February is Black History Month, which makes this month the perfect time to introduce or continue discussing African American history in your classroom. From coloring pages to online databases and downloadable posters, these free resources will help students from all backgrounds celebrate Black History Month in your classroom.
Online Platforms and Collections to Explore During Black History Month
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), physically located in Washington, D.C., provides an array of digital exhibits, artifacts, photographs, narratives, and more. Plus, the museum even offers lesson plans on topics like the Civil Rights Movement and African American music!
PBS Learning Media: Celebrating Black History and Culture
PBS’s collection of Black history and culture-focused resources include an extensive library of videos, lesson plans, and primary source materials that are perfect for learners of all ages. The collection also covers Black American influence in literature, media, arts, civics, society, and STEM, and offers a selection of interactive activities connecting historical events to current issues.
Library of Congress: African American History Online
For high school and collegiate learners, check out the Library of Congress’ African American History Online Resource Guide, which features historic photos, interviews, and other primary-source documents. According to the guide’s homepage, the collection also includes several “manuscripts, newspaper articles, images, and rare books,” as well as a collection of essays.
Classroom Activities for Black History Month
Twinkl’s Black History Month Resources
Looking for some Black History Month activities for your littles and middle-grade learners? Twinkl’s selection of stories, worksheets, posters, coloring sheets, and more are perfect for K-6 students.
Black History Informational Coloring Pages
A great, approachable way to introduce Black History Month to students is to bring out the informational coloring pages! Whether you print a stack of Black Heroes or Black Women in History coloring pages, your students are sure to learn about a prominent figure in African American heritage.
Free Posters to Celebrate Black History Month in Your Classroom
15 Black History Figures Posters
Now, in complete honesty, we shared these posters by Malaya Bengel back in 2021… But the art and the premise are too good to not bring back around for 2025! From American abolitionist and social activist Harriet Tubman to the first Black woman to travel to space, Mae Carol Jemison, MD, and even former president Barack Obama, this poster set features African American figures fit for every classroom.
Four Black Scientist Posters
If you’re looking for something more science-specific, we’ve got you covered! Check out this set of Black scientist posters, made by We Are Teachers in collaboration with Ward’s Science and illustrator Kim Holt, that show how four African American scientists changed the world of space travel, agriculture, and even communication! This set features accomplished biochemist and astrochemist Emmett Chappell, astronaut and physician Mae Carol Jemison, agricultural chemist George Washington Carver, and famed physicist Shirley Ann Jackson.
Know of any other great resources for celebrating Black History Month in your classroom? Let us know in the comments below!
