Black History Resources

Find compelling classroom resources, learn new teaching methods, meet standards, and make a difference in the lives of your students.

Drawing on extensive archival records, this digital memorial allows analysis of the ships, traders, and captives in the Atlantic slave trade. The three databases below provide details of 36,000 trans-Atlantic slave voyages, 10,000 intra-American ventures, names and personal information. You can read the introductory maps for a high-level guided explanation, view the timeline and chronology of the traffic, or watch the slave ship and slave trade animations to see the dispersal in action.

Revealing moments in black history, with unpublished photos from The New York Times's archives.

At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, delegates fiercely debated the issue of slavery. They ultimately agreed that the United States would potentially cease importation of slaves in 1808. An act of Congress passed in 1800 made it illegal for Americans to engage in the slave trade between nations, and gave U.S. authorities the right to seize slave ships which were caught transporting slaves and confiscate their cargo. Then the "Act Prohibiting the Importation of Slaves" took effect in 1808.

The recordings of former slaves in Voices Remembering Slavery: Freed People Tell Their Stories took place between 1932 and 1975 in nine states. Twenty-two interviewees discuss how they felt about slavery, slaveholders, coercion of slaves, their families, and freedom. Several individuals sing songs, many of which were learned during the time of their enslavement. It is important to note that all of the interviewees spoke sixty or more years after the end of their enslavement, and it is their full lives that are reflected in these recordings. The individuals documented in this presentation have much to say about living as African Americans from the 1870s to the 1930s, and beyond.

The roots of blues can be found in slave songs, spirituals, and field hollers of the American South; its sound can be heard in early rock-and-roll, and in today's alternative and hip hop landscapes. Journey with us to learn about the influences and impact the blues has had on musical culture.

African American scientists, like these 29 examples, have helped 'push the envelope' of science and human understanding.

Stacker showcases some of the most prominent African American writers in history whose impact reached far beyond the page, including esteemed authors like James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, Frederick Douglass, Maya Angelou, and others.

Archive of Civil Rights Movement history, original documents, personal stories, discussions, and analysis by veterans of the Southern Freedom Movement

In this episode of BackStory, listen to a compilation of some of the show's coverage of Black history, created in honor of Black History Month.

The powerful, harrowing and ultimately inspirational story of six months in 1961 that changed America forever.

In 1854, Elizabeth Jennings was forcibly kicked off a horsecar. Her fight changed the city.

In this lesson, students will learn about the wave of new Black superhero stories and how they are reimagining the genre. Then, students will create and pitch their own superhero reboot.

A Resource for Teaching Rosa Parks

Black history is American history. Black History Month in February provides an opportunity to discuss and reflect on the role Black Americans have played in shaping the United States. While this dedicated time provides an opportunity to dig deeper into connections with the past, it’s also a reminder of

In 1973, DJ Kool Herc set up his turntables and introduced a technique at a South Bronx house party that would change music as many people knew it. His

To celebrate Black History Month in February—and the rich tradition of African American poetry all year long—browse this selection of teaching resources featuring poems by Gwendolyn Brooks, Langston Hughes, Marilyn Nelson, and Claudia Rankine, among others. more black history month resources

Beyond the 1988 Jamaican Bobsled Team immortalized in the film Cool Runnings, Black athletes have played more central roles at the Winter Olympics than many people might realize. As we cheer on the 2022 Black Olympians, Black History Month is a great time to look back on the impact that Black Olympians and other Black athletes have beyond the world of sports.

Chicago has a rich and ongoing set of Black history and stories, and Black History Month in February is always a good excuse to further explore them and other stories from around the country. Discover our programming celebrating Black History Month.

2022 Virtual Black History Festival

As the saying goes, black history is American history — and it's a varied and rich history.

This timeline lists a few historical examples of how race, and racism, has greatly impacted the health outcomes of African Americans.