There are many famous speeches associated with African-American history and culture. These speeches, from the days of slavery to the Civil Right's Movement to the election of the nation's first black president can be powerful reminders of the struggles and achievements of African-Americans. Depending on the age of the class, these famous speeches could be read to students, assigned for students to read or, if a recording exists, played for students from the original speaker's voice.
The practice of slavery and the legacy of second class citizenship that followed slavery in the form of discriminatory laws and treatment are defining eras for African-American history and culture. It can be difficult to fully understand African-American history and American history as a whole without understanding the origins and nature of slavery. A lesson or series of lessons on slavery throughout African-American History Month can be a great way to educate students.
In addition to learning about the struggles of African-Americans, students should also be aware of the important achievements of African-Americans. The lives and achievements of African-Americans such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglas, Booker T. Washington, Martin Luther King Jr. and many others can be very educational and entertaining for students and can increase appreciation of the significant contributions to American life by African-Americans.
While the focus of African-American History Month is obviously on the history of this group in the United States, current facts and statistics about African-Americans can also be an important component of understanding how far African-Americans have come since the end of slavery and the Civil Rights Movement, as well as the continued struggles faced by this group.