Once known as "Negro History Week" the concept was first celebrated in 1926. The idea came from the son of former slaves who spent his childhood in the coal mines of Kentucky. Dr. Carter Woodson enrolled in high school at the age of 20 and later earned his Ph.D. from Harvard.
He was disturbed to find that history books largely ignored the black American Population. When blacks were included it was very often in inferior and unflattering ways that supported the stereotypes of the day. - (factmonster.com 1/31/04)
Below are a few links to help intergrate Black History themes and examples of great American courage, character and accomplishment into existing curricula
NEA Web Resources: Celebrate Black History Month: Lesson Plans, activity ideas, book lists and helpful resources.
Black History For Educators: General Information and Reference Materials
Black History Month: Links from FactMonster.com. History & Timelines, Special Features, Holidays, Education and Fun Stuff Links.
Black History on the Internet sites for Primary grades by Education World.
Kids Domain Black History Links: games, activites, "printable fill in the blanks", coloring pages and more.
Lesson Exchange Famous Black Americans: an elementary level, technology intergrated lesson. Looks real good!
Timeline of African-American History: a good & easy to navigate interactive timeline from EnchantedLearning.com.
US Holiday Lesson Plans - Black History: looks very interesting and worthwile!
