Famous African Americans in history such as Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Ralph Abernathy, Eldridge Cleaver and Yolanda King led fascinating lives. These human rights activists can inspire a student. While it is difficult to sum up the lives of these leaders in a concise essay, the main points can be written in a one- or two-page assignment to customize it to those in middle school.
Through the course of black history, certain African Americans broke from their social constraints to speak out at the demoralizing and undemocratic values ordered upon them. Many of these people are recognized today as pioneering a new era for African Americans and social justice for all. Students can analyze a speech from one of these inspirational people and explain how the events changed the course of history and paved a new road for African Americans.
Several events stand out as major in the course of African American history. Students can pick a specific event on which to write an essay. In middle school, the essay shouldn't be more than 500 words. The students should describe the event and explain how it impacted the course of history for African Americans. Students should also provide insight about why they chose the event and say how it changed their way of perceiving the history of African Americans.
Students will need to research the accomplishments and major events that have occurred throughout African American history before starting a poem. For example, a ballad could tell a short story about a major event that occurred in African American history, such as when the first African American was accepted to play in Major League Baseball. An ode could be dedicated to praising an African American for whom the student admires.