Okaloosa County School District
Celebrating Inspirational Individuals Black History Month Activities
1. 2021 Black History Month Theme “Celebrating Inspirational Individuals” Each winner will receive a trophy and a monetary gift. Please see flyer for details. Art Contest—Grades K-3; Grades 4-5; Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12 Essay Contest—Grades K-3; Grades 4-5; Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12 Submit your student application and submission to [email protected] No later than Friday, March 5th, 2021 by 5:00pm
2. Pause for the Cause “Pause for the Cause” highlights the important impact and achievements of African Americans and their contributions throughout history. We encourage schools to help students explore Black History Month daily facts and videos that can be shared during intercom announcements, morning/afternoon shows, school websites, in addition to implementing black history classroom activities, etc. Please see attached information.
3. Black History Month Door Decorating Contest for OCSD Faculty & Staff Prizes will be awarded! Please see flyer for details. Each decorated door provides a unique, creative and fun way for staff and students to celebrate black history and/or culture in a positive and meaningful way. Submit your staff application and submission to [email protected] No later than Friday, March 5th, 2021 by 5:00pm
4. Resources—Explore! The National Archives is a place where people can go to gather firsthand facts, data, and evidence from a variety of primary sources such as letters, reports, notes, memos, and photographs. To view these re- sources, visit https://www.docsteach.org/topics/rights Continued... Black History Month Activities
Resources Continued…
Florida Memory is the home of the State Archives of Florida. This resource houses photographs, videos, and audio clips and offers collections of valuable documents that enhance the teaching of Florida history. This wonderful resource can be accessed at https://www.floridamemory.com/ learn/classroom/history-months/
The Commissioner of Education’s African American History Task Force works to ensure aware- ness of the requirements and assists in implementing the teaching of the history of African Amer- icans and their contributions to society. Their website provides videos and other resources. www.afroamfl.org
National Museum of African American History and Culture: The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documen- tation of African American life, history, and culture. To view these resources, visit https:// learninglab.si.edu/org/nmaahc
Scholastic Black History Books and Resources—To view these resources, visit https:// www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/black-history-books-and-resources/
Celebrate Black History with kids of all ages by reading these stories of African-Americans over- coming adversity and making their multicultural mark on the world. To view these resources, visit https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/black-history-month/top-15-childrens-books- black-history-month
*If you have issues opening any links provided, please copy the link and paste it in your web browser. Celebrating Inspirational Individuals
Superintendent Marcus Chambers invite Okaloosa County School District’s K-12 students to participate in the 2021 Black History Month art and essay contests. This year’s theme will be “Celebrating Inspirational Indi- viduals” to recognize and pay tribute to African American individuals who have played inspirational roles in the lives of others.
Art and Essay Topic: Celebrating Inspirational Individuals - In 500 words or less: Address how an African- American has been an inspiration in your life and discuss the contributions of how this individual has served to inspire and motivate you.
About the OCSD Student Contests Art Contest for Grades K-12 – The Black History Month art contest is open to all students in grades K-12. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. One elementary student grades K-3, one elementary student grades 4-5, one middle school student, and one high school winner will be selected. Prizes: Elementary - K-3 (Trophy & $25 prize) & 4-5 (Trophy & $25 prize), Middle School (Trophy & $50 prize) & High School (Trophy & $100 prize) Essay Contest for Grades K-12 – The Black History Month essay contest is open to all students in grades K-12. One elementary student grades K-3, one elementary student grades 4-5, one middle school student, and one high school winner will be selected. Prizes: Elementary - K-3 (Trophy & $25 prize) & 4-5 (Trophy & $25 prize), Middle School (Trophy & $50 prize) & High School (Trophy & $100 prize)
Art Contest Submission Guidelines: Each OCSD student will submit a picture of their artwork and your student application by— Friday, March 5, 2021 by 5:00pm to [email protected]
Essay Contest Submission Guidelines: Each OCSD student will submit their essay and your student application by Friday, March 5, 2021 by 5:00pm to [email protected]
Pause for the Cause—Elementary Videos, Lessons & Activities https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glZpu0xMSuM: Video: Black Scientists and Inventors (Animated); 10:47min https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv7YhVKFqbQ : Video: The breathtaking courage of Harriet Tubman (animated); 4:48 min https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xXZhXTFWnE : Video: The story of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Kid President; 3:27 min
