At Center for Racial Justice in Education, we believe that the histories, futures, stories, and voices of Black people should be centered, honored, and uplifted in school curricula every day. We also acknowledge the importance, relevance and origins of Black History Month. In 1926, Carter D. Woodson and the ASALH (Association for the Study of African American Life and History) launched “Negro History Week” to promote the studying of African American history as a discipline and to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans.  Today, we still see the absence of Black history and experience in our textbooks, required readings, STEM, and overall curriculum of our educational system.

As we enter February, the Center for Racial Justice in Education is providing resources to be used beyond the scope of this one-month. Unless Black history is taught throughout the year, it perpetuates an “othering” of Black Lives and Black students, and is also a manifestation of anti-Blackness.  Ensuring the ongoing integration of Black history and experiences throughout all curriculum is imperative as educators continue to uplift every student and reinforce that Black lives matter everyday.

How Do We Celebrate Black History Month? Lesson Plans and Curriculum Resources for Educators:

The text Schomburg Syllabus with a purple Schomburg Center "S" Logo
The New York Public Library’s #SchomburgSyllabus is an archive of new and recent educational resources relating to Black studies, movements, and experiences, organized in 27 different themes.

Do We Need Black History Month? The Underrepresentation and Miseducation of Black Stories, Experiences, and Histories in Schools:

Why Teach Black Lives Matter in Schools? (Think Pieces):

Image of a book cover. Black Lives Matter at School: An Uprising for Educational Justice. Book — Non-fiction. Edited by Denisha Jones and Jesse Hagopian. 2020.
Black Lives Matter at School: An Uprising for Educational Justice Edited by Denisha Jones and Jesse Hagopian. 2020.

Where Are Afro-Latinos Represented in School Curricula?

How Do We Center Black Women and Black Girls in Our Schools?

How Do We Center Black LGBTQ Experiences?

This first-ever picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson emphasizes the importance of pursuing curiosity and encouraging a hunger for knowledge of stories and histories that have not been told.

As a Parent, What Are Ways I Can Engage My Family in Black History Month?: