. – Somebody Lied To Us R & B/Soul Aretha Franklin – Think (feat. The Blues Brothers) The Fugees (Lauryn Hill) – Killing Me Softly The Fugees – Ready or Not Lauryn Hill-Sweetest Thing Lauryn Hill – Nothing Even Matters feat. D’Angelo Wyclef Jean – 911 ft. Mary J. Blige Mary J. Blige – Reminisce Alicia Keys – You Don’t Know My Name (Official Music Video) Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You (Official Music Video) John Legend – Ordinary People (Official Music Video) Whitney Houston – I Have Nothing (Official Music Video) Whitney Houston – Run To You (Official Music Video) Whitney Houston – You Give Good Love (Official Music Video) 90’s and Contemporary Hip-hop 2Pac – I Ain’t Mad At Cha [High Quality] 2Pac – Dear Mama (Official Music Video) Nas- If I Ruled the World ( Imagine That)- Dirty The Firm – Firm Biz The Notorious B.I.G. – “Juicy” (Official Video) JAY-Z – Song Cry Drake – God’s Plan – YouTube J.Cole “Love Yourz” (Official Video) J.Cole “No Role Model” Humble – Kendrick Lamar (Clean) Missy Elliott – Gossip Folks [Video] Da Brat – Funkdafied (Video) Childish Gambino – Feels Like Summer (Official Music Video) Childish Gambino – This Is America (Official Music Video) A.D.H.D. – Kendrick Lamar 50 Cent – In Da Club (Int’l Version) Interviews 20/20 Michael Jackson Interview (1980) The Evolution of Michael Jackson’s Speaking Voice | 1970-2009 James Brown interview and live clip (1969) American Bandstand 1968- Interview James Brown Tupac Shakur – Words From A Prophet Ray Charles talks about his blindness

References The History of African-American Folk Music Understanding the Multi-genre Influences to American Folk Music History of Ragtime African-American Music  History of Jazz Roots of African American Music The Evolution of African-American Music Howling Wolf Biography

10 Comments

I think it is a great idea to honor Black History Month through African American Music. Like it was stated in the article, “Music created by African Americans (Black music) is varied and complex, coming in many shapes and sizes. Indeed, African American music is a very broad phenomenon that describes a wide range of musical styles and genres.” This is so true and I didn’t realize some of my favorite songs are written by African Americans, and are on this list. So much of this music is considered to be “classics” and people don’t even realize.

I think that black music artist has been shaping and molding many artists that we see today and that we have seen in the past. George W. Johnson was one of the first people to record music back in 1890’s. Elvis was influenced by black artist in his moves and the rhythm of his music. Then you have the great (and late) Whitney. No one will ever compare to her. Along with Michael Jackson. These artists should be taught and celebrated in the classrooms. Example: You have white rappers today due to the influence of the black artists that came before them. When I was in my music appreciation class it was one of the topics that we discussed.

Music is often created by past lives or experiences so it is really just another way of telling a story. The different examples of styles put on the article also was fun and showed that every song can have a story if dug deep enough.

I find it how a story they were not allowed to write or read about they took it and made music. I also like how music tells a story that is often invisible to the naked eye.

 Before reading this article I knew about the stereotypical “black music” which I thought was jazz. After reading this article I realize music started with the slaves and they would sing while they work and create folk songs. This was a very interesting read.

The passage is telling us how African Americans were part of the history of America and also how African Americans influenced musical culture.

I appreciate this compilation of knowledge a whole lot. But to be frank, I was very surprised that it in your lesson plan for the Blues it’s through the words of Barbara Dane that you choose to define the genre. As articulate and legitimate as she might be, there are Black musicians closer to the root of the genre that would most certainly be more appropriate to use as definers of the Blues.

In the eve of the Black Lives Matter movement, centring black voices when teaching black genres should be a priority.

Dear Miss Villarroel. Did you read the entire article? Respectfully, it seems like you did not based on your comment. I could be wrong. I am surprised that out of all of the resources devoted to African Americans and from African Americans you went to a lesson plan (Created by the Smithsonian, not by me) and pointed out the one time they referred to a White musician. As an African American myself it is my utmost goal to center Black voices. However, it seems that no matter what Black folks do there is always someone there to be critical of our work. Respectfully, I really do not need a lecture on Black Lives Matter. So please be respectful to me and support Black scholars like myself and send a note of encouragement. How about highlighting the things that I got right. Feel free to email me or check out my other work on this site. I would love to chat more. Here is my LinkedIn page ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjchildsphd/ ).

Hi, i foud https://www.democracyandme.org very useful. The Black History Series Part 1: Learning Black History through Music page it is well written and has helped me a lot.

As a music education major, I really enjoyed this article. African American music is huge and I think more teachers (not just music teachers) should talk about it in class. It would be easy for a social studies teacher to do part of a lesson on jazz or gospel music when they do their unit on African American history. Music is a big part of any culture and it is certainly a big part of African American culture that should not be overlooked in education. Spirituals are one of my all time favorite choral genres personally, and students love them too. When discussing any culture I think it’s always good to mention music. African American music is so distinct and has so many sub-genres. There is so much there for teachers and students. It is something I love to teach and something most students love to learn about. I hope more teachers cover this topic inside and outside of the music classroom.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Copyright © 2024 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes

Free Black History Month Activities for Your Classroom

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the Black community and learn about its history – throughout the month of February, it’s especially important to bring this celebration into the classroom by teaching students Black history, and this collection of Black History Month activities can help you do so.

