6 Biographical Classroom Strategies to Honor Black History

Each February, Black History Month offers a powerful opportunity to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black Americans—and to deepen understanding, empathy, and inclusion among students. It’s an excellent time to elevate Black voices and to connect history to the lived experiences of students today.

Did you know the origins of Black History Month trace back to February 1926, when historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson organized the first Negro History Week? Fifty years later, President Ford expanded the observance to last a full month, establishing the annual celebrations we know today.

What better way to bring history to life than through the stories of real people? Biographies transform Black History Month’s more abstract concepts into compelling narratives of courage, innovation, and resilience. 

When students explore the lives of both celebrated icons and unsung heroes—particularly the Black women in activism, science, literature, and leadership—they discover how individual voices created collective change.

Rosa Parks Quiz

Civil rights activist Rosa Parks famously refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man in 1955, sparking a nationwide movement to end segregation. But do students know her full story? This quiz, also available in Britannica School, will test their know-how!

Exploring Diverse Biographies

Regardless of which trailblazing Black women students decide to research (Harriet Tubman, Katherine Johnson, Nikki Giovanni, Michelle Obama, Maya Angelou, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Miriam Makeba are just a few!), know that we’ve got resources to help you dive into the stories of any activist, poet, scientist, storyteller, or leader.

Lesson Mini: Mae Jemison

Grades K–2

Teach K–2 students about astronauts and the life of Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to go to space.

Blast Off

The Trip of a Lifetime

In the News!

Explore news.eb.com for stories about modern icons, like this one about Udoh Ebaide Joy, the first Black African woman to ride a motorcycle alone across Africa.

Modern Icons

Lesson Mini: Researching and Writing Life Stories

Grades 3-5

Use these elementary activities to help learners distinguish between biographies and autobiographies, practice note-taking and analysis, and explore the lives of notable figures.

Dig Deeper

Instructional Strategies for Meaningful Engagement

Effective biography studies go beyond facts and dates. Use these classroom strategies to help students make deeper connections.

Visual Concept Mapping 

Help students visualize the interconnectedness of people, movements, and ideas within Black history. This strategy is especially effective for showing how activism, art, education, and community are intertwined across generations. 

Try having students map connections between figures who influenced each other, or trace how one person’s work impacted multiple areas of society.

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Think-Pair-Share

Encourage reflection, collaboration, and inclusive participation—crucial when exploring sensitive or complex topics. This strategy allows students to process their thoughts privately, test them with a partner, and then contribute to a larger discussion.

This approach is particularly valuable when discussing the challenges these historical figures faced and their relevance to contemporary issues.

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Biographies provide an engaging entry point for exploring Black History Month. By studying the lives of both prominent and lesser-known figures, students can discover the diverse voices and experiences that have shaped our nation.