Black History Curriculum & School Supplies

One hundred original profiles of the most influential African Americans of the twentieth century.
Without Louis Armstrong or Miles Davis, we would not have jazz. Without Toni Morrison or Ralph Ellison, we would miss some of our greatest novels. Without Dr. King or Thurgood Marshall, we would be deprived of political breakthroughs that affirm and strengthen our democracy. Here, two of the leading African American scholars of our day, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and Cornel West, show us why the twentieth century was the African American century, as they offer their personal picks of the African American figures who did the most to shape our world.
This colorful collection of personalities includes much-loved figures such as scientist George Washington Carver, contemporary favorites such as comedian Richard Pryor and novelist Alice Walker, and even less-well-known people such as aviator Bessie Coleman. Gates and West also recognize the achievements of controversial figures such as Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and rap artist Tupac Shakur. Lively, accessible, and illustrated throughout, The African American Century is a celebration of black achievement and a tribute to the black struggle for freedom in America that will inspire readers for years to come. 432 pages, softcover.

1001 Things Everyone Should Know About African American History presents the only comprehensive, authoritative, and engaging account of the most significant events, individuals, terms, ideas, and social movements that make up the dazzling canvas of African American history--all told in concise and easily read entries, accompanied by over 150 photographs.

The Handy African American History Answer Book is organized chronologically with chapters on biographical figures and history making events in the areas of Civil rights, entertainment, the arts, business, religion, science, sports, and more. The easy-to-browse Q-and-A format is highly readable, featuring header questions with bolded key words and short answers of one or more paragraphs that provide a basic answer. Hundreds of questions are included, and cover the ideas, people, and events that have influenced and changed African-American History. 432 pages, indexed, softcover.

Perfect as a "jumping off" point to learn more about Black history and the people who've made an incredible difference in the struggle for Civil Rights, this book features short biographical sketches with a list of other Black men and women in the same field/area to research; some features include full sketches, while others include a sentence or two with a bullet-pointed list of facts. 36 pages, indexed, softcover.

Finally, here is the fun, easy-to-use guide that African Americans have been waiting for since Alex Haley published Roots more than twenty-five years ago. Written by the leading African American professional genealogist in the United States who teaches and lectures widely, this book highlights some of the special problems, solutions, and sources unique to African Americans. Based on solid genealogical principles and designed for those who have little or no experience researching their family's past, but valuable to any genealogist, this book explains everything you need to get started, including: where to search close to home, where to write for records, how to make the best use of libraries and the Internet, and how to organize research, analyze historical documents, and write the family history.

They had no pens and they had no paper, but it didn't matter. Slaves had plenty to say and share - their stories, their sufferings, their wisdom, their wit. Words spoken and tales told completely unfiltered by others can teach young people not only the facts, but the very soul of what happened in the past. Hear the people of the past in their own words through diaries, interviews, quotations, poetry, and songs. 36 pages, softcover. Ages 8-13.

Pull out this handy Barchart when you need a refresher on Black History: Pre-Civil War! Laminated and three-hole-punched, this chart includes information on the revolution, the road to civil war, and more. 6-pages (3 double-sided panels).

The Mark Twain American History workbook series provides students in grades 5-8 with opportunities to explore important events in our country's past and learn about the people who made American history. Perfect for supplementing a textbook-based course or as an accompaniment to a unit study, a variety of exercises fit with diverse learning styles.

Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction covers the events that led up to the Civil War, Lincoln's presidency, slavery, Reconstruction, and other concepts through critical thinking, writing, and historical-concept exercises. Bolded vocabulary, time lines, map activities, and suggested reading provide an integrated approach to workbook-learning. 122 reproducible pages, softcover. Answer key included. Grades 5-8.

Slavery in the South was a dark chapter in American history, yet in this desperate time, a shining light of hope emerged from the darkness in the Underground Railroad.

Powered by the hearts, minds, and hands of Americans, this network of courageous men and women, safe houses, and secret messages moved close to 100,000 slaves to freedom in the first art of the 19th century.

The stories of the Underground Railroad are full of suspense, compassion, and amazing determination. Meet Harriet Tubman, the "Moses" of her people; "Box" Brown, who shipped himself to freedom in a crate; and how slaves passed messages and used the stars to guide themselves to freedom. 28 pages, softcover. Ages 7-14.

Learn about a pivotal time in American history and its momentous effects on civil rights in America. Reconstruction, the period after the Civil War, was meant to give newly freed Black people the same rights as white people. But what went wrong? Indeed, there were monumental changes once slavery ended, like thriving new Black communities, the first Black members in Congress, and a new sense of dignity for many Black Americans. But this time of hope didn’t last long and instead, a deeply segregated United States continued on for another hundred years. Find out happened in this overview of a troubled time. 112 pages, softcover. Ages 8 – 12.

These History Channel Cards feature 13 African-American women including Josephine Baker, Billie Holiday, Mabel Keaton Staupers, and Patricia Roberts Harris. Discover their significant historical and cultural contributions. Each deck includes 52 cards and instructions for a special card game.

Though often erased and ignored during their lifetimes, Black leaders, writers, civil rights activists, scientists, and more have influenced, inspired, and changed the societies we live in. Grow your understanding of Black history with 30 historical timelines that place individuals and events into the context of world history, covering key moments in European, Caribbean, North American and African history, taking readers from pre-colonial Africa through the Jim Crow Era and the Civil Rights Movement to today’s Black Lives Matter movement.  Learn about the contributions of 100 prominent individuals such as Mansa Musa, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Lewis Latimer, Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, and Barack Obama. 96 pages, hardcover. Ages 8 – 12.