Black History Month a unique opportunity to delve deep into the rich and multifaceted history of African Americans, exploring their struggles, achievements, and enduring impact on society. Engaging high schoolers in Black History Month activities is not just about recounting historical facts; it’s about fostering a profound understanding and appreciation for the contributions of Black individuals throughout history.
In this post, we’ll explore a variety of dynamic and educational Black History Month activities for high school students, designed to spark curiosity, promote empathy, and encourage critical thinking. From analyzing iconic speeches to creating social justice art projects, these activities aim to provide students with a deeper insight into the Black experience in America and beyond.
Related: Black History Month Resources for Teachers
Black History Month Activities for High School Students
Here are some of our suggestions for Black History Month activities for high school students
1. Black History Videos
Curate a list of impactful TED talks on Black history and culture. After watching a selected video in class, engage students in pre- and post-viewing discussions. Prepare questions that encourage critical thinking about the themes presented and facilitate group discussions to explore different viewpoints and insights. This activity not only educates but also fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of Black history’s complexities.
2. Create Videos
Encourage students to use digital tools like WeVideo or Canva Video to create short documentaries or explanatory videos on a chosen theme related to Black history. This project allows students to delve into research, scriptwriting, and video editing, culminating in a presentation where they can share their work with peers. It’s a powerful way to engage with history creatively and personally.
3. Group Projects
Assign students to groups and have them select a Black history theme to explore using primary resources from National Archives or other reputable sources. They could prepare a presentation or document to share with the class or publish on the class or school website. This collaborative effort encourages deep research, critical analysis, and effective communication skills.
4. Black History Figures
Divide students into groups, assigning each a different field (e.g., sports, medicine, law). Task each group with researching Black figures who have revolutionized their assigned area. This activity highlights the widespread impact of Black individuals across various sectors and fosters a greater appreciation for their contributions to society.
Black History Poems
Inspired by poets like Amanda Gorman, ask students to write their own poems reflecting themes of Black history. Initiating a discussion about Gorman’s work or other Black poets can provide a rich foundation for students to draw inspiration from. This activity encourages self-expression and a personal connection to the themes explored.
Decorate Class
Use printables, posters, and student-created artwork to decorate the classroom with themes of Black history. Engaging students in this hands-on activity not only beautifies the learning environment but also makes the history they’re studying a visible part of their daily lives.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Roadways
Utilize the National Geographic Map of roads named in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., as a starting point for discussions about his impact across the United States. This activity can expand into a deeper exploration of his life, the civil rights movement, and how his legacy continues to influence America.
“I Have a Dream” Speech Activities
Leverage resources to delve into Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Activities can include watching videos, analyzing the speech’s rhetorical strategies, and discussing its historical context and lasting impact. Encourage students to reflect on how King’s vision resonates in today’s society.
Virtual Tours of Black History Museums
Take virtual tours of institutions like the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture or explore virtual Harlem. These tours offer students immersive experiences to learn about Black history, culture, and contributions in a dynamic and accessible way.
Introduce Black History Vocabulary
Introduce key vocabulary related to diversity, inclusion, and Black history. Facilitate discussions on these terms, encouraging students to reflect on their meanings and how they apply to both historical contexts and current events. This activity fosters a more inclusive and empathetic classroom environment.
Black History Month Books
Create a curated list of books that delve into the Black experience in America. Encourage students to read works by Black authors, ranging from historical accounts to fiction, poetry, and memoirs. This initiative can include a book club format where students choose a book to read and then come together to discuss its themes, characters, and impact. Through literature, students can gain a deeper understanding of the struggles, triumphs, and rich narratives that have shaped Black history and continue to influence society today.
Black History Month Music
Compile a playlist of music genres that are rooted in Black culture, such as jazz, blues, gospel, hip-hop, and R&B. Discuss the origins of each genre and its cultural significance, highlighting how music has been a form of expression, resistance, and celebration throughout Black history. You could also organize listening sessions or a mini “music festival” in class, where students can experience the evolution of these genres over time. By exploring the soundtrack of the movement, students not only enjoy the rich musical heritage but also understand its pivotal role in shaping and reflecting the Black experience in America.
Analyze Civil Rights Movement Speeches
Select key speeches from the Civil Rights Movement for students to analyze. This could include famous addresses by Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Angela Davis, and others. Students can explore the rhetorical strategies employed, the historical context of each speech, and its impact on the movement and beyond. Encourage them to present their analyses, highlighting how these speeches used language to inspire, mobilize, and effect change.
Black History Debate Club
Organize debates on significant events or figures in Black history, such as the impact of the Harlem Renaissance on American culture or the effectiveness of nonviolent versus militant approaches in the Civil Rights Movement. This activity encourages students to research different viewpoints, develop persuasive arguments, and engage in respectful discourse, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of complex historical narratives.
Black Entrepreneurs and Innovators Project
Task students with researching Black entrepreneurs and innovators past and present, from Madam C.J. Walker to contemporary figures like Robert F. Smith. Students can create presentations or write profiles exploring these individuals’ contributions to their industries and their roles in shaping economic landscapes. This project sheds light on the significant, yet often overlooked, impact of Black individuals in the business world.
Social Justice Art Project
Encourage students to create art pieces inspired by themes of social justice, equality, and Black history. This could be in any medium—painting, digital art, sculpture, or mixed media. Host an exhibition of the completed works to facilitate discussions about the messages and emotions conveyed through art. This activity allows students to explore and express their understanding of Black history and contemporary issues creatively.
Interactive Timeline Project
Have students collaborate on creating an interactive timeline of Black history, highlighting key events, figures, and cultural milestones. This could be a digital project using software that allows for the incorporation of images, text, and multimedia elements, or a physical timeline in the classroom. Encouraging students to dive into different eras and themes, this project can help them visualize the breadth and interconnectedness of Black history across centuries and continents.
Related: Black History Month Activities for Kids and Elementary Students
Final thoughts
Incorporating these Black History Month activities for high school students into your curriculum can transform how young people perceive and engage with history. By moving beyond traditional lectures to more interactive and creative approaches, you can ignite students’ passions and inspire them to learn more about the rich fabric of Black history. These activities not only educate but also empower students, encouraging them to reflect on their roles in a diverse society and how they can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive future.
