Black History Month
February 2020
Black History Month began in 1915 a half a century after the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Mooreland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) to study the achievements of black Americans and people of African descent. The organization promoted black history in schools and called for the celebration of African history throughout the U.S. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976. Since that time, every American president has designated February as Black History Month.
We cherish this opportunity to emphasize the contributions of each culture and person represented in our rich history as a nation. We all have a story to tell and the legacy we leave in our own communities will write our history for generations to follow.
As we recall those of eminent significance, let us recognize the men and women of diversity who contributed so greatly to our country. Did you know the ironing board design was improved through a patent granted to an African American woman by the name of Sarah Boone? Did you know refrigerated freight trucks were invented by African American inventor Frederick McKinley Jones?
These two examples and a multitude of others may help to educate our students on the positive impact of black history and the role we all play in preserving the rights and privileges of each citizen in our blended American culture.
Here are just a few resources to help you celebrate Black History Month in your classroom throughout the month.
A collection of information from various organizations
https://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/for-teachers/
https://www.history.com/news/9-black-inventors-african-american
http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/bhm-curriculum-resources-gradesK-5.html
Public Broadcasting Service
https://www.pbs.org/black-culture/educational-resources/
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/tag/black-history-month/page/3/
Social Studies Resources 