To kick off Black History Month, let’s see how much you know:
- Who is considered the Father of Black History?
- Did you know that Black History Month has a theme that changes every year? What’s this year’s theme?
- Why was February chosen as the month to celebrate Black History?
To learn the answers, don’t miss these 11 video lessons that you can use all year round to go beyond the basics of Black History.
Answer key at the end of this article.
Video Lesson #1: An Overview of Black History Month
There are no two ways about it: for American history to be complete, Black History needs to be taught year-round.
Use this video lesson to start a dialogue with your students about Black History and get the full picture behind how February came to be celebrated as Black History Month in the United States.
Video Lesson #2: Slavery and Methods of Resistance
In this lesson, students will analyze enslavement and methods of resistance in the United States from 1820 to 1860.
This social studies video lesson is aimed at high school students from grades 9-12.
Video Lesson #3: Frederick Douglass
If your students have ever questioned the power of reading and the written word, they need to see this video lesson on Frederick Douglass.
From learning to read in secret and then escaping slavery to founding an abolitionist newspaper, Douglass’ legacy is one that every student should learn.
Teach your students the power of sharing your life story to enact positive change.
Video Lesson #4: Sojourner Truth
Help your students explore the life of Sojourner Truth in order to understand the role individuals played in fighting for the abolition of slavery and for women’s rights in this video lesson adaptable for elementary through high school.
Video Lesson #5: Emancipation Proclamation and the Reconstruction Amendments
After interacting with this video lesson for elementary and middle schoolers, students will be able to explain the end of slavery in the U.S. by exploring the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13-15th amendments to the Constitution.
Video Lesson #6: Black Cowboys
The history books on the American West have greatly overlooked the legacy of the black cowboys, which is exactly why your students need to see this video lesson!
From the wild west in the 1800’s to the streets of modern-day Philadelphia, find out how black cowboys have influenced and continue to influence history.
Video #7: Harlem Renaissance
Dive into the rich history of the Harlem Renaissance in this video lesson. Students will explore the Harlem Renaissance and explain how Black artists in the 1920s used their work to encourage cultural, social, and political change.
Video #8: The Civil Rights Movement
This video lesson teaches students to identify how Civil Rights activists used nonviolence to change unfair laws by exploring the strategies of sit-ins, marches, and boycotts.
Video Lesson #9: Ruby Bridges
In this video lesson, your students will learn the impact children have had on history, specifically Ruby Bridges.
The video features a variety of primary sources, including photographs, government documents, and eyewitness accounts to bring the lesson to life and spark critical thinking.
Video #10: “We Real Cool” by Gwendolyn Brooks (Poetic Sound Devices, Tone, and Rhythm)
In this English Language Arts video lesson, students will analyze the use of rhyme, alliteration, rhythm, and theme in Gwendolyn Brooks’ poem “We Real Cool.”
Video #11: “The Rose That Grew from Concrete” by Tupac Shakur (Symbolism, Personification)
In this lesson, students will analyze the use of symbolism and personification in Tupac Shakur's poem "The Rose That Grew from Concrete."
We’d love to hear what you’re doing in your classroom this Black History Month – let us know on Twitter @edpuzzle.
Answer key: Carter G. Woodson is considered the Father of Black History. The theme for Black History Month in 2023 is Black Resistance. Black History Month is celebrated in February partly because that’s when Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays are celebrated.
FAQs
What is the best way to teach Black History Month? ›
- Teach the history and heroes of liberation movements.
- Honor Black civic engagement.
- Recognize intersectional Black identity.
- Celebrate Black literature.
- Classes, Teachings and Lesson Plans:
- Books & Collections:
- Articles and Resources:
- Podcasts:
- Videos:
- Roots and Records Searching Resources.
- Historical Documents & Museum.
Black History Month remains a powerful symbolic celebration and a time for acknowledgement, reflection, and inspiration. The national 2023 Black History Month theme, “Black Resistance,” explores how African Americans have addressed historic and ongoing disadvantage and oppression, as evidenced by recent events.