Black History Month Activities for Middle School Grades
Teaching middle school-grade students about Black History Month can be a little tricky. You find activities for small children all over the internet, but it isn’t easy to find something interesting for your older students. If you’re having the same trouble, I’m going to help you out right now!
How did Black History Month originate?
Black history month started with a man named Carter G. Woodson. He was a scholar dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and achievements of African-American people. You can read more about his life on the NAACP website. Due to his contribution, every February since 1976, Black History Month has been celebrated.
Why teach Black History?
The reason to teach Black History may look different to different people. My reasoning may be different than yours. However, I don’t believe we hear enough about African-Americans and the impact they’ve had on the past as we know it. I know for myself, growing up in the South, we didn’t hear too much about black Americans in our textbooks.
I believe these people have a multitude to teach us. I did my own research and found that there are many African-Americans that I’ve never heard of but should have. People that overcame terrible adversity and struggled greatly to accomplish their goals and see their dreams come to fruition. All children, and adults too, could learn some serious lessons from these outstanding Americans.
If you’d like to learn about four amazing black American pioneers, I’ve compiled a self-guided research packet to help. This guided research pack was specifically created to be an activity for middle school. You can find out more about In Honor of… Black American Pioneers here. It’s on sale for 50% off with code FEBBHM through February 28th.
10 Black History Month activities for middle school students…
- Research and present on a famous African American figure, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, or Malcolm X.
- Create a timeline of important events in African American history.
- Read and discuss literature by African American authors, such as Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, or Toni Morrison.
- Watch and discuss films that depict African American history and culture, such as Selma, or 12 Years a Slave.
- Visit a local African American museum or cultural center.
- Create a quilt or draw a picture that reflects African American history and culture.
- Have a discussion about current issues facing the African American community.
- Participate in a community service project that benefits the African American community.
- Prepare and share a traditional African American dish.
- Listen to and learn about African American music, such as jazz, blues, or hip-hop.
No matter what you and your family decide to do for Black History Month, remember to incorporate people of color in your schooling. They were vital in the forming of our world and our American culture.
Looking for more Black History Month activities for middle school grade students? Check out 9 Fun Black History Month Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students.
