Black History Focus
Why Do We Celebrate?
Why Do We Celebrate Black History Month?
February marks the beginning of Black History month. During Black History month, we celebrate the contributions and triumphs through struggle of African American historical figures. This year, Heritage will be celebrating by providing extension activities, in a weekly newsletter, for our students to complete at home in each content area. Each week the newsletter will have a different focus and theme. This week's theme is understanding the importance of why we celebrate Black History month.
With these extension activities, we want to provide our students with exposure to various African American figures in history, expose them to historical time periods that impacted African Americans, and understand how these experiences help shape our America. We want them to be informed and educated citizens in an ever changing society. Please take the time to review the video links, discussion questions, activities, etc. with your son or daughter. These activities are completely voluntary but we invite you to complete them and share through pictures or letters some of your completed activities. We are excited about this journey so let's get started!
Heritage Admin Team
THE WHY: So why is Black History Month observed in February?
Key Contributors
As we begin our celebration of black history month, it is important for us to take time recognizing some famous African American historical figures. These historical figures span each of the content areas from famous mathematicians to famous civil rights activists and speakers. You can learn more about some of the key African American contributors below.
Social Studies- Thurgood Marshall (First African American Supreme Court Justice)
Thurgood Marshall
Math- Katherine Johnson (NASA Mathematician)
Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician | Biography
ELA-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Civil Rights Activist and Renown Orator)
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Kid President
Science- Mae Jemison (First African American Female in Space)
Mae Jemison: First African American Woman in Space | Biography
Art- Jean Michel Basquiat (Hatian/Puerto Rican Descent)
Why Is Jean-Michel Basquiat Hip-Hop's Favorite Artist?
Physical Education- Historical Athletes and Their Impact on Athletes Today
African-Americans' impact on sports and Olympics
Music-Story of Motown
Story of Motown
We Want to Hear From You
I want to hear what you learned new from our newsletter. Now that you have watched the videos, you should have a better understanding of each historical figure and understand their importance as African American historical figures. Share your new learning with me at simmonsa@westerville.k12.oh.us. Until our next journey, have a great week!