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKEGou1zPII : Video: The Montgomery Bus Boycott for kids (Animated); 5:12 min https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNw8V_Fkw28 : Video: Hair Love; Celebrate black culture; 6:48 min https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWhSlX66fSw : Video: The Ghanaian Goldilocks; Cele- brate black culture; 17:43 min https://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plans/lesson-1-martin-luther-king-jr-and-nonviolent-resistance :Martin Luther King Jr. and Nonviolent Resistance: Lesson plan about Martin Luther King, Jr.’s use of nonviolent re- sistance. https://www.learningtogive.org/units/heroes-and-their-impact/rosa-parks : Lesson Plan – Rosa Parks: Lan- guage arts, technology, and social studies lesson plan for 3-5 graders about Rosa Parks. https://www.familyeducation.com/entertainment-activities/black-history-month : Black History Month – Ac- tivities and Resources: Lots of resources for children, including quizzes about important figures and Black His- tory reading resources. https://www.teachervision.com/holidays/black-history-month : Black History Month – Teacher Resources: Large collection of Black History Month printables, slideshows, lessons, and activities. https://teachersfirst.org/spectopics/blackhist.cfm : Teachers First Resources for Black History: Over 40 Black History teacher resources, such as ideas, interactive materials, and research information. https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/blackhistory/ : Brain Pop Spotlight Black History: Here you will find a Harlem Renaissance lesson plan, civil rights quiz, and tons of lesson plans. https://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson252.shtml : Celebrating African American History Month: Brief history of Black History Month and five interactive student lesson plans. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/home.html : Africans in America: Historical narrative and teacher’s guide showing America’s journey through slavery, presented in four parts. Pause for the Cause—Elementary Videos, Lessons & Activities Continued… https://midnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Minimalist/index.html? appid=24409ebad2cf4ac28f3494cd7518c218 : The Underground Railroad: Map of Michigan’s Underground Railroad and interactive points of interest locations. https://www.nps.gov/malu/learn/education/lessonplansandteacherguides.htm : Lesson Plans and Teacher Guides: Brief history of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as curriculum materials and lesson plans. https://www.teachervision.com/holidays/black-history-month : Activities for Black History: Children can cele- brate Black History Month through fun activities, and information on culture.
Pause for the Cause—Middle & High School Lessons & Activities https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7pAAGlfbh0 : Video: A reflective compilation of powerful moments and people in black history. 4:32 min. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knIic3M7Rsc : Video: Black History Slideshow. 4:33 min.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/28-queens-of-black-history-who-deserve-much-more- glory_n_56b25c02e4b01d80b244d968: Video: 35 Queens of Black History; 1:39 min
https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation : The Emancipation Proclamation: History, audio clip, and photographs of the primary documents of the Emancipation Proclama- tion. http://www.collaborativelearning.org/historyblackonline.html : Downloadable Activities for Black History: List of activities on Black history topics, such as a civil rights timeline https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postal-history/african-american-stamp-subjects.htm : Black History Stamps: Lesson plan to honor the contributions of black Americans through U.S. commemorative postage stamps. https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postal-history/african-american-stamp-subjects.htm : National Register of Historic Places: Information and photographs of historic properties that were contributions of African American culture. https://parentseyes.arizona.edu/index.php/node/12 : Black History Curriculum: List of Black History Month lesson plans, activities, and curriculum materials for grades 6-8.
Pause for the Cause—Middle & High School Lessons & Activities Continued... https://docsouth.unc.edu/classroom/lessonplans/aa_history.html : African American History Lesson Plans: Collection of lessons plans regarding African American history.
https://edsitement.neh.gov/edsitement-lessons-slavery-crisis-union-civil-war-and-reconstruction : Slavery and Abolitionism: In-depth information on slavery and abolitionism, as well as a list of related lesson plans.
https://new.civiced.org/lesson-plans/black-history-month : Black History Month – The Power of Nonviolence: Here you will find 3 lesson plans and several podcasts.
http://www.teachpeacenow.org/blackhistorymonth.html : Literature Based Lessons: Great lessons and activi- ties for students regarding Black History topics.
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/martin-luther-king-jr-time- lines/ : Martin Luther King, Jr.: Students must construct a timeline and complete a series of questions on Martin Luther King, Jr.
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/black-history-month-sites-america/index.html: 10 Lesser-known Black History Month Sites Across America: An overview of lesser-known but important black history month sites in the US.
http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=7503 : A View of Black History: Information and video to give students a general overview of Black History.
https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/african/ : The African American Mosaic: Resource guide from the Library of Congress for the study of black history and culture. http://www.brightmoments.com/blackhistory/ : Internet African American History Challenge: Students can complete these history questions to challenge their knowledge of African American history.
https://junior.scholastic.com/pages/content-hubs/the-civil-war.html : Civil War and Reconstruction: Infor- mation, teaching kits, and activities regarding the Civil War, Underground Railroad, and changes to American structures. Pause for the Cause—Black History Month Daily Facts
February 1 - Feb. 1, 1865 - The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery, was adopted by the 38th Congress. Ratification was completed December 6, 1865. Also, in 1870, Jonathan Jasper Wright was elected to the South Carolina Supreme Court.