By integrating explorations of American history through the perspectives of Black Americans and discussions about racial bias and privilege into your curriculum, you can help your students learn about and commemorate influential Black figures throughout history and trace movements for racial equality to the present day. 

These Black History Month activities include worksheets, research opportunities, and projects that explore Black American history, all while integrating core skills that you’re already teaching, such as reading comprehension and critical thinking. 

Plus, check out our new collection of poems to celebrate Black History Month and our list of books by Black authors for each grade level to boost your students’ ELA skills even more!

Black History Month Activities for Elementary School

The following Black History Month activities for kids allow younger students to learn about Black history while staying engaged and exploring their creativity.

1. Biography in a Bag Project

This assignment is simple yet engaging, giving students an opportunity to do their own independent research while integrating their own creativity. It’s a great way to start teaching kids Black history!

Following the assignment prompt, students are assigned a notable individual in Black history who they then research. Their final project is to decorate a paper bag with imagery and information about that individual and fill the bag with items of importance to that individual’s life. Students then present their projects, allowing them to demonstrate their creativity, resourcefulness, and (most importantly) their newfound knowledge of this influential figure.

You can adjust this project to include prominent Black figures throughout history, including individuals in the arts and/or sciences, or important figures in a specific time period, such as before/during/after the Civil War or civil rights activists from the early-to-mid 20th century. In doing so, you can tailor the assignment to whatever curriculum you have already been teaching.

Created and made available for free download by Neeti Gregg .

2. Black Heroes Coloring & Information Pages

Another creative activity, these coloring pages of significant figures in Black history are paired with information pages that can be handed out or distributed digitally. From civil rights activists to athletes and individuals in the arts, these figures contributed greatly to American history, sports, and entertainment and are monumental in Black history and representation.

Created and made available for free download by Teaching the Whole Child Store .

3. Black Women in History Coloring & Information Pages

A similar activity to the above is these coloring pages that showcase significant Black women throughout history – celebrating both Black History Month and International Women’s Month, this activity is perfect for the last few days of February or first few days of March.

This art style engages students in a different way than the above activity, and the information about each woman is embedded on the page, making the finished products from students perfect to hang up around the classroom.

Created and made available for free download by The Mindful Maestra .

4. Martin Luther King Jr. Activities

The activity also gives teachers an opportunity to let students write about another individual (of their choosing, or one they have been assigned) and form a biography page about them. The exercises allow students to practice their reading comprehension and writing skills while learning about civil rights activism.

Created and made available for free download by Ryan Monche .

Black History Month Activities for Middle and High School

Learning about Black history becomes more complex and comprehensive for students as they age into secondary education – the following Black History Month activities dive deeper into specific movements, individuals, and events, all while remaining engaging for students.

1. Black History Quotes Activity

Words can be incredibly powerful. In this activity, students are given an assortment of famous quotes from influential Black leaders, from activists to politicians to inventors, and tasked to analyze one of them – both for its structure and diction as well as its application in both the leader’s society and the society the student lives in today. 

This activity lets students sharpen their reading comprehension and writing skills in understanding a quote itself, as well as their history and critical thinking skills in placing the quote into an American sociopolitical context.

Created and made available for free download by Teaching on Lemon Lane .

2. Black History Month Research Activities

These Black History Month activities are a collection of lesson plans that teachers can choose from to find what works best for their classroom! These activities dive deeper into specific issues the Black community has faced and currently faces, including environmental racism, representation, displacement, migration, and assimilation. 

Each page focuses on a specific topic and comes with a lesson plan including a warm-up, lecture, resources, and two activities an instructor or students may choose from. Some pages focus on issues of race in Canada and can be modified to fit the US, or even a specific US state. 

This activity is a great way to make a classroom’s education on and commemoration for Black History Month more intersectional and complex by introducing issues students may not have learned about before. It also contains several opportunities to enhance specific skills for students, such as reading comprehension, research, writing, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

Created and made available for free download by SJE with Saskteaches .

3. Musicians of the Civil Rights Movement

The arts have always been essential to any struggle for change, and the civil rights movement is no exception. This resource is a virtual music history exploration that highlights several musicians who had an impact on the civil rights movement. It emphasizes the importance of involvement in social change, especially for those that have influence on society and culture.

Each page dives into a musician’s background, music, connection to the civil rights movement, and legacy. After learning about these artists, students can be formed into groups and assigned to do a research project on one of the artists. Alternatively, students can use this resource as inspiration for a research project on a different musician with an impact on social change.

Created and made available for free download by Newman Music Academy .

Black History Month Reading Comprehension Questions by Piqosity  

W.E.B. Du Bois is one of the most widely studied authors and civil rights activists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a founding member of the NAACP, and his writings discussed the experience of Black Americans during and after reconstruction, focusing heavily on education. He believed that Black children deserve an equal quality of education to White children, including a well-rounded liberal arts education.

The following excerpt is from one of his most well-known books, The Souls of Black Folk . The Piqosity team has written three reading comprehension questions about the excerpt, each more difficult than the last and covering a distinct subtopic, to quiz the ELA knowledge of students and introduce them to (or remind them of) an exceptional writer and brilliant mind in Black history.

Excerpt from The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois  

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. Which of the following types of figurative language does the author use most frequently in the passage?

