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These events/individuals/experiences should
be integrated throughout our curriculum and...
taught throughout the school year. We want to
celebrate not only the worthwhile accomplish-
ments that these figures contributed to our
society, but also promote the perseverance and
struggle that many had to endure in order to
achieve their success.
—Dr. Creg Williams, Superintendent,
Thornton Fractional HSD 215
In Hazel Crest School District 152½,
“African American history is taught
throughout the year as part of the
English language arts and social studies
curriculum.” Superintendent Dr. Sheila
Harrison-Williams believes African
American history is an integral part of
American history and should be treated as
such. In February, however, District 152½ specifically focuses
on African American history. Each school hosts an African
American history program and every grade level participates.
Students present what they learned via plays, skits, songs and
poetry. This allows students to use their own creative flair while
paying homage to the history.
Dr. Harrison-Williams’ advice for teaching black history:
• Teaching African American history should not be limited to
the month of February.
• African American history should be integrated into lessons
throughout the school year using a variety of resources.
• When teaching African American history, make it relevant by
utilizing and connecting current events with historical events.
Overall, the best way to teach students tolerance, is to teach
them history. They need to know the struggles of those who
came before them, so that we will not digress as a society.
Our goal is when students leave our classroom, they will
be functioning, positive members of society and it’s our
responsibility, as administrators, to show them how. In the
words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “The function of education
is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.
Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”
Additional Resources:
The Illinois State Board of Education also
gives
resourcesto help teachers with black
history lessons.
Black History Month: Everything You Need
Meet African American icons, leaders, activists,
and inventors with these teaching resources.
Library of Congress: African American
History Month
National African American History Month in
February celebrates the contributions that African
Americans have made to American history in their
struggles for freedom and equality and deepens
our understanding of our nation’s history.
African American History Month
for Teachers
Put the power of primary sources to work in the
classroom. Browse ready-to-use lesson plans,
student activities, collection guides and
research aids.
Oxford African American Studies Center
This website houses a comprehensive collection
of scholarship documenting the many and varied
experiences that make up African and African
American history and culture.
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