ClassX Video Lessons Black History Month for Kids | Learn about the month-long celebration of African American history
Have you ever wondered why every February, people in America celebrate Black History Month? It’s a special time to remember and honor the achievements of African Americans throughout history. Let’s dive into what Black History Month is all about and why it’s so important.
You might have heard of famous people like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and Ruby Bridges. They played big roles in the Civil Rights Movement, which fought for equal rights for African Americans. You might also know about Harriet Tubman, who bravely helped enslaved people escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.
But did you know that for a long time, the history of African Americans wasn’t well-documented? That’s why Black History Month is so important. It helps us learn about and remember the contributions of African Americans that might otherwise be forgotten.
To understand how Black History Month began, we need to go back in time. In 1619, European colonizers brought 20 enslaved Africans to what is now the United States. This marked the start of a very difficult period in American history, where African Americans were enslaved for over 200 years.
Even after slavery ended, racism and unfair treatment continued. Many people didn’t learn about Black history, and school textbooks often left out important information. Imagine if a whole section of history was missing from your textbooks!
In 1915, an African American historian named Carter G. Woodson decided to change this. Born to parents who had been enslaved, Woodson worked hard and earned a doctorate in history from Harvard University. He realized that many people didn’t recognize the contributions of Black people, so he made it his mission to document Black history.
In 1926, Woodson started the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and declared the second week of February as Negro History Week. This week was chosen because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, both important figures in the fight against slavery.
In 1976, President Gerald Ford expanded this week-long celebration to a whole month, and that’s how Black History Month came to be celebrated every February.
Black History Month is important because it helps us look back at the past and recognize the contributions of African Americans. It also reminds us to continue working towards a future where everyone is treated equally and fairly. As former President Barack Obama once said, we honor those who fought for justice and strive for a world where people are judged by their character, not their skin color.
There are many ways you can respectfully celebrate Black History Month. You can learn about African American history, read books by Black authors, or participate in events that promote equality and justice. Every small action can make a big difference!
We hope you enjoyed learning about Black History Month! For more fun and educational resources, visit us at learnbrite.org.
Create a Timeline: Gather some paper, markers, and a ruler. Create a timeline of important events and people mentioned in the article, such as the start of Black History Month, the Civil Rights Movement, and key figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Draw pictures or write short descriptions for each event. This will help you visualize the sequence of historical events and understand their significance.
Family Interview: Ask your family members if they know any stories about African American history or if they have a favorite African American hero. Write down their stories or draw a picture of the hero they mention. Share what you learn with your classmates or friends. This activity helps you connect with history through personal stories and learn from those around you.
Book Exploration: Visit your local library or explore online resources to find a book by a Black author or about an African American historical figure. Read a chapter or a few pages and draw a picture or write a short paragraph about what you learned. This will encourage you to explore diverse perspectives and deepen your understanding of Black history.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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What is Black History Month? Did you know that every February, Americans celebrate the achievements of African Americans throughout history? This special month of reflection is called Black History Month, and today we are going to learn more about what it is and why we celebrate it every year.
You have probably heard the names Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and Ruby Bridges before and learned about their roles in the Civil Rights Movement. You have also probably learned about Harriet Tubman’s courage during the Civil War and her role in the Underground Railroad. However, the history of African Americans in the United States has not always been well-documented, which is why Black History Month is so important.
To understand more about the origins of Black History Month, we have to go back in time to the 1600s. In 1619, European colonizers brought 20 enslaved Africans to the mainland American colonies, and many historians believe that the practice of enslavement in the region began even earlier, dating back to the 1500s. Regardless of the exact date, the arrival of enslaved peoples in what would eventually become the United States marked the beginning of a tragic period in American history—a period of over 200 years when African Americans were enslaved.
Even after slavery was officially abolished in the United States, racism and inequity continued. As the years went on, few people studied Black history, and school textbooks often lacked information about it. Can you imagine having an entire section of history left out of your textbooks? You would miss out on learning a lot of important information.
Something needed to change. In 1915, an African American historian named Carter G. Woodson made it his mission to document Black history. Born in 1875 to formerly enslaved parents, Woodson graduated from Harvard University with a doctorate in history. He eventually became a faculty member at Howard University. While there, he was banned from attending annual conferences held by the American Historical Association because he was Black. He realized that the mostly white historical association had little interest in recognizing the contributions of Black people in various fields.
In 1926, Woodson started the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, declaring the second week in February as Negro History Week. The association chose this week because it coincided with the birthdays of two important figures: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Both were instrumental in the abolition of slavery in the United States. Douglass, born enslaved in the early 1800s, escaped to New York City in 1838 and became an abolitionist. He met with Abraham Lincoln many times and may have influenced Lincoln’s views on slavery.
In 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all enslaved people. Fifty years later, in 1976, President Gerald Ford proclaimed that this week-long celebration of African American history be expanded to a month, which is why we now celebrate Black History Month throughout February.
Black History Month continues to be important because it provides a vital window into the past and gives representation to a group of Americans who still face discrimination and marginalization today. To quote former President Barack Obama during National African American History Month: “We recognize these champions of justice and the sacrifices they made to bring us to this point. We honor the contributions of African Americans since our country’s beginning, and we recommit to reaching for a day when no person is judged by anything but the content of their character.”
What are some ways that you can respectfully celebrate Black History Month? What are some ways that you can advocate for equality and justice?
Hope you had fun learning with us! Visit us at learnbrite.org for thousands of free resources and turnkey solutions for teachers and homeschoolers.
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