A. Similes. B. Metaphors. C. Understatement. D. Personification.

2. Based on the passage, which phenomenon did schools in the South not experience?

A. A shortage of teachers. B. Segregation. C. Inadequate Schoolhouses. D. Education for teachers.

3. What does the “veil” symbolize?

A. The pathway to equitable opportunities for the speaker. B. The division between White and Black Americans’ perspectives. C. The laws that oppress Black Americans. D. The differences between the North and the South.

Passage Answer Key and Explanations

Personification is the correct answer choice – if you look at the figurative language used, there is only personification. This includes lines such as “…the white, hot roads lazily rise and fall and wind before me…” (lines 25-26) and “The road ran down the bed of a stream; the sun laughed and the water jingled…” (lines 43-44).

“ A shortage of teachers ” is correct. The passage describes how the narrator struggled to find a teaching position everywhere he went for a long time – “There came a day when all the teachers left the Institute and began the hunt for schools… I feel my heart sink heavily as I hear again and again, ‘Got a teacher? Yes.’ So I walked on and on…” (lines 18-30). All of the schools already had teachers, so there was no shortage of them. Further, the passage does show how schooling in this time and region contained the remaining answer choices. It was segregated, as the speaker travelled with another prospective teacher looking to teach at a “white school” (lines 42-43); teachers were educated, as the speaker went to the Teachers’ Institute (described in lines 11-15), which was also segregated; and the schoolhouses were inadequate, based on his descriptions in the last paragraph – “The schoolhouse was a log hut…furniture was scarce… my desk was made of three boards, reinforced at critical points… they had the one virtue of making naps dangerous, – possibly fatal, for the floor was not to be trusted,” (lines 50-66).

To understand the role of the veil, reread each part of the text in which it is mentioned. In lines 4-8: “I was a Fisk student then, and all Fisk men thought that Tennessee – beyond the Veil – was theirs alone, and in vacation time they sallied forth in lusty bands to meet the county school commissioners.” In lines 45-49: “‘Come in’, said the commissioner, – ‘come in. Have a seat. Yes, that certificate will do. Stay to dinner. What do you want a month?’ ‘Oh,’ thought I, ‘this is lucky’; but even then fell the awful shadow of the Veil, for they ate first, then I – alone.” This second instance gives the most context to understand the “veil”. In that quote, the narrator describes the way he finds an opportunity to teach from the school commissioner, who seems kind. Despite inviting the narrator to dinner, the commissioner eats first and makes him eat alone. The narrator writes that this exchange about eating triggered the Veil to fall.  We can infer from the fact that the commissioner eats first and makes the narrator eat alone that the commissioner looks down on him, despite giving him an opportunity to teach. This hints that the Veil is a concept that signals racial inequality.  This also demonstrates which answer choices are incorrect. “The pathway to equitable opportunities for the speaker.” is incorrect because the veil is described as “awful” and falls in a context when the narrator is disrespected. “The laws that oppress Black Americans.” is incorrect because the narrator faces no trouble with the law nor oppression due to a certain law in this passage. “The differences between the North and the South.” is also incorrect because this quote has nothing to do with the geo-social differences in the United States. The correct answer choice is “The division between White and Black Americans’ perspectives.” The veil falls when the narrator realizes the commissioner (who you can infer based on the passage to be White) sees him as a lesser being, when he had to eat dinner alone after him, showing how his perspective changed when he saw the commissioner treat him unequally. The veil falling is a Black American realizing he is being treated unfairly because of a circumstance out of his control – race.

Find More ELA Resources Like These at Piqosity! 

We hope you found these Black History Month activities insightful and resourceful for your classroom, both in their historical and sociopolitical significance and in the opportunities to sharpen key ELA skills for students. 

Among Piqosity’s regular offerings, of particular relevance is our newest ELA course, designed for 11th Grade English Language Arts instruction. This course includes an entire unit focused on Frederick Douglass’ memoir, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave . Teachers looking for a month-long text-based unit will find this perfect for their needs, as it includes unique questions on every chapter, as well as focused question sets on critical excerpts. 

You can also find more (non-themed) ELA lessons with questions of similar difficulty levels to the above questions in our ELA courses! These are complete courses available online through our app and can be purchased separately or received for free when bundled with our ISEE test prep courses !

• 5th Grade ELA Course  
• 6th Grade ELA Course
• 8th Grade ELA Course
• 11th Grade ELA Course

For your convenience, we have outlined lessons relevant to or at the same difficulty level as the above passages and accompanying questions. These can be found below.  

Related ELA Lessons by Piqosity  Lessons related to question #1: ELA 5 – Figurative Language ELA 6 – Figurative Language ELA 8 – Figurative Language ELA 11 –  Rhetorical Analysis Lessons related to question #2: ELA 5 – Main Idea ELA 5 – Supporting Ideas ELA 6 – Main Idea ELA 6 – Supporting Ideas ELA 8 – Main Idea ELA 8 – Supporting Ideas ELA 11 – Main Idea ELA 11 – Supporting Ideas Lessons related to question #3: ELA 5 – Main Idea ELA 5 – Figurative Language ELA 6 – Main Idea ELA 6 – Figurative Language ELA 8 – Main Idea ELA 8 – Figurative Language ELA 11 – Main Idea ELA 11 – Rhetorical Analysis

Thank You, and Piqosity wishes you an empowered Black History Month! 

