Celebrate Black History

As February rolls around, so does Black History Month—a time dedicated to honoring the contributions, achievements, and struggles of African Americans throughout history.

Here are some exciting ideas to help you celebrate past accomplishments and inspire future leaders.

Create your own black history heroes book

Encourage students to research and create a Black History Heroes Book. Each student can choose a different African American figure to study, write a short biography, and include illustrations or photos. This project celebrates the diversity of Black voices and experiences, fostering appreciation for the many individuals who have made significant contributions to society.



Write postcards from the past

Transport students back in time by creating digital postcards from significant moments in Black history. They can choose a historical event, research the context, and design postcards with images and messages that capture the essence of that moment. 



This creative exercise sparks curiosity and encourages students to explore lesser-known stories and perspectives.

Design trading cards

Put a fun twist on learning by having students design trading cards featuring prominent figures in Black history. They can include key information such as the individual's name, accomplishments, and a brief description.


These cards can serve as both educational tools and collectibles for students to share with each other to spark conversations and further exploration.


Highlight contributions in a video biography

Empower students to become storytellers by producing video biographies of influential figures in Black history. Through research, scriptwriting, filming, and editing, they can create compelling narratives that highlight the impact of individuals such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, and more. 



This multimedia approach fosters collaboration and communication skills while amplifying diverse voices.

Visualize poetry

Invite students to select a poem by a Black poet and create a visual representation of its themes and imagery. Then, have students write their own stanzas using the form.


Students can get started with one of the many poetry templates, such as: 


Use the Project Wizard QR code printing option to hang the posters around your classroom or school for a poetry walk that everyone can enjoy.

Design a commemorative coin

Challenge students to design a commemorative coin honoring an influential figure or event in Black history. They can research the significance of their chosen subject and incorporate symbolism and imagery into their coin design. 



Tell the story with a comic

Encourage students to illustrate inspiring stories through a comic strip, like this one of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Students can research the events, the key figures involved, and their impact on the Civil Rights Movement.



By transforming historical narratives into engaging visuals, students gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of the past.

Interview a prominent figure (past or present)

To share their learning, have students research a prominent figure in Black history and create an interview with them. They can develop questions that delve into the individual's life, achievements, and impact on society. Whether it's Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, or Maya Angelou, this activity allows students to engage deeply with the lives of influential figures and share their learning with others.



Timeline important events

Ask students to create a timeline of key events in the Civil Rights Movement. They can research significant dates, events, and figures, organizing them chronologically to illustrate the progression of the African American experience. 



Empower students to take ownership of their learning 

Offer students a variety of activities to choose from with a Black History Month Choice Board. Include options such as researching a famous speech, creating a timeline of important events, or designing a poster celebrating diversity. 



The possibilities are endless when it comes to exploring the rich tapestry of African American culture and contributions.

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