Although we as educators should commit to learning and teaching black history all year long, February gives us a very special opportunity to dive in and learn about some spectacular humans. While we should hold ourselves accountable and learn about/acknowledge the trauma in our nation's history, we also need to acknowledge black joy and the endless contributions given to our country, and the world, by black people. I am still on my journey of learning and unlearning. I hope some of these resources are helpful to not just your students, but you as well.
I strongly encourage you to follow and learn from Black educators, historians, and journalists in order to honor black history and black people.
Follow the journey of a both painful and triumphant song in this read aloud.
I've linked another beautiful song, that encompasses the persistence of Black Americans, and the journey we all face in order to achieve equity, below.
A lighthearted and fun read aloud about Jazz.
A story about a lesser known jazz legend and civil rights activist, Nina Simone. This symbolic story speaks on white privilege and racism through the keys of the piano. See how Nina displayed her talent among a long line of historically white musicians.
From Duke Ellington's daughter's perspective we see was Ellington was not a street, but an influential man in America's musical history.
Want to teach your students more about Duke Ellington? Check out this Kindergarten Black History Month resource by Lanesha Tabb and Naomi O'Brien.
It is filled with important figures in black history, including Duke Ellington. Plus, it was adapted to fit virtual learning!
A biography of the one and only, Aretha Franklin. Below are links of Aretha singing, plus a video from the story!
A book of rhyme and rhythm. Explore the roots of rap in this fun story.
An in depth story of Rosa Parks, and how she inspired the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
From childhood to adulthood, follow Malcolm's journey to leadership in the Civil Rights Movement.
The autobiography of Ruby Bridges, the first black student to end segregation in a New Orleans school.
A true story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel to space.
Juneteenth, America's true independence day, is highlighted and described to Mazie in this story.
The live's of the true GOATs of athletics, Serena and Venus Williams, are discussed in this picture book.
A joyous read aloud about the beauty of black hair. Check out Beyonce's "Brown Skin Girl" video, linked below, to see some powerful images of black hair.
A young girl reflects on her own blackness, and discovers and reveals the beauty of her blackness along the way.
In dialogue between father and son, this story reminds us all to love and celebrate ourselves for the beautiful creations we are!
A heart felt text reminding black and brown children not only that they matter, but that their very existence was intentional and meaningful.
A story through the ABC's of black history and culture.
This story serves as a helpful guide to have conversations with our littles surrounding racial bias and police violence towards black and brown communities, particularly men.
Teach students about the astounding life of Harriet Tubman, an enslaved woman who went on to save 300 enslaved peoples through the underground railroad.
This poetic picture books highlights some of the United States' greatest heroes. Within this story, Alexander speaks of the perseverance of countless black people who overcame enslavement, championed the civil rights movement, and continue to show grit and determination to overcome the obstacles that still exist for black citizens today.
Other Videos
Teachers Pay Teachers Resources
Other Resources
Do you have any other Black History Month resources that you LOVE? Please comment them below!
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