Susan O'Rourke | February 15, 2023
Black History Month provides an opportunity for students to learn about the multifaceted history of Black communities in the U.S. and around the world and for educators to identify how to ensure that Black history is infused through the year-long curriculum. Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History announces a theme for Black History Month that helps individuals both nuance and expand their knowledge of Black history. The theme of 2023 is “Black Resistance.” This theme presents a great opportunity for educators to study the local and global individuals who have “[advocated] for a self-determined life in a just democratic society in the United States and beyond” and the “Black led institutions and affiliations [which] have lobbied, litigated, legislated, protested, and achieved success.”
Educators can bring in this concept of resistance as they teach about Black leadership and identify trailblazers and industry leaders across fields. For example, cosmetology educators might study the impact of Dame Pat McGrath, one of the most successful makeup artists in the world and the first to be honored by the British Crown. Educators working in history and agricultural sciences might discuss the experiences of Black farmers as they sought to secure property rights and loans, experimented with new crops, or revolutionized urban farming in their communities.
Check out the following resources below for more ideas!
Social Movements:
- Inspirational Black Women You Should Know (UN Women)
- The Revolutionary Practice of Black Feminisms (National Museum of African-American History & Culture article with primary sources)
- The Black Women’s Movement (Google Arts & Culture page with primary sources)
- Women in Black Power (U.S. Archives resources)
- The Original Activists: Black Feminism and the Black Feminist Movement (National Organization for Women)
Agriculture:
- Black History Month: Innovators In Agriculture (Future Farmers of America)
- Life of An Extension Agent : John W. Mitchell (NCSU profile of NC historical figure)
- Black History Month – Celebrating Black American Achievements Past and Present (USDA)
- Black Farmers in America, 1865-2000 The Pursuit of Independent Farming and the Role of Cooperatives (USDA research report)
- Five Black Farmers and Researchers Making the Food System More Inclusive (PBS)
Business/Entrepreneurship
- Black Women Leaders: Navigating the Intersection of Gender and Race (Wharton School of Business at UPenn)
- 16 Black Women Leaders, Founders, and Fighters (Ellevest)
Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Tech
- Black Leaders Who Changed the Supply Chain Industry (chain.io)
- 10 Notable Black Innovators In Manufacturing & Tech (Tulip)
Culinary Arts
- African American Chefs You Should Know (National Museum of African American History & Culture article with primary resources)
- 12 Black Chefs Who Have Changed the Way We Eat (Taste of Home)
Cosmetology
- Black Beauty: a Brief History of the African American Beauty Industry (Library of Congress)
- CFDA Founders Award for Pat McGrath (Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc.)