Black History Month is being recognized as an important opportunity for educators to highlight the contributions of Black Americans and address ongoing issues of racial justice, equality, and representation in schools. Advocates emphasize that including Black history in classroom lessons helps ensure these stories are acknowledged as a vital part of American history.
The Colorado Education Association (CEA) encourages teachers to integrate the achievements of Black leaders, activists, artists, and everyday individuals into their curricula. According to the CEA, “By learning about Black leaders, activists, artists, and everyday people who have helped shape the nation, we ensure their achievements are recognized and valued.” The organization also notes that Black History Month can foster meaningful discussions among students about identity and fairness.
Educators are advised to incorporate figures such as aviator Bessie Coleman, political activist Bayard Rustin, and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson into social studies or history lessons. Projects like The 1619 Project provide context on the legacy of slavery in the United States and its ongoing impact. National institutions such as the National Museum of African American History & Culture offer resources for teaching Black history through reading lists and STEM activities.
Colorado-based resource centers—including the Center for African & American Studies at CU Boulder and the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library in Denver—are available to support local educators with additional materials.
The CEA’s Department of Civil and Human Rights recommends books by Black authors for all grade levels. For early childhood education, titles include “There Was a Party for Langston” by Jason Reynolds; for elementary students, “Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry; middle school recommendations include “One Crazy Summer” by Rita Williams-Garcia; while high school students might read “Crusade for Justice: The Autobiography of Ida B. Wells.” Educators are also encouraged to use booklists provided by organizations such as NEA that celebrate Black voices across genres.
Art education is another focus area during Black History Month. Museums like the Smithsonian American Art Museum have developed lesson plans highlighting works by Black artists. The Studio Museum in Harlem continues to showcase art inspired by the African diaspora.
Music and dance are included as avenues for cultural exploration in classrooms. Teachers are encouraged to introduce genres such as jazz, blues, soul, stepping, Krumping, and breakdancing. The Library of Congress provides recordings and interviews with musicians that can be used as teaching tools.
Through these resources and suggested activities, educators aim to deepen student understanding of Black history while promoting broader conversations about diversity within schools.
