Black History Month Math Activities for Upper Elementary Students (2024)

FAQs

How do you explain Black History Month to second graders? ›

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.

The 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the creativity, resilience and innovation from a culture that has uplifted spirits and soothed souls in countless ways across centuries.

The month of February is Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, in the United States. It became a monthlong celebration in 1976, but the history of the celebration dates back to the 1920s. It was created to highlight the contributions Black people have made to American history and culture.

For example, students could study the Harlem Renaissance; the music of jazz and the blues; Jim Crow laws and anti-Black violence in the South and also in Northern cities; segregation and redlining; the roles of Black Americans during the World Wars; and the return of some Blacks to the “New South” in recent decades.

“Caged Bird” Maya Angelou

This poem, published in Maya Angelou's 1983 poetry collection Shaker, Why Don't You Sing? describes the different experiences of two birds. One is caged and suffers due to being held in captivity, while the other is free to live and roam the world with no restraints.

It was first celebrated during the second week of February in 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass (February 14). In 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial, the week was expanded to a month.

Discussing Black people's achievements within their fight for justice and equity encourages empathy and understanding — and teaches children how to connect their personal experiences with the experiences of others.

The four colours that are used for Black History Month are black, red, yellow and green. Black represents resilience, red denotes blood, yellow is optimism and justice, and green symbolises rich greenery.

GAZETTE: Carter G. Woodson is known as the father of Black history.

What president made Black History Month? ›

On February 10, 1976, President Gerald R. Ford issued a message recognizing Black History Month, becoming the first President to do so. The moment was decades in the making. In 1926 historian, author, and activist Dr.

Students should be introduced to texts by Black authors that speak to Black experiences, Black perspectives, and Black accomplishments. These authors remind children and adults that Black excellence is not confined to athletics and entertainment.