Share this story, choose your platform, about the author: sara fetahagic.

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

ISEE, ACT, SAT, PSAT English 5 English 6 English 7 English 8 English 9 English 10 English 11 Math 5 Math 6 Pre-Algebra Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Pre-Calculus

Publications

Blog ISEE Prep Guide How to Teach the ISEE

ACT Answer Explanations ACT Strategies

Piqosity is neither affiliated with nor endorsed by ACTⓇ, SATⓇ, ISEEⓇ, SSATⓇ, or any other standardized test publisher.

Knowledge Base Submit a Ticket Known Issues & Release Notes

© 2024 Piqosity Corporation 2429 Bartlett St., Houston, TX 77098 +1-888-484-3141

About Us Acknowledgements Terms of Use Privacy Policy

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Enter to win 10 books for your classroom 📚

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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. ADVERTISEMENT

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 .

Want more articles like this subscribe to our newsletters to find out when they’re posted.

You Might Also Like

35 Famous Black Americans Everyone Should Know

An integral part of American history. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact
• About Digital Citizenship
• Digital Citizenship Curriculum
• Digital Citizenship (U.K.)
• Lesson Collections
• All Lesson Plans
• Digital Life Dilemmas
• SEL in Digital Life Resource Center
• Implementation Guide
• Toolkits by Topic
• Digital Citizenship Week
• Digital Connections (Grades 6–8)
• Digital Compass™ (Grades 6–8)
• Digital Passport™ (Grades 3–5)
• Social Media TestDrive (Grades 6–8)

AI Literacy for Grades 6–12

• All Apps and Websites
• Curated Lists
• Best in Class
• Common Sense Selections
• About the Privacy Program
• Privacy Evaluations
• Privacy Articles
• Privacy Direct (Free download)
• Free Back-to-School Templates
• 21 Activities to Start School
• AI Movies, Podcasts, & Books
• Learning Podcasts
• Books for Digital Citizenship
• ChatGPT and Beyond
• Should Your School Have Cell Phone Ban?
• Digital Well-Being Discussions
• Supporting LGBTQ+ Students
• Offline Digital Citizenship
• Teaching with Tech
• Movies in the Classroom
• Social & Emotional Learning
• Digital Citizenship
• Tech & Learning
• News and Media Literacy
• Common Sense Recognized Educators
• Common Sense Education Ambassadors
• Browse Events and Training
• AI Foundations for Educators
• Digital Citizenship Teacher Training
• Modeling Digital Habits Teacher Training
• Student Privacy Teacher Training

Training Course: AI Foundations for Educators

Earn your Common Sense Education badge today!

• Family Engagement Toolkit
• Digital Citizenship Resources for Families

Family Tech Planners

Family and community engagement program.

• Workshops for Families with Kids Age 0–8
• Workshops for Middle and High School Families
• Kids and Tech Video Series

• Get Our Newsletter

Back-to-School Hub

Free digital citizenship resources for back-to-school, from AI to cellphone bans and beyond!

Free Learning Resources for Black History Month (And Beyond)

Topics:   Digital Citizenship News & Media Literacy Tech & Learning Equity & Inclusion Social & Emotional Learning

Help learners celebrate Black history with these videos, lessons, podcasts, and more.

The inclusion of Black history and culture is essential for an accurate and true representation of American (and world) history overall. Black History Month is a time to highlight the people who have not only created foundational innovations, art, and achievements, but also organized and protested for equal rights and freedoms.

Of course, the civil rights movement and figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, and Rosa Parks are integral pieces of this history. But there are lesser-known -- and incredibly impactful -- people and contributions that illustrate an even greater breadth and depth of Black history and culture.

Below you'll find resources -- including videos, texts, lessons, podcasts, and more -- about activists, art and culture, inventors, engineers, historical events, and beyond. And to extend your search even further, don't miss the list of broader collections found at the bottom of this article. Every resource we've curated here has a suggested grade band, but many are flexible and adaptable to just about any age group. Consider the possibilities for how you might integrate these resources into your instruction (or use them at home!) during Black History Month or any time of the year.

A reminder for teachers: Navigate stories and images of oppression and violence with care.  Black history is a complicated mix of both triumph and tribulations. While Black history doesn't begin or end with slavery or the injustices of racism, these harsh realities are part of it. Keep in mind your students' abilities when it comes to processing what they're reading, seeing, and listening to, and be aware that triggering topics can sometimes be more traumatic for Black and Brown kids . 

Essential Sites and Curricula for All Ages

• Browse, select, and read from this great collection of nonfiction and fiction texts written by Black writers, artists, and activists on CommonLit.
• Get lost in this gold mine of in-depth and highly accessible video interviews and biographies of notable African American people on the History Makers website.
• The Center for Racial Justice in Education has a guide for educators that hosts a huge collection of lessons and resources. 
• Smithsonian's History Explorer has a ton of activities labeled with the appropriate grade band and including interactives and artifacts.
• MAEC has collected lists of podcasts, articles, books, and more that span several grade levels.
• The Library of Congress has some great resources that can help you dig deeper into familiar topics to find primary sources and more.
• Hear from Black authors on the Reading Rockets site to learn about their processes and perspectives.
• Check out the lesson plans (by grade band) hosted by the NEA that include printables, activities, and more.

