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A Black History Month Toolkit for Educators

Celebrate the vibrant heritage, enduring resilience, and transformative contributions of African Americans with this collection of resources for Black History Month. Beyond just looking at the past, these tools are designed to help students engage with the living history of the African American experience—from pioneering scientists and unsung civil rights heroes to contemporary artists and innovators shaping our world today. Whether you’re analyzing books about famous African Americans, exploring famous scientists, or discussing modern movements for equity, these resources provide a multifaceted look at how African American history is, fundamentally, American history. Use these resources to inspire your students to see themselves as part of a continuing story of progress and purpose.

Grades K-8

Timely Topic - Celebrating Black History Month

Discover five engaging lesson plans for K–8: Learn Something Do Something, STEM-ing from the Past, Letter History Be Known, Escape to Freedom Mountain, and Pledge for Change Posters. Lessons include teacher guides and are available for K–2, 3–5, and 6–8.

Grades 4-8

Reading Trek - Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad

Have students follow Harriet Tubman's courageous journey as a conductor on the Underground Railroad using the map in this Reading Trek! The Trek also includes lesson stems, classroom activities, and standards correlations.

Grades K-12

The Brown Bookshelf

The Brown Bookshelf champions Black voices in children’s literature. It features author interviews, book reviews, and the 28 Days Later campaign, which helps educators and parents find diverse, impactful stories by highlighting under-the-radar creators.

Grades 6-12

Black American History

Discover Crash Course's series of 50+ videos exploring Black American history from 1619 to the present. It covers the slave trade, the Civil Rights Movement, and modern activism, highlighting key figures and the resilience of the Black community.

Grades 6-12

34 Highly Influential African American Scientists You May Not Know

Read all about 34 influential African American scientists, engineers, and inventors. From pioneers like George Washington Carver to modern leaders at NASA, this article explores the breakthroughs and legacies of Black icons in STEM fields.

Grades 6-12

Black History Month

This site offered by the Library of Congress and its partners provides a vast archive of primary sources, exhibits, and educational resources. The site highlights the achievements and history of Black Americans through legal records, photos, and media.

Grades K-3

Reading Treks - A Weed is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver

This Reading Trek explores the story of George Washington Carver, a man born a slave who went on to become one of the most important agricultural scientists of his generation. View the instructional guide and map.

Grades 6-12

Black History Milestones: Timeline

History.com offers an updated interactive timeline of key milestones in Black history, featuring pivotal moments, influential figures, and groundbreaking achievements from the beginning of slavery through modern politics and culture.

Grades K-12

Teaching a More Complete Picture of MLK

This Smithsonian article offers educators strategies for teaching a more complex view of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It moves beyond "I Have a Dream" to explore his activism against poverty and war, using primary sources to provide a more complete history.

Grades 4-12

The National Museum of African American History and Culture - Stories

Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture website to discover a robust digital collection that features personal narratives, rare artifacts, and expert insights that bring the African American experience to life for all ages.

Grades 8-12

The Sojourner Truth Project

The Sojourner Truth Project compares different versions of the famous "Ain’t I a Woman?" speech. Listen to the reconstructed original version in the Akans dialect, providing a more authentic look at the abolitionist's true voice and message.

Grades 6-12

Celebrating Black History Month

This Poetry Foundation collection honors Black History Month through a curated selection of poems, articles, and podcasts. It explores the Black experience across generations, featuring icons like Langston Hughes alongside vital contemporary voices.

This Week at TeachersFirst

Join us this Tuesday for our next free OK2Ask virtual workshop of the winter season and check out the related blog post. We’re also sharing a collection of resources to use as you recognize Black History Month and an article introducing a prominent African American artist.