Black History Month is observed every February in the United States. For high school students, the best lessons go beyond a handful of famous names: they use primary sources, explore lesser-known figures and connect history to science, art and local communities. These 18 Black History Month activities for high school are grouped by subject and work in one or two class periods.
In this guide8 sections
Quick background
- Historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History launched Negro History Week in February 1926.
- February was chosen because it includes the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
- The observance grew into Black History Month, which President Gerald Ford officially recognized in 1976.
History and social studies activities
- Primary source stations. Set up stations with documents, photographs and newspaper clippings from the Library of Congress or National Archives. Students describe, infer and question each source.
- Beyond the famous names. Each student researches a less-known figure, such as Bessie Coleman, Bayard Rustin, Claudette Colvin, Robert Smalls or Ida B. Wells, and presents a one-minute profile.
- Great Migration map. Students map movement from the South to northern and western cities and explain push and pull factors.
- Local history project. Research a Black leader, business, school or landmark in your own city or state.
- Reconstruction amendments. Groups summarize the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments and discuss what each changed.
- Timeline beyond 1968. Extend the civil rights timeline into recent decades. Our MLK Day activities for high school cover 1955–1968 in more depth.
English and arts activities
- Harlem Renaissance gallery. Students analyze poems, paintings or music from the 1920s and 1930s and explain one theme.
- Author spotlight. Book talks on authors such as Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison or Jason Reynolds.
- Speech analysis. Compare the structure and audience of two historical speeches.
- Poetry response. Students write an original poem responding to a poem they studied.
- Music through time. Trace how blues, jazz, gospel and hip-hop influenced American music.
STEM activities
- Scientists and inventors. Research figures such as Katherine Johnson, Mae Jemison, Charles Drew or Lewis Latimer, and explain their contribution.
- Hidden math. Recreate a simple trajectory or orbit calculation inspired by NASA’s human computers. Our Gravity and Orbits simulation lab is a good follow-up.
- Invention pitch. Students present an invention by a Black inventor as if pitching it to investors, explaining the problem it solved.
Discussion and reflection activities
- Socratic seminar. Use a short primary source and one guiding question.
- Gallery walk. Post student research around the room; classmates leave questions and insights on sticky notes.
- Then and now. Students connect a historical issue to a current one, using evidence.
- Reflection journal. “What is one story from this month that changed how you see history?”
Planning table
| Time available | Best picks |
|---|---|
| One class period | Beyond the famous names, author spotlight, invention pitch |
| Two periods | Primary source stations plus Socratic seminar |
| Whole month | Local history project, Harlem Renaissance gallery, weekly profiles |
Tips for a meaningful month
- Teach Black history all year, not only in February; use the month to go deeper.
- Show achievement, culture and joy, not only struggle.
- Set discussion norms before sensitive conversations. Our guide to classroom norms can help.
- Check sources: many quotes shared online are misattributed.
- Let students choose their research topic whenever possible.
Frequently asked questions
When is Black History Month?
In the United States, Black History Month is observed throughout February. Canada also observes it in February, while the United Kingdom observes it in October.
Who started Black History Month?
Historian Carter G. Woodson started Negro History Week in 1926. It expanded into Black History Month, which was officially recognized in 1976.
How can high school teachers celebrate Black History Month?
Use primary sources, highlight lesser-known figures across all subjects, connect history to students’ local communities and give students choice in research projects.
Pick one activity for history, one for the arts or STEM and one for reflection. Students leave February with a fuller, more accurate picture of American history. For more seasonal lesson ideas, browse our seasonal activities.
