Black History Month

Black history isn't just for February. Here, some perspectives on teaching Black history - and suggested activities for any time of the year. 

Meyer Levin Middle School principal George Patterson writes in Chalkbeat about how his awe-inspiring school puts students at the center of Juneteenth.

Reflections on a Black Lives Matter at School symposium

Ella Baker, who helped build many of the most important organizations of the civil rights movement, defied traditional gender roles. She deprioritized charismatic leadership from above and instead empowered people to take charge of their own struggles for freedom. 

Collected lessons for teaching Black History Month, primarily for high school and middle school.

Black History Month was our excuse for asking our co-worker Daniel Coles, who is coordinating Morningside Center’s racial equity initiatives, to share some books he recommends to educators to raise our awareness on issues related to race.  Behold the list below, in alphabetical order by author!   

In this lesson, students will reflect on the value of knowing American history, practice their research and writing skills, and learn more about the abolitionist Frederick Douglass.   

This lesson explores how, historically and today, love combined with nonviolent action has helped people fight injustice and work towards what Dr. King referred to as "the beloved community."  

Students explore why it is important for people to be able to tell their own stories and relate that to Black History Month.    

Using tweets, video and a poster, students review the history of the Black Lives Matter movement, consider criticisms of it, and examine the movement's policy goals.