Activities and Resources for Preschool to Third Grade

Audio and Stories for Preschool to Third Grade

• Listen along as James Earl Jones reads " To Be a Drum ," a story of rhythm, history, and freedom.
• Enjoy the African Folktales With Miss Jo Jo podcast to hear stories that originated in Africa and were passed down through generations.

Videos for Preschool to Third Grade

• Let this mother-daughter team, the hosts of Kids Black History on YouTube, teach some facts about Africa in a video that's sure to make you smile. (Grades pre-K-1)
• Watch this YouTube video from Nickelodeon to  find out how Suzan-Lori Parks became the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for writing dramatic plays.
• Learn about the first Black pilots in this YouTube video from Sesame Studios. What would it be like to build and fly your own plane?
• Find out about the inventor of the modern traffic light  and what else he created in this YouTube video from Kids Black History. 
• Check out Craig Thompson's alphabet of amazing Black inventors to revisit some who are familiar and discover others you didn't know. 
• This YouTube video from Nickelodeon highlights the brilliant and driven Alexa Canady, the first Black woman to become a neurosurgeon in 1981.

Hands-On Activities for Preschool to Third Grade

• Follow along with this YouTube video and use your body to play the Hambone -- an African drumming technique with historical significance.
• Try this George Washington Carver-inspired craft that just requires a paper plate, paper, and some paint!

Activities and Resources for Third to Fifth Grade

Audio and Stories for Third Grade to Fifth Grade

• Listen to this episode from The Past and the Curious podcast about blues and folk musician Elizabeth Cotten , whose catchy songs traveled all over the world and even influenced the Beatles.
• Journey into the world of Latin American music with this podcast episode (via YouTube) from Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and learn about the life of Celia Cruz , the Cuban Afro-Latina singer known as the Queen of Salsa.
• Hey Black Child: The Podcast features lesser-known African American Heroes and is hosted by kids!

Videos for Third Grade to Fifth Grade

• Find out about the African American inventor Lewis Latimer , who contributed to the creation of the light bulb, telephone, and more in this YouTube video from the Fab Lab.
• Check out this video and article on Dorothy Vaughan , the supervisor of a group of boundary-breaking African American women whose calculations got astronauts into space.
• Through this Smithsonian video and article, get a feel for the sounds and movements, and a sense of the rich history, behind Afro-Peruvian music , a unique result of the African diaspora.
• Let Flocabulary introduce George Washington Carver's life , the challenges he faced, and his accomplishments as an inventor and innovator. Then, ask students to consider how his ideas changed life for us all today.
• From The Kid Should See This, learn about science educator and graduate student Adania Flemming, who studies marine life at the University of Florida . Or discover the trailblazing accomplishments of Matthew Henson , who broke boundaries as an Arctic explorer and African American.
• Listen as the kids from Global Citizen share what they know about Black history .

Hands-On Activities for Third Grade to Fifth Grade

• Using this lesson (via Google Slides) from the New York Historical Society, delve into the extraordinary life, achievements, and art of sculptor and gallerist Augusta Savage , who was a key part of the Harlem Renaissance.
• Explore the influential history of African drumming using this video from the Kennedy Center, and try out some of the key techniques. Feel free to also click through and watch the other videos.
• Practice some simple and fun moves from traditional  West African dance as you watch this YouTube video from the Lincoln Center.

Text-Based Activities for Third Grade to Fifth Grade

• Read about the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech in this piece by Time for Kids . 
• Learn about Wangari Maathai's environmental and political activism, which resulted in a Nobel Prize -- the first for an African woman -- with this article from Britannica Kids .
• From NASA, you can find out about Katherine Johnson , another of the mathematicians whose calculations got us to the moon and back.
• This book list might have some selections to entice your students to learn about Black history.

Activities and Resources for Sixth to Eighth Grade

Audio and Stories for Sixth Grade to Eighth Grade

• Listen to this episode of The Past and the Curious to learn about Jerry Lawson, who had a hand in inventing modern video games!
• Through this episode of The Stuff You Missed in History Class , you can find out about the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.

Videos for Sixth Grade to Eighth Grade

• View rare film footage of daily work, play, school celebrations, gatherings, and sporting events in the all-Black towns of 1920s Oklahoma, from National Geographic's YouTube channel.
• Travel back to the late 16th century with the Heroes of Color channel on YouTube to learn about Gaspar Yanga  and one of the earliest rebellions of enslaved people in the Americas. Or learn about the heroic achievements of the 369th Infantry Regiment , an all-Black unit that fought for the U.S. during World Wars I and II.
• Use this video from the YouTube channel Black History in Two Minutes to teach students about Shirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman and a champion for civil rights.
• Watch this video from NBC News Learn's YouTube channel to follow the extraordinary and complex life of Marcus Garvey , whose vision of a pan-African movement continues to influence Black thinkers and culture today.
• Sit down with jazz musician Robert Glasper , featured in this YouTube video from Jazz Night in America, as he shows the jazz origins of famous hip-hop samples and tracks.
• Learn more about the extensive influence of the blues and its roots in Black history from this YouTube video by PBS's Sound Field.
• Using this video from PBS, explore the origins, traditions, and influence of gospel music , created and celebrated weekly in Black churches across the country.
• Be moved by the 400-year-old history of bomba , a style of music and dance created by enslaved people who resisted colonial culture, in this YouTube video from PBS.

