Black History Month provides a great opportunity for students to explore the history and achievements of African Americans and discover how Black history has helped shape American culture.

Originally established as Negro History Week in the 1920s by Carter G. Woodson, it was extended to a month-long celebration in 1976. And, although it’s a topic that should be incorporated into the curriculum year-round, Black History Month is a chance for educators to dig deeper, provide context and connect past issues to the present.

As we celebrate the 101st Black History Month, here are some resources for teaching Black History in your program:

• Black History Month Resources for the Classroom (PBS): Includes lesson plans on the recently released movie Selma, MLK Jr., Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, racial equality, and discrimination.
• Black History Month Resources (Teach 123): Features lessons, worksheets, songs, videos, and activities that focus on the contribution of famous African American inventors.
• The Underground Railroad (Mr. Donn): These Underground Railroad lesson plans and activities are the perfect way to connect black history with social studies topics such as slavery and the Civil War.
• Guide to Black History Month Teaching Resources (EDSITEment): This expansive multimedia resource is excellent for teachers, students, and parents alike to discover the 400 year long history of African Americans and the evolution of American culture.
• Black History Month Lessons & Resources (NEA): Integrate black history into your curriculum with these lesson plans and activities covering the impact of African Americans in America’s culture, heritage, music, historical events, arts, science, and sports.
• African American Heritage Teaching Resources (Smithsonian Education): Smithsonian provides resources for educators looking to dig deeper into the history of African Americans, their heritage, and the lives of famous African Americans.
• Black History Month Teacher Resources (TeacherVision): TONS of great activities, lessons, and printables on this site! TeacherVision handily categorizes them by grade, subject, and topic!
• Celebrate African American Heritage (Scholastic): Scholastic hosts a variety of black history resources, featuring categories such as slavery & freedom, arts & culture, civil rights, and trailblazers & influential leaders.
• Celebrate Black History Month (Education World): Discover great lesson plans, activities, writing tasks, and research assignments that will encourage kids to explore how black history fits into America’s fabric.
• Celebrate Black History Month (NY Times The Learning Network): The Learning Network by NY Times provides educators with Black History Month lesson plans and crosswords, plus a look at historical front pages of newspapers and related current events.