Carter
G. Woodson originated the idea of month devoted to African American history in 1926, but it wasn't until 50
years later when the first February Black History Month was observed, as part of the United States bicentennial in
1976. Here are free printable African American history lessons to teach
students the importance of this auspicious celebration. Black History Month
explores the history, culture, struggles and contributions of the black African
diaspora (people who are displaced or forced to immigrate) in the US. Canada and
UK observe African history month in October. Use these activities in your
classroom or homeschool.
PBS
Parents has a compendium of free printable Black
History Month activities including worksheets, American history lessons, recipes, coloring
pages and puzzles to help children understand African American history. PBS
Kids educational programming network lists episodes of different children's shows
that have focused on black American history in the past. Teaching Heart has a
huge library of free printable American history lessons and classroom worksheets for all subjects including African American history. Be sure
to check out the recommended reading list for books on black American issues.
This list covers several grade levels.
Mr.
Donn covers Black History Month with a variety of printables, worksheets
and American history lessons. African American history topic include the Civil
War, Civil Rights, Jim Crow laws, Kwanzaa, Harlem Renaissance, Jazz Age and
Underground Railroad. There are free printables, puzzle, worksheets, writing
activities, social studies, history and biography activities.
Biography
has a nice collection of biographical resources, including film clips, videos,
timelines and free printable activities to use as worksheets for Black History Month. The Root is a website devoted to black American issues. It gives a concise overview of black
American perspective as well as a discussion about the need for Black History
Month. This short research essay might be helpful as a discussion board for the
inclusion of uniquely black American history within the U.S. educational
system.
History
is the website of the History Channel and offers dozens of links to historical
programs and programs based on historical events. Included are free printable
American history lessons,
worksheets, research help, study aids, resources and activities. Opponents of
Black History Month, black and white say that there is no need to devote a
month to studying African American history. Black actor Morgan Freeman made his
now famous statement -- "I don't like Black History Month" -- to Mike
Wallace in 2009. Freeman's contention is that every month is Black History
Month because black Amerian history is American history. Freeman states that
the only way to stop racial tension is to stop talking about it. Regardless of
personal opinion on the issue, Black History Month is a required component in
school curriculum across the grades in the United States.
