February is Black History Month (BHM)! For those of you who want to highlight the impactful contributions of African Americans, here are some ideas to get you started. These activities are targeted towards students in grades 4-6, but they can be modified for other grade levels.
Try to stay away from historical figures and events that we all know about and learn about someone or something new. We all know about Dr. King, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and The March on Washington. There are thousands of African Americans waiting to be revealed that have greatly impacted daily American life in amazing ways. Below are some ways to bring Black History into today and response activities that your students can do.
BHM Heroes:
Paul R. Williams: Hollywood’s Architect
Website: https://www.pbs.org/video/hollywoods-architect-3prwsa/
Student Response: What are your five favorite structures that Mr. Williams designed? Why? Include a picture or a drawing. What obstacles did Mr. Williams overcome to become an architect? What does that say about his character?
Kizzmekia Corbett: Lead Scientist for Coronavirus Vaccines
Website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL-B30EXBEc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgmjw9_vE9c
Student Response: Identify 10 facts about Kizzmekia Corbett. Create a Public Service Announcement about Coronavirus and/or vaccination
BHM in the Arts:
Study the lyrics and listen to The National Black Anthem (Lift Every Voice and Sing)
Website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9VtlIZctn0 (traditional version)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlvHj9w3ZTI (modern version)
Student Response: Analysis of the lyrics and styles, reflection
BHM Celebrations:
Study The 7 Principles of Kwanzaa (it’s not just for Christmas)
Website: https://uucb.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/KWANZAA-The-Principles-Meaning-of-Kwanzaa.pdf
Student Response: Personal applications, connections to the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Students (pros, cons, individual vs community, when would one approach be better than the other, debate)
BHM Literature:
Have your class read the novel It Doesn’t Take a Genius by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
Website: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Student Response: Write a letter to the main or a major character about _____ (opportunity for students to make personal connections with the text, vocalize emotions, and reflections in a creative way); Make cross-cultural connections and elements unique to the Black community.
BHM Community:
Connect to Black-owned businesses in your local community. Reach out to their owners and try to schedule a ZOOM session (COVID friendly) about business ownership with your class. Encourage students to patronize the organization with their families.
Local Black-owned small businesses in Phoenix:
Grassrootz Bookstore and Community Library
1145 East Washington Street #200, Phoenix 85034
https://grassrootzbookstore.com/
480-442-0293
Nanny’s Fried Chicken – A new soul food restaurant in downtown Phoenix
830 East Washington Street, Phoenix 85034
https://nannys-chicken.square.site/
602-907-1087
Red Velvet Recipes – The BEST cupcakes and treats in the Valley! They come in all flavors!
@RecipesRed
mharris9001@yahoo.com
Last but not least, keep the African American presence alive in your class. Find a reason every month to highlight the innumerable contributions of the African American community.
