Thinking about Black History
J.Galbreath, B. Gasior, Gifted Resource Specialists
Because of Them We Can
The mission of Because of Them We Can is to educate and connect a new generation to heroes who have paved the way. Challenge your students to create a campaign for someone who has been a leader to others.
Maya Angelou, Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Charles Drew, Mae Jemison, Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monáe, Bessie Coleman
Hidden Figures
History Through the Arts
This TED video about African American Social Dance offers a history of African-American social dance as a way for enslaved Africans to keep cultural traditions alive.
Using Dr. Seuss - Sneetches and Segregation
In the story The Sneetches, written by Dr. Seuss, yellow bird-like creatures take students on an adventure where green stars become the symbol of discrimination and privilege. Let these resources help guide a discussion about segregation.
Sneetches and the Segregation VideoMuseum Resources
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center also has a variety of lessons organized by grade level.
Teaching Tolerance
Lessons from NEA
Columbus Metropolitan Library Programs - MLK and Black History
NewseumED - Civil Rights Movement
African Americans in the Colonies
The Colonial Williamsburg Official History site is a great Introduction to Colonial African American Life. Online books are also available:
Use Simulations to Engage Students
Explore This Powerful Underground Railroad Interactive
Pathways to Freedom Interactive
National Geographic Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad Interactive from National Geographic has students imagine they are a slaves belonging to a farmer in 1850s Maryland. Students can choose the hard, dangerous trek to freedom.
Africans in America - Slavery
Dig Into The Documents
Black History Primary Documents
Freedom’s Ring is Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, animated. Here students can compare the written and spoken speech, explore multimedia images, listen to movement activists, and uncover historical contexts. This website and the ones below are stellar!
Slavery and the Making of an American- (Hear the voices of slaves.)Make a Personal Connection with Ohio History
Inventors and Inventions
African American inventions have made our lives better. Use the Google doc, African American Inventors Question to challenge your students to make a personal connection with history.
The Black History Inventor Online MuseumFamous African American Inventors
20 Black Inventions Over The Last 100 Years You May Not Know
10 Inventions By African American Inventors That Changed The World
African Americans in Ohio
Give students time to explore the links below before challenging them to connect with our history.
African Americans in Southern Ohio
Play with Data
Black Demographics
Dr. Martin Luther King
Freedom's Ring
The Speech
Using Primary Documents
Use Timelines and Maps
Exploring Timelines
Everywhere you look, black culture, talent and expression have played an enormous role in shaping America’s past and present. These timelines are a great resource for students to explore changes over time.
"In the Know" Timeline for Kids: African-American History
Time Then and NowMapping African American History
Dive into Books
Read and Explore Ruby Bridges ( K-2)
Read about Ruby Bridges and the Civil Rights Movement In November 1960. Ruby Bridges became the first African American child to integrate an all-white elementary school.
- View the slide shows about the civil rights movement.
- Explore an interactive magazine issue about Ruby the Brave.