Hands-On Activities for Sixth Grade to Eighth Grade

• Visit this online exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History to read about Frederick Douglass and see images of some of his handwritten documents.
• Learn more about the history behind trap music , a ubiquitous, influential music genre, in this lesson from PBS LearningMedia.
• Watch this video from Flocabulary to examine Langston Hughes' most famous poem and his use of figurative language. Then have students write their own "Harlem"-inspired poem.
• Read one of the many thought-provoking stories on the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) website, and then dig into the associated collections of artifacts.

Text-Based Activities for Sixth Grade to Eighth Grade

• Learn about Wangari Maathai's environmental and political activism, which resulted in a Nobel Prize -- the first for an African woman -- in  this article about her life story on the Wangari Maathai Foundation's website .
• Read this article from Smithsonian Magazine on the history of African American Cowboys , then have students compare this with how cowboys are portrayed in Hollywood and other pop-culture entertainment.
• These hand-selected book picks include lots of reading levels and interests, from historical events to popular figures.

Activities and Resources for Ninth to Twelfth Grade

Audio and Stories for Ninth to Twelfth Grade

• This episode of The Stuff You Missed in History Class begins with a murder in Pennsylvania, but goes on to highlight the racial injustice apparent during post-Reconstruction.
• And this episod e highlights the Harlem Hellfighters, a highly decorated Black Army unit who fought in WWI.

Videos for Ninth to Twelfth Grade

• Use this collection of videos from NBC News to augment what kids might already know about  MLK's legacy and movement .
• Watch a short video from TEDEd about civil rights activist Rosa Parks that digs into some information kids might not already know. Then use some of the comprehension questions or additional resources to extend students' learning.
• Watch Flocabulary's introduction to John Lewis' life, activism, and influence on generations of others, featuring lyrics written by a ninth grader. Afterward, have students choose an event mentioned in the video and research it further.
• From 60 Minutes , watch this famous exchange between MLK and journalist Mike Wallace . Ask students: What does King mean by "riots are the language of the unheard"?
• Watch this video about Jesse Owens and the 1936 Olympics . Then use the discussion questions and worksheet to consider the role of protest in sports today.
• Using this Retro Report video and text, learn about how Black women have had to fight to win and maintain their voting right .
• Check out this video and article from Unladylike2020 to learn about the talented opera singer Sissieretta Jones , the first African American woman to headline at Carnegie Hall. Warning: Contains graphic content. While you're there, learn about Meta Warrick Fuller , the first African American woman recipient of a federal art commission, who was nicknamed "the sculptor of horrors" for her dark, expressive creations. Or  discover the singular life and style of Gladys Bentley , a Harlem Renaissance artist whose bold performances challenged gender roles and norms.
• Use this animated video from TEDEd as an introduction to James Baldwin , the influential writer who was stalked by the FBI for championing civil rights and social justice.
• Watch Chris Rock's documentary  Good Hair (free on Kanopy), which explores the societal and cultural ideas behind Black people's hair.
• Join hip-hop artist Nas via Poetry in America as he discusses his song "N.Y. State of Mind" and considers hip-hop’s place in the poetic canon. Note: Includes mature content.
• Discover the origins of breakdancing and learn about its far-reaching influence in this short documentary-style video from Vox.
• From Art21, step into the world of Kevin Beasley's art through this YouTube video, which explores his historical inspiration and reckons with the brutal legacy of slavery. Or experience the stunning and provocative contemporary art and performance of Abigail DeVille , whose work takes a critical look at history.
• Via Crash Course on YouTube, delve into the extraordinary and inspiring history of the Haitian revolution , which saw enslaved people liberate themselves, overthrow colonial rule, and create their own country.
• Dig deeper into some lesser-known history of the Black Panthers  with this YouTube video from AJ+, and discover their history of community outreach and health care support, grounded in compassion and self-reliance.
• Join two art historians in this YouTube video from Khan Academy as they discuss this important series of paintings about African Americans migrating north in search of work and new lives.
• See how Mexican people with African ancestry reconnect with their roots through dance and performance in this YouTube video from AJ+.

Hands-On Activities for Ninth to Twelfth Grade

• Learn about Wangari Maathai's environmental and political activism, which resulted in a Nobel Prize -- the first for an African woman -- with  this lesson plan from the My Hero website .
• Teach this lesson from PBS LearningMedia about the accomplishments of civil rights activist, lawyer, author, and priest Pauli Murray , who stood against the many forms of injustice.
• Use this PBS LearningMedia lesson to learn about the life of Alain Locke , a gay philosopher whose work set the stage for the Harlem Renaissance.
• Use this site from American Ancestors and the GU272 Memory Project to research and learn about the enslaved people who were sold to raise money to build Georgetown University, and hear their ancestors' stories as well.
• Learn about the life of activist Marsha P. Johnson , who helped spark the Pride movement and a fight for LGBTQ+ rights that continues today. Use this lesson from PBS LearningMedia as-is, or adapt it to fit your needs.

