Nearly a century ago in 1926, Carter G. Woodson established a period to celebrate the rich history of African Americans and their significant contributions to the social, political, and economic structures of the United States and the world. Years later, as then-President Gerald R. Ford noted at the first national recognition of Black History Month, this month-long celebration gave Americans an opportunity “…to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout history.”
During the month of February, our schools celebrate and honor the rich diversity of our community and the achievements and contributions of Black Americans, and that study continues throughout the year as an integral part of America’s history and heritage and embedded in the district’s K-12 Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) curriculum for social studies.
While the pandemic may have changed the look and feel of some traditional Black History Month activities, our schools are finding innovative and interesting ways to engage students in these celebrations. Activities vary from school to school and include:
Project-based learning lessons on amplifying underrepresented voices and studies in social justice
Virtual and concurrent art displays, musical performances, plays, poetry slams, and wax museum events
Video interviews with successful Black alums and virtual guest speakers
Tributes to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the “Divine Nine” Black Greek organizations
Read-alouds and other activities around Black authors and books featuring Black characters
Daily videos, facts, and inspirations from Black Americans on school announcements
Essay contests, Academic Bowl-styled activities, and themed decorations on doors and bulletin boards
Virtual field trips to Atlanta-based National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., and other museums and historic sites
Themed dress-up days like Red, Black, and Green Day (colors representing the Pan African Flag), HBCU/Greek Day, Black is Beautiful Day, Black Cowboy Day, Hero Day, Heritage Day, special commemorations of Black Americans serving in the military, and more
Watch for a Black History Month photo gallery at the end of the month!