Michelle McDonald
Feb 8, 2023
James Baldwin said, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."
As I am writing this, it is February 2023 which is Black History Month. This is a moment in our nation when there is great pushback against teaching African American history in our schools. Books are being wiped off school library and classroom shelves. Students are being denied access to a high-quality education because the removal of teaching African American history demeans the history, culture, and contributions of people of color. The thing is, that Black History is American history.
This is a critical moment. This is a time to learn and reflect on our teaching practices. This is a time to acknowledge that there are wrongs that cannot be tolerated. It's a time to stand together in pursuit of justice and understanding. Black History is not reserved just for the month of February-- that simply pushes the critical contributions, history, and cultural events into a sidebar, which only causes more harm. We should be teaching Black History all year.
I've compiled a resource list for you of reputable sources for teaching African American history. You will find open-access resources, lesson plans, and digital primary sources.
So, bookmark this page and come back to it throughout the year.
National Museum of African American History & Culture
This is a Smithsonian website that includes some great open-access educator resources.
Founded by historian and University of Washington Professor Emeritus, Quintard Taylor, this website has an extensive catalog of resources for adults and kids. You don't want to miss this site!
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Find lesson plans and resources, as well as book lists and teaching best practices.
This is a site from the National Archives where you can find primary sources, including photographs, newspapers, and other documents.
The International Slavery Museum
This museum is based out of Liverpool. Hear the untold stories of enslaved people and learn about historical and contemporary slavery. You will also find a virtual museum tour on the website.
Northwest African American Museum
NAAM’s mission is to spread knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of the histories, arts, and cultures of people of African descent for the enrichment of all.
Museum of History and Industry
Access the virtual collections including photographs and documents from around the Pacific Northwest.
A digitized collection dedicated to the research, interpretation, and presentation of the African American experience internationally.
This anti-bias framework from Teaching Tolerance lays out the social justice standards by grade level.
Print this resource from the Oregon Center for Educational Equity and keep it in your back pocket. This sheet includes helpful questions and phrases to use in a moment when a student or adult says something problematic.
Have other resources to share or include? Let me know!