Text-Based Activities for Ninth to Twelfth Grade

• Read this Atlas Obscura article to learn the story of the mythical 16th-century Black queen Calafia , for whom California is named.
• Honor the bravery of Elizabeth Jennings by reading this Atlas Obscura narrative about her historic stand against segregation in 19th-century New York, long before the famous bus boycott in 1955.
• Read Malcolm X's famous "The Ballot or the Bullet" speech and this Teen Vogue article reflecting on its legacy.
• Read this article from IGN about inventor and engineer Jerry Lawson, who developed the first interchangeable, cartridge-based video game system -- before Atari and Nintendo!
• Learn how Afro-Latino baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente changed hearts and minds during the civil rights movement. Use the included PBS LearningMedia student guide for supplemental activities.
• Find out about the accomplishments of eight extraordinary Afro-Latino people . From artists to activists, each person contributed to the legacy of the African diaspora.
• Share this article from History.com, or this one from the Washington Post , to help students discover the amazing story of Bass Reeves, one of the first Black U.S. marshals west of the Mississippi, and probable inspiration for the American pop-culture icon the Lone Ranger. 

Christine Elgersma is Senior Editor, Learning Content, Strategy which means she manages the newsletter about learning, edits writing about learning, and loves to learn. Before coming to Common Sense, she helped create ELA curriculum for a K-12 app and taught the youth of America as a high school teacher, a community college teacher, a tutor, and a special education instructional aide for about 18 years. Christine is also a writer, primarily of fiction and essays, and loves to read all manner of books. When she's not putting on a spontaneous vaudeville show with her daughter, Christine loves nature, music, and almost any form of dark chocolate.

Related Content

Virtual Field Trips Full of Learning Potential

Bring the world to your students with these free online experiences for your classroom.

Free Learning Resources for Hispanic Heritage Month

Use these videos, articles, and activities to bring the achievements of Hispanic and Latino people into your classroom.

Use the #TakeAKnee Protests to Explore the Legacy of Black Athletes and Activism

Get students to connect Colin Kaepernick to Jesse Owens and consider the political history of sports.

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!

Share this article

Table of Contents

12 Powerful Black History Month Activities to Engage Students

• January 10, 2024
• Flocabulary Team
• Black History Month Contest , Lessons and Ideas

Each February, we observe Black History Month to remember important people and events in Black history. Black history relates to all citizens and our shared backgrounds as Americans. Flocabulary has engaging hip-hop-infused Black History Month activities that are rigorous yet fun for students. Use these activities, songs, and videos to honor Black history in your curriculum—not just for the month but all year long.

New to Flocabulary ? Teachers can sign up for a trial to access our lesson videos and assessment activities. Administrators can get in touch with us to learn more about unlocking the full power of Flocabulary through Flocabulary Plus.

1. Amplify student voice with a rap contest

Student voice and authentic learning experiences are at the core of Flocabulary. Every February, we host a student rap contest in honor of Black History Month. Students will select a significant Black historical figure to write a rap about. The winning students will have their lyrics turned into a Flocab video lesson, be featured in the video for classes nationwide to see, and sit in with our writers, rappers, and editors to get an inside look into the video creation process! This contest is the perfect opportunity to empower student voices and to have them see themselves in what they’re learning. Check out past student winners and their Black History Month songs, or click below to watch their videos .

Teachers can submit on behalf of students and don’t need a Flocabulary account to enter. However, with Flocabulary’s Lyric Lab , students can seamlessly create their own rap in minutes.

The contest opens on February 1st, and submissions close on February 29th. Click below to learn more!

2. Write from Ruby Bridges’ point of view

In 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges changed history by becoming the first black child to desegregate an all-white elementary school by herself. Watch our video about Ruby Bridges , which tells the story of how she overcame many obstacles to integrate into William Frantz Elementary School, showing great courage in the face of discrimination.

Then, use this lesson plan to have students write a page from Ruby’s journal from her perspective and compare and contrast Ruby’s story told from first and third-person points of view. Flocabulary’s famous Point of View video is a great resource to use if you’re interested in Black History Month activities. Through this assignment, students will learn how Ruby Bridges changed history and discuss her courage and determination in facing obstacles.

3. Assign students to write a rap/poem about their dream

Teach students about the major events in the life of Martin Luther King Jr. with our lesson video. Students will learn about King’s biography, including the segregation that he and the Black community faced, his work as a minister, and his role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Civil Rights Movement. The video also shows King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

After watching the video, assign students the rest of the activities in the lesson sequence . Flocabulary’s lesson sequence follows Bloom’s Taxonomy . Accomplish the final level for “create” by using Lyric Lab. Students can listen to and read MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech, then write original raps about their own dreams for the world using quotations from King’s speech and their own figurative language.

4. Analyze Dr.King’s “I Have a Dream” speech

As mentioned previously, Flocabulary’s MLK video describes his commitment to nonviolent means of protesting and features clips from the “I Have a Dream” speech given at the March on Washington. You can pair this video in multiple ways for your Black History Month activities. For example, you can use our “I Have a Dream” Speech Analysis Lesson Plan to have students review literary terms, rhetorical devices, and figurative language with a scavenger hunt throughout the speech. Then, you can have students discuss or write about the speech using literary terminology.

5. Teach poetry through Langston Hughes’ “Harlem”

Introduce students to “Harlem,” the Langston Hughes poem that gave Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun its name, using Langston Hughes’ “Harlem” video and lesson. Students will analyze the social context and figurative language that made the poem so powerful.

After reviewing the lesson and analyzing the poem, students will also write their own poems inspired by “Harlem.” Use the printable worksheet in our lesson to assign these Black History Month activities to your students.

