SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 14, 2025 – Black history is American history. In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson initiated a weeklong celebration that has evolved into a month dedicated to acknowledging the achievements, contributions, resilience, and legacies of Black Americans during a time when this history was not widely taught. For Black History Month, delve into the people, places, and stories within over 400 national parks and communities nationwide through National Park Service programs and partners, and continue exploring African American heritage throughout the year.
Sharing Black History in National Parks
Share inspiring stories of Black history in national parks on social media using #BlackHistory and #FindYourPark.
A Virtual Calendar of Black History
Dr. Woodson and his associates developed resources for teachers to incorporate Black history into their curriculum during the weeklong (now monthlong) celebration. These included lesson plans, scripts for historical plays, and educational posters showcasing significant dates and figures. This virtual calendar offers a day-by-day exploration of Black history preserved in national parks or through National Park Service programs, suitable for February or any time of year.
Day 1: The Origins of Black History Month
Begin Black History Month by exploring its origins. Learn about Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the "Father of Black History," and his vision in establishing what is now Black History Month. Watch a video for a virtual ranger program on the origins of Black History Month. Plan a future visit to the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site in Washington, DC.
Day 2: Reflecting on Black History
Watch “Twenty & Odd,” a short film reflecting on over 400 years of Black history and heritage, exploring the trauma, resilience, and beauty of the African American experience through the perspectives of those closest to the stories. A companion guide elucidates the symbolism and context of each scene.
Day 3: Honoring African American Achievements
Explore some of the over 400 national parks across the country, each with unique characteristics and purposes for preservation. Discover parks created and named in honor of African Americans and learn about their remarkable achievements and contributions to the nation.
Day 4: Celebrating Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement
In honor of Rosa Parks' birthday on February 4, explore the African American Civil Rights Network, connecting sites in parks and communities nationwide to provide a more comprehensive narrative of the Civil Rights Movement. Take a virtual tour map to explore these historic locations.
Day 5: The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
Learn about one of the newest additions to the National Park System: the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, home of Civil Rights Movement leaders. The tragic assassination of Medgar Evers in 1963 for his advocacy of racial equality and social justice was a catalyst for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Day 6: George Washington Carver's Legacy
While renowned as an agricultural scientist, George Washington Carver was also a prolific writer and artist. Third and fourth graders can participate in an annual art and essay contest hosted by George Washington Carver National Monument each February, centered around a specific theme. Everyone is welcome to share their essays and artwork on this topic anytime via social media using @GeorgeWashingtonCarverNM, #BlackHistory, and #FindYourPark.
Day 7: Maggie L. Walker's Achievements
Embark on a virtual tour of the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site in Virginia. Despite her humble beginnings in post-Civil War Virginia, Walker became a prominent businesswoman and community leader, dedicating her life to combating racism, sexism, and economic oppression. She established a bank, served as a newspaper editor, and led a fraternity while promoting entrepreneurship in Richmond's African American community.
Day 8: The Buffalo Soldiers and Charles Young
Learn about the legendary Buffalo Soldiers and one of their distinguished leaders with a virtual visit to the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Ohio. Download an exhibition to learn their history. Create your virtual or physical exhibit on a historical topic and share it on social media using #BlackHistory and #FindYourPark.
Day 9: Paul Laurence Dunbar's Poetry
Born in 1872, Paul Laurence Dunbar was among the first African American poets to achieve national and international acclaim during his lifetime. In honor of Dunbar, write a poem or organize a poetry slam with loved ones. Share your work on social media using #BlackHistory and #FindYourPark. Plan a future trip to the Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site in Ohio.
Day 10: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Influence
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a pivotal leader of the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring hearts and minds with his speeches and writings. Read aloud some of Dr. King's quotes inscribed on the walls of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Listen to a park ranger's reflections on hearing Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial and its impact. Write and share your speech on what matters to you via social media using #BlackHistory and #FindYourPark.
Day 11: Mary McLeod Bethune's Leadership
Take a virtual tour of the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site in Washington, DC, and learn about a 20th-century leader with extensive experience in education and civil service. From her home near the White House and Dr. Carter G. Woodson's residence, the National Council of Negro Women spearheaded civil rights campaigns supporting African American women and established the National Archives for Black Women's History.
Day 12: Abraham Lincoln and Emancipation
Abraham Lincoln's birthday on February 12 influenced the timing of Black History Month. While his history with emancipation is complex, Lincoln was known as the "Great Emancipator," and his birthday was a day of celebration in Black communities after his death. Read the Emancipation Proclamation and reflect on this pivotal moment in US history.
Day 13: The Manhattan Project and African Americans
The Manhattan Project National Historical Park tells the story of the creation of atomic bombs. It explores the project's impact on communities in New Mexico, Tennessee, and Washington. Download the NPS App to tour sites and learn about the African American experience during the Cold War and their involvement in this top-secret project.
Day 14: Frederick Douglass's Legacy
Frederick Douglass' birthday on February 14 is a traditional day of celebration in Black communities and influenced the timing of Black History Month. Born into slavery, Douglass escaped and dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality. He is considered one of the nation's greatest orators and authors. Write a speech about a cause you are passionate about changing.
Day 15: "The Agitators" Podcast
Listen to the podcast "The Agitators," exploring the complex relationship between Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony as they advocated for voting rights in the 19th century.
Day 16: Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver at Tuskegee
Booker T. Washington established Tuskegee Institute to improve higher education for African Americans in the South. George Washington Carver, a professor at the institute, aimed to improve the lives of farmers through innovative techniques. Explore an online exhibit about Carver's work. How would you improve the lives of others?
Day 17: New Philadelphia National Historic Site
Follow the development of New Philadelphia National Historic Site in Illinois, added to the National Park System in 2022. New Philadelphia was the first town planned and registered by an African American before the Civil War. The National Park Service and partners will develop plans to share this history.
Day 18: African American Homesteaders
During the 19th century, thousands of African Americans homesteaded across the Great Plains. Learn their stories at Homestead National Historical Park, watch a film about their settlement, hear from family researchers, and find records to begin your research.
Day 19: The Tuskegee Airmen
Known as "Red Tails," the first African American military pilots trained in Tuskegee, Alabama. The Tuskegee Airmen were inducted into the U.S. Armed Forces on February 19, 1942. Visit the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site and explore an online exhibit.
Day 20: The Roots of Jazz in New Orleans
The roots of jazz flourished in the African American community in New Orleans. Check out New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park on social media for concerts and interviews.
Day 21: Harriet Tubman's Journey
Harriet Tubman, a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, was dedicated to improving the lives of African Americans, women, and people with disabilities. Take a video tour of where her journey began. "Travel with Tubman" to explore more places connected to her life.
Day 22: Challenging Segregation in Schools
Five court cases in the 1940s and 50s challenged segregation in public schools. Learn about these efforts at Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park and Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.
Day 23: The Black Heritage Trail in Boston
The African American community in Boston led the fight against slavery and injustice. Take a virtual trip on the Black Heritage Trail and learn their stories at Boston African American National Historic Site.
Day 24: The Freedom Riders
In 1961, Freedom Riders challenged segregation in interstate travel
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