Black History Month happens every October in the UK, with the first taking place in the UK in 1987.

However, the week goes back as far as 1926, in America, when it was first introduced by the celebrated author and historian, Carter G. Woodson. In America Black History Month is celebrated in February. Woodson chose this month because it contained the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas, two prominent men whose historic achievements were already celebrated by African Americans. 

To help you raise awareness and celebrate the achievements, history and contribution of black people, we've selected some of our favourite free resources for pupils and teachers.

How will you be celebrating Black History Month? Let us know @tootootofficial!

KS2 Black History Month resource pack from Twinkl

This fantastic resource pack contains everything you need to teach your class about Black History Month. The pack includes writing frames, comprehension activities, timelines, PowerPoints and more!

Inside the resource pack you’ll find resources like; Black History Month PowerPoint, Barack Obama writing frame, Nelson Mandela differentiated reading comprehension activity and Black History Month display banner.

KS2 and KS3 Black British history animations, learning activities and podcasts from The Black Curriculum

The Black Curriculum have developed a range of bespoke engaging resources that teach about the history of Notting Hill Carnival, Lilian Bader, Fanny Eaton, Mary Seacole and Olive Morris.  

There is also a podcast series with mini lesson episodes that explore topics such as; the sound system culture in Britain, the Bristol Bus Boycott and the lives of Black people in pre-colonial Britain.

Primary and secondary Black History Month films, assemblies, speeches, guides and documentaries from BBC Teach

Teachers can use this collection of resources from the BBC to explore black history, heritage, culture and achievements with students.

The resources cover a wide range of topics and people, including for example, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Dr Martin Luther King, American Civil War and migration.

The content is suitable for use with both primary and secondary school pupils. Each resource is accompanied by teacher notes to aid classroom use.

Recommendations for schools and parents about supporting Black students and facilitating conversations about race from teacher Krystal Rubie

Krystal Rubie, experienced Science Teacher, pastoral leader, Special Education Teacher and founder of Young Black Leaders wrote a comprehensive piece, for Kidscape’s blog.

In “Black Students, Social Trauma and Facilitating Conversations About Race” Rubie sets the scene for the racial experience for Black students in the UK and gives recommendations for how schools and parents may approach the issue and open dialogue surrounding race.

TED have created a playlist of their favourite insightful talks that offer fresh, thoughtful perspectives on Black identity.

The talks explore subjects like The Great Migration, America’s justice system, Intersectionality (race and gender bias), how art gives shape to cultural change and healing the pain of racial division.

How will you be celebrating Black History Month? Let us know @tootootofficial!