February 2 - Feb. 2, 1862 - District of Columbia abolishes slavery.
February 3 - Feb. 3, 1965 - Geraldine McCullough, sculptor, wins the Widener Gold Medal Award.
February 4 - Feb. 4, 1996 - J. C. Watts becomes the first Black selected to respond to a State of the Union Ad- dress.
February 5 - Feb. 5, 1866 - Congressman Thaddeus Stevens offered an amendment to Freedmen's Bureau Bill authorizing the distribution of public land and confiscated land to freedmen and loyal refugees in 40- acre lots. Later came the promise of a mule. Hence the phrase, “Forty Acres and a Mule.”
February 6 - Feb. 6, 1867 - Robert Tanner Jackson becomes first African American to receive a degree in den- tistry.
February 7 - Negro History week originated by Carter G. Woodson is observed for the first time in 1926.
February 8 - Feb. 8, 1986 - Oprah Winfrey becomes the first African American woman to host a nationally syndicated talk show.
February 9 - Feb. 9, 1995 - Bernard Harris, African American astronaut, takes spacewalk.
February 10 - 1964, After 10 days of debate and voting on 125 amendments, the U.S. House of Representa- tives passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by a vote of 290-130. The bill prohibited any state or local govern- ment or public facility from denying access to anyone because of race or ethnic origin. It further gave the U.S. Attorney General the power to bring school desegregation law suits.
February 11 - Feb. 11, 1961 - Robert Weaver sworn in as administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, highest federal post to date by a black American.
February 12 - NAACP: On February 12, 2019, the NAACP marked its 110th anniversary. Spurred by growing racial violence in the early 20th century, and particularly by 1908 race riots in Springfield, Illinois, a group of African American leaders joined together to form a new permanent civil rights organization, the National As- sociation for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). February 12, 1909, was chosen because it was the centennial anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln.
February 13 - Feb 13, 1970 - The New York Stock Exchange admits its first black member, Joseph Searles.
February 14 - Feb. 14, 1867 - Morehouse College organized in Augusta, Ga. The institution was later moved to Atlanta. New registration law in Tennessee abolished racial distinctions in voting.
Continued...
Pause for the Cause—Black History Month Daily Facts
February 15 - Today in 1848, Sarah Roberts barred from white school in Boston. Her father, Benjamin Rob- erts, filed the first school integration suit on her behalf. Leon Spinks defeated Muhammad Ali for heavy- weight boxing championship. Ali re-gained the title on September 15 and became the person to win the title three times in 1978.
February 16 - Feb. 16, 1923 - Bessie Smith makes her first recording, "Down Hearted Blues," which sells 800,000 copies for Columbia Records.
February 17 - Feb. 17, 1997 - Virginia House of Delegates votes unanimously to retire the state song, "Carry Me Back to Old Virginia," a tune that glorifies slavery.
February 18 - Feb. 18, 1688 – The first formal protest against slavery was organized by Germantown Quakers at their monthly meeting in English America.
February 19 - Feb. 19, 1919 - Pan-African Congress, organized by W.E.B. DuBois, met at the Grand Hotel, Par- is. There were 57 delegates- -16 from the United States and 14 from Africa as well as others from 16 coun- tries and colonies.
February 20 - Death of Frederick Douglass (78), Douglass was the leading Black spokesman for almost fifty years. He was a major abolitionist and a lecturer and editor. Charles Wade Barkley, basketball player, born Leeds, AL, February 20,
February 21 - Feb. 21, 1895 - North Carolina Legislature, dominated by black Republicans and white Populists, adjourned for the day to mark the death of Frederick Douglass.
February 22 - Feb 22, 1979 - Frank E. Peterson Jr. named the first black general in the Marine Corps.
February 23 - Feb. 23, 1965 - Constance Baker Motley elected Manhattan Borough president, the highest elective office held by a black woman in a major American city.
February 24 - Feb. 24, 1864 - Rebecca Lee became the first black woman to receive an M.D. degree.
February 25 - Feb. 25, 1870 - Hirman R. Revels of Mississippi was sworn in as first black U.S. Senator and first black Representative in Congress.
February 26 - Feb. 26, 1926 - Carter G. Woodson started Negro History Week. This week would later become Black History Month.
February 27 - Figure skater Debi Thomas becomes the first African American to win a medal (bronze) at the winter Olympic Games in 1988.
February 28 - Feb. 28, 1859 - Arkansas legislature required free blacks to choose between exile and enslave- ment.