Happy Black History Month

Although Black History is acknowledged throughout the month of February, the achievements and contributions made by African Americans can be celebrated all year long!!

So, I often hear people ask, "What are some things I can do to celebrate Black History?" It is very simple. The goal of Black History Month (in my opinion) is to build awareness, bring recognition to, and celebrate African American history and its impact on the development of the United States. With the US being a country full of rich culture and diversity, it is only right to pay homage to those that have helped to make our nation what it is today. With this said, celebrating Black History Month doesn't have to be a grand production. It doesn't mean that teachers should drive themselves crazy trying to create projects and presentations that highlight African American trailblazers. Although these things can be done...and can be awesome, if it is only highlighted for the 28 days in February....it is really just done in vain.

What should happen is African American history shouldn't be taught separate from American History. Notable heroes, inventors, activist, teachers, politicians, performers, writers....They should all be talked about throughout the year and discussed whenever the opportunity presents itself (as with all cultures and backgrounds). During the month of February it is great to celebrate noted achievements but my point is....it shouldn't be a concern just in February. It should be relevant year round.

One great way to keep African American history relevant is to share important facts on a regular basis. This can be random or intentional (correlating with your curriculum).

With that said here is a little known Black History fact:

Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded The Journal of Negro History in 1916 and began Negro History Week in 1926. A week in February was designated because that month held birthdays for Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington. This week went on to become Black History Month in 1976, designated by presidential proclamation.

Here are few more Black History facts that you can share from my latest resource, 50 Brainy Black History Facts: 

Nat Turner is known for leading the  most significant slave revolt in U.S. History.

Shirley Chilsom was the first black woman elected to the House of Representatives.

Wally Amos is a black entrepreneur and the father of the Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookie.

The first African American astronaut was Dr. Mae Jamison.

Pedro Alonzo Nino, an African sailor, helped Christopher Columbus navigate the Nina ship.

Do these facts sound interesting? Are any of these individuals unknown or unfamiliar to you or your students? If so, GREAT! Because now you have a starter question for an inquiry project or research paper! Students can take an interesting fact either during Black History Month or at some other point during the year and build a mini research paper answering questions like: When was this person born? Why was this contribution significant? What other things is this person known for? If you want more Black History facts, feel free to check out my 50 Brainy Black History Facts resource in my TPT store.  

Download HERE

This is a great resource that can be used to teach interesting facts about notable African-Americans in United States history. Use fact cards to encourage inquiry projects throughout the year; encourage students to research facts further to learn more about an individual’s life and accomplishments. You can 

also use fact cards to ask random trivia questions or, to build schema. Great for Black History Month.

50 Brainy Black History Facts Freebie

Tonight I wanted to share my 50 Brainy Black History Facts Freebie!! I created this activity because it is a great way to have black history facts on hand. The facts are made in the form of flashcards; this makes it easy for cutting and laminating for durability. I suggest adding these cards to a large silver ring for easy storage. I was careful to keep the layout of these facts simple, providing versatility for those who choose to use them. These facts are not only great for Black History Month, but can also be used year-round to encourage inquiry projects and to build schema prior to related learning activities. I hope you enjoy this awesome freebie!

Check back throughout the next few days (over the course of the next two weeks) as I post the following freebies: 

Faces of the Future: A bulletin board that encourages students to highlight their strengths and interests

Our Children Can Soar: A book review with accompanying literacy activities

Dear Mr. President: A writing activity that celebrates our president, President Barack Obama

I look forward to any comments, suggestions, and/or request! 

Enjoy,

George Washington Carver (1865-1943)

No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving something behind.
~George Washington Carver   

   George Washington Carver was born on a small farm in Missouri to a young slave couple. Never knowing his father (who died before he was born), and after being kidnapped from his mother at just a few months old, Carver was raised by his slave owners Moses and Susan Carver. As as child, Carver was frail and sickly, which is why he spent most of his time working beside Susan completing chores around the cabin. It was here where he learned many domestic skills such as cooking, cleaning and mending. He also  spent a lot of time in the garden fascinated with plants and flowers. George Washington Carver received a formal education growing up which was rare for African-Americans at this time; as a young adult he went on to study agriculture and obtained a bachelor's degree in 1894 and a graduate degree in 1896.
     As his career began to flourish, George Washington Carver worked closely with Booker T. Washington at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Carver conducted agricultural research which was significant in  the development and improvement of farming practices for poorer farmers, both black and white. After years of growing cotton, the soil in the south wasn't that great. Carver encouraged farmers to grow peanuts to improve the quality of the soil.
     George Washington Carver continued to make huge contributions to America. He developed many great uses and recipes for peanuts, sweet potatoes and other agricultural products. This was a huge contribution to the south; it helped to improve farmers lives and their diets. It also helped to revitalize the southern economy which was not doing too well at the time. When America was plagued with polio, Carver developed a special treatment using peanut oil that provided some relief for those suffering from the virus. 
     Carver is buried on the campus of Tuskegee Institute where he worked and lived for most of his life. He died on January 5, 1943. He is buried near the grave of Booker T. Washington. Soon after his death, Senator Harry S. Truman sponsored the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond. It is located on the farm where Carver was born. 

DOWNLOAD HERE

Download my George Washington Carver activity set! It includes an informative coloring page, a mini science experiment and a tasty peanut butter recipe! 

For a great literacy activity during Black History Month, visit Classroom Magic.

A Tribute to Black History: Garrett Morgan

February is Black History Month, but the impact African Americans have had on the development of our beautiful country and the contributions that have been made to the entire world are recognized and appreciated every day! 

How did this month long celebration get started?

Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded The Journal of Negro History in 1916 and began Negro History Week in 1926. A week in February was designated because that month held birthdays for Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington. This week went on to become Black History Month in 1976, designated by presidential proclamation.

Today's post celebrates Garrett Morgan. 

Born in 1877 to former slaves, Garret spent his childhood working on a farm with his siblings. Unfortunately, his formal schooling ended in his elementary years, but this didn't stop him from continuing his education. In search of opportunity, Morgan hired a tutor as a young adult. He soon began his career repairing sewing machines and later branched out as an entrepreneur, opening his own sewing equipment and repair shop. This was the first of many businesses he would find success with. He soon became well-known as a business man and later went on to invent the gas mask and at the height of his career, the traffic signal.  Garrett Morgan died August 27, 1963, at the age of 86. After living a very full and successful life, Morgan has become known as one of the many influential inventors in American history.




Here is a free printable worksheet that you can use to teach your students about Garret Morgan. 

Here is an extension activity that can go with the printable:

• Have your students read about additional African American inventors. Discuss the inventions that are most relevant to their everyday lives.

• Have your students think about ways they could improve these inventions, or, brainstorm things they can invent to make their day to day lives easier (i.e. a binder that comes with an electric hole puncher attached so that when you go to add paper, it automatically punches the necessary holes for you). Discuss ideas that range from simple to more complex. 

• Once they make a final decision on what their invention can be, have the students illustrate, write about, and/or create a prototype of their invention. You can display their ideas on a class bulletin board, on a display table, or take pics and post them in a "New Inventions" magazine. They can also write a newspaper article introducing their invention, or create an advertisement to promote it. Students can also vote on the invention they would most likely use. 

Visit The Black Inventor Museum for additional African American inventors:

http://www.blackinventor.com/  

Please feel free to post a link to any Black History Month activities you are posting on your blog, Facebook, or website! 

Enjoy : )