Some prominent Black history stories include: the life of Martin Luther King Jr. as a civil rights leader, Harriet Tubman’s heroic role in the Underground Railroad, where she was nicknamed “Moses”, the story of Jesse Owens winning gold medals at the Olympics in Nazi Germany, Marian Anderson’s fight against segregation as a world-class singer, Shirley Chisholm becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress, and Jackie Robinson breaking barriers in Major League Baseball as the first African American player;. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Other notable stories include: [7]
- Fannie Lou Hamer: A key figure in the civil rights movement, particularly for securing voting rights for African Americans. [7]
- Barbara Jordan: The first Black woman elected to the Texas state senate and the first Black Texan in Congress. [8]
- “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”: Maya Angelou’s powerful memoir detailing her childhood experiences with trauma and finding strength through literature. [9]
- “Henry’s Freedom Box”: A children’s book about a true story on the Underground Railroad. [10]
- “Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History”: A collection of biographies highlighting accomplished African American women across various fields. [11]
[1] https://www.blackillustrations.com/blog/celebrating-black-history
[2] https://www.buzzfeed.com/madisonmcgee/black-historical-figures
[3] https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/black-history-month-reading-list-children-books
[4] https://www.commonlit.org/blog/10-reading-passages-celebrating-african-americans-de9d500c3e2/
[5] https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/robinson-jackie
[6] https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1510/
[9] https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g32842006/black-history-books/
[11] https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/little-leaders-bold-women-in-black-history
List of web links for Black History Month, categorized for easy navigation:
Educational Resources:
- The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH): Founded by Carter G. Woodson, the “father of Black history,” this organization is a treasure trove of information. https://asalh.org/
- Black Past: An online reference center with a vast collection of primary documents, biographies, and historical essays. https://www.blackpast.org/
- The National Museum of African American History and Culture: Explore the rich history and culture of African Americans through online exhibits and resources. https://nmaahc.si.edu/
- The Library of Congress: Discover a wealth of digital materials related to African American history and culture. https://www.loc.gov/collections/african-american-history-and-culture/
- The Civil Rights Digital Library: A comprehensive collection of primary source materials documenting the Civil Rights Movement. http://crdl.usg.edu/
Inspiring Figures:
- The NAACP’s Online Exhibition: Learn about the major personalities, events, and achievements that shaped the NAACP’s history. https://www.naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/naacp-online-exhibition/
- The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute: Explore the life and legacy of Dr. King through speeches, timelines, and educational resources. https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/
- The National Women’s History Museum: Discover the contributions of African American women throughout history. https://www.womenshistory.org/
Local Resources:
- Your Local NAACP Branch: Connect with your local branch for events, resources, and opportunities to get involved. https://naacp.org/find-local-unit
- Local Museums and Historical Societies: Many local institutions offer exhibits and programs related to Black history in your community.
Additional Resources:
- Black History Month.gov: The official website for Black History Month, with information on events, resources, and educational materials. https://blackhistorymonth.gov/
- PBS Black Culture Connection: Explore a variety of documentaries, interviews, and articles related to Black history and culture. https://www.pbs.org/black-culture/
- Create a dedicated Black History Month page on your website.
- Use engaging visuals, such as photos and videos.
- Promote your Black History Month content on social media.
- Encourage your members to share resources with their networks.
By sharing these resources, you can help educate and inspire your community about the rich history and contributions of African Americans.
Honor Our Legacy
Upcoming Events
Art manifests the spirit of African American history, narrating stories filled with passion and encouraging change. As we explore Black heritage, let us honor these creative outlets that document and express our collective journey. Through painting, literature, music, and dance, art provides insight into the vibrant cultures that shape our lives.
Cultural Expression Fest
Saturday, February 10, 2025
Join us for an enchanting evening that celebrates the artistic contributions of African Americans. This event showcases a variety of performances that encapsulate the beauty and struggles faced throughout history. Be ready to experience art that evokes deep emotions and delivers powerful messages.
Voices of the Past
Dive into a realm of storytelling as we present narratives that resonate with the African American experience. Witness how these artistic forms transition from the past into our contemporary lives and appreciate their ongoing influence.
Saturday, February 10, 2025
Musical Heritage Night
Saturday, February 10, 2025
Experience the melodies that gave voice to movements and celebrate the contributions of historic and contemporary musicians. Enjoy performances that not only entertain but shed light on rich cultural narratives.
Literary Works Showcase
Saturday, February 10, 2025
Join us to celebrate the written word and hear the powerful voices behind influential literature. Explore how the written stories of Black authors have shaped culture and inspired generations. We invite you to share in their messages of resilience and hope.