6. Explore perspectives on race

What is race? How does it affect different people every day? In this video, four Flocabulary rappers share their perspectives on race . Students will learn that even though race isn’t in our genes, it has a powerful effect on people and society. When teaching Black History Month activities and topics, it’s important to embed social and emotional learning teachings into this instruction. The major takeaway is not to let anyone define you based on appearances and not to define others that way either.

7. Have students write and perform a skit or rap on the Supreme Court case Shelby County v. Holder

A constitutional amendment granted African Americans the right to vote in 1870. However, the promise of that amendment would not be realized for decades. It would take a group of dedicated organizers in Selma, Alabama, to plan a series of marches before that important right was protected by the Voting Rights Act. This Black History video about the Voting Rights Act & Selma March explains the importance of the Selma marches, why the Voting Rights Act was needed, and what voting rights look like in our country today.

After studying the Selma March and the case of Shelby County v. Holder, use this lesson plan to have students discuss how current events can be seen as examples of continuity and change with regard to voting rights. Have students write and perform a rap or skit that depicts the Supreme Court case in its historical context.

8. Teach about Maya Angelou and figurative language using the Vocab Game

This video lesson introduces students to Maya Angelou , describing her extraordinary life and the significance of her work. Students will analyze Angelou’s trademark use of figurative language and vivid imagery in her poems and memoirs.

Vocab Game, which is the third part of Flocab’s lesson sequence, can be used to teach figurative language. In this drag and drop activity, students match the lesson’s vocabulary words, including figure language terms, to images or definitions, complete sentences, or find synonyms to build a beat.

9. Have a classroom discussion about The Tuskegee Airmen

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black American military pilots. In this lesson, students will learn about the Tuskegee Airmen’s contributions during World War II and how their valiant efforts paved the way for desegregating the military and American society.

Turn on Discuss Mode in the video lesson to have meaningful classroom discussions. Prompts will appear at specific points during the video and pause to facilitate further discussion and exploration of the Tuskegee Airmen.

10. Have students teach the Civil Rights Movement

The fight for civil rights was the fight for equality. In this song, witness Martin Luther King Jr. use the most powerful weapon of all: words. The Civil Rights song covers the passing of the Civil Rights Bill, the Voting Rights Act, and Brown v. Board of Education. But MLK couldn’t always keep the peace, and the song also covers some of the more violent moments in the fight for civil rights, including the assassinations of JFK and Malcolm X.

After watching the Civil Rights Movement video, assign or have students pick an event from the Civil Rights Movement to create their own lesson about. Have them teach about the topic to the class – they can even use Flocabulary as a teaching tool! This will deepen students’ understanding of key events in Black history while building their skills in interpreting and explaining events in a style that’s appropriate to a certain audience.

11. Match Flocabulary lyrics to Black historical figures

With Flocabulary’s catchy songs, students will remember specific facts and lyrics about historical figures and events. After reviewing songs and videos about different historical Black figures, have students read the lyrics of the songs and write the name of the historical figure the lyric is about. Download these Black History Month activities and print this worksheet to test out students’ memory and knowledge!

12. Explore all of Flocabulary’s Black history videos and activities

There are even more Black History Month activities and lesson videos to choose from! Flocabulary’s video-based lessons create emotional connections by harnessing the power of music, storytelling, and poetry. These high-quality videos captivate students and make the learning experience memorable and interesting. Click below to explore more lessons you can teach for Black History Month.

Start using these Black History Month activities

We’re so excited to see you put these activities and videos to use in your classroom to celebrate Black History Month. Flocabulary has engaging hip-hop standards-aligned videos and lessons you can use for all K-12 Subjects. These lessons not only deliver rigorous and relevant learning experiences, they also authentically and actively engage students. If you’re interested in exploring more resources for Black History Month, read our Racial Justice Resource Guide . Happy Black History Month!

• Fun ways to teach multiplication tables using video lessons & songs
• Racial Justice and Equity in Education: Resource Guide

Black History Month Music Listening Worksheets

• PDF Frequently assigned in Easel

Also included in

Description

These Black History Month Music Listening Worksheets are perfect for the Middle School General Music class . They are quick, no prep listening activities that include 30 suggested songs with YouTube links.

Click here to stay up to date with latest product releases

Included in the Black History Month Music Listening Worksheets:

• 20 different listening activities
• Listening links to 30 classic songs and musicians celebrating Black History Month
• Music suggestions include as wide variety of different musical genres from Jazz to Contemporary Music
• Super Six Comprehension Strategies

This resource is perfect for providing students with a choice of music to listen to and the activity to complete. Each of the 20 listening worksheets can be used with any of piece of music selected for study.

These activities also provide flexibility in delivery – you can choose to complete these activities in small groups, as an individual, as an assessment or even as an assignment!

Happy Teaching

Julia from Jooya

Get value for money with TPT credits

After logging in, go to your My Purchases page. Beneath the title of each of your purchases you'll see a “Provide Feedback” link. Simply click on the link and you will be taken to a page where you can give a rating and leave a short comment on how much you love the product. Each time you give feedback, TPT gives you 5 feedback credits, 20 credits equals $1 off your purchase!

Become a follower by clicking the “Follow Me” black button under the store banner, this will let you know about any sales I am throwing, new products and freebies!

Questions & Answers

Jooya teaching resources.

• We're hiring
• Help & FAQ
• Privacy policy
• Student privacy
• Terms of service
• Tell us what you think