WHAT IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH?

Each February, the United States celebrates African- American History Month, also known as Black History Month. This annual observance recognizes the important achievements by African Americans in U.S. history.

In 1926, just 61 years after the abolition of slavery, the Association for Study of Negro Life and History decided to sponsor a national week dedicated to Black history in February, coinciding with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

By the late 1960s the success of the civil rights movement and a growing awareness of black identity led many U.S. colleges to start teaching African-American history, which until then had been largely ignored. Soon, universities and cities began honoring this important aspect of the American Story by celebrating African-American History Month. In 1976 President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

KANOPY DOCUMENTARIES

American Spaces have the right to screen Kanopy films at their Space or on closed online platforms. Available through e-Library USA.

Eyes on the Prize (1990) 14 episodes each around 60 minutes – This expansive documentary tells the story of the civil rights era through archival footage and through the eyes of the participants and opponents of the movement.

Martin Luther King, Jr: I Have A Dream (2004) 23 minutes – This historical compilation features highlights of major speeches given by the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Emancipation Road (2014) 50 minutes – Looks at the protests, demonstrations, and prominent figures of the Civil Rights movement that ended segregation in the United States.

Alice’s Ordinary People: The Chicago Freedom Movement (2012) 57 minutes – Tells Alice Tregay’s story of ordinary people effecting extraordinary change for human rights.

Finding Gold Within (released 2014) 93 minutes – Follows six African- American men through their first years of college, who are determined to disprove society’s stereotypes and overcome other challenges.

MOVIES*

Additional movies related to Black History Month topics are available through the MPLC licensing agreement including:

Hidden Figures: 1 hour 29 minutes – Tells the inspirational story of three female African-American mathematicians who were able to overcome adversity and play a critical role for their country with their contributions to the American space flight program.

Race: 2 hours 14 minutes – Tells the story of African-American athlete Jesse Owens and his journey to eventually win four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin.

Selma: 2 hours 8 minutes – Chronicles Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s campaign to secure equal voting rights with an epic march in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO AMERICAN CULTURE

Since the earliest settlements in America, Black Americans have influenced the nation’s language, culture, religion, literature, music, film, art, cuisine, dance, athletics, and more. They have had significant roles in the fields of science, medicine, education, the judiciary, politics, law enforcement, the military, and the country’s intellectual life. African Americans have played an indispensable role in making the United States the country it is today.

The resources in this toolkit are by no means a comprehensive look at Black Americans’ impact on U.S. society and culture; however, these resources provide examples that American Spaces can use to foster discussions about Black Americans meaningful contributions.

• The History Channel The Harlem Renaissance – The Harlem Renaissance was the development of the Harlem neighborhood in New York City as a black cultural mecca in the early 20th Century and the subsequent social and artistic explosion that resulted. PBS has a related Lesson Plan.
• Ten Black Scientists that Science Teachers Should Know About – PBS educational Resources
• Eight Black Inventors who Made Life Easier for Everyone – History Channel article
• African American Heroism in the Military – Provides broad overviews of Black American contributions
• Fifteen Important Black American Athletes – This article from Black Excellence provides overviews and videos.
• Ida B Wells: A Passion for Justice – This documentary available on Kanopy details the story of this pioneering African American journalist, activist, and suffragist.