Welcome to this updated Share My Lesson collection of Black history resources for educators. While Black History Month in February offers a dedicated opportunity to reflect on the achievements and experiences of Black Americans, Black history is not confined to a single month. It is a rich, ongoing story that deserves exploration and integration throughout the school year.
Black history encompasses the contributions, struggles, innovations, and leadership of African Americans across generations. From labor and civil rights to science, politics, education, and the arts, Black Americans have played a central role in shaping the United States and the world. Teaching Black history helps students better understand the past while fostering meaningful conversations about identity, equity, justice, and civic responsibility.
The celebration of Black History Month traces back to 1926, when historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week to ensure the achievements of Black Americans were recognized and taught in schools. He chose February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass—two figures closely associated with the fight for freedom and equality.
In 1976, the observance expanded into Black History Month, creating a broader platform to elevate stories that had long been overlooked or excluded from traditional curricula. While February remains an important time for focused learning, integrating Black history throughout the year supports a more complete and accurate understanding of American history.
This Share My Lesson collection offers free, educator-created Black history teaching resources to support meaningful instruction at every grade level. You’ll find lesson plans, classroom activities, blogs, multimedia resources, and free professional development webinars designed to help you teach Black history with depth, relevance, and confidence—during Black History Month and beyond.
By embedding Black history across the curriculum, educators empower students to engage critically with the past, recognize the impact of African Americans on society, and appreciate the ongoing struggles and triumphs that continue to shape our world. Together, we can ensure Black history is not treated as a single unit or month—but as an essential, continuous part of our shared educational journey.
