Black History Month Topics for Kids (Elementary School and Middle School)

Black history is rich and inspiring. While February offers a special time to celebrate Black achievements, resilience, and culture, the learning should not stop there. Join us in exploring the incredible stories of Black leaders, artists, inventors, and trailblazers—past and present—all year long. 

Black History Begins with an Appreciation of African History
Long before the United States was created, civilizations like Ancient Egypt and the Mali Empire thrived in Africa, excelling in art, science, and architecture. Notable leaders include King Mansa Musa, the wealthiest person in history, and Queen Nefertiti, known for her beauty and influence.

The First African Americans and Juneteenth (1619 & 1865)
The first Africans were brought to Virginia in 1619 and helped build America, even though they didn’t come by choice. Years later, Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) celebrated the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. (Juneteenth Coloring Page)

HBCUs: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Mid-1800s)
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, such as Howard, Spelman, and Morehouse, were founded to provide Black students with access to education during a time when many colleges excluded them. (HBCU Marching Band Coloring Page)

"Lift Every Voice and Sing" (1900)
Known as the Black National Anthem, this song was written by James Weldon Johnson and first performed in 1900. It speaks of hope, resilience, and unity. (Lift Every Voice and Sing Coloring Page)

Black Business Leaders
Madam C.J. Walker became the first Black woman millionaire in America by creating hair care products. Decades later, Oprah Winfrey built a media empire, becoming the first Black woman billionaire. Both inspired countless others with their entrepreneurial achievements. (Madam CJ Walker Coloring Page)

The Harlem Renaissance (1920s)
In the 1920s, Harlem, New York, became a hub for Black art, music, and literature, creating amazing cultural works. Notable figures include Langston Hughes (poet), Zora Neale Hurston (author), and Duke Ellington (musician). (Duke Ellington Coloring Page)

Trailblazing Black Inventors
Black inventors have transformed the world with their creations. Elijah McCoy revolutionized machinery lubrication, inspiring the term “the real McCoy.” Garrett Morgan saved lives with his traffic light and safety hood. Patricia Bath pioneered cataract treatment, and Lonnie Johnson brought joy to millions with the invention of the Super Soaker. (Patricia Bath Coloring Page)

The Creation of Black History Month (1926)
Historian Carter G. Woodson started "Negro History Week" in 1926 to honor African American achievements. It later became Black History Month, officially recognized in 1976.

Trailblazing Black Athletes
Black athletes have broken barriers and made history in sports. Jackie Robinson was the first Black player in Major League Baseball (1947). Jesse Owens won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics. Wilma Rudolph overcame polio to become a three-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field. Serena Williams has dominated tennis with a record 23 Grand Slam titles, and Simone Biles is considered one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. (Jackie Robinson Coloring Page)

The Tuskegee Airmen (World War II)
These brave Black pilots fought during World War II and proved they were just as skilled as any other pilots.

Rosa Parks and the Legacy of Courage (1955)
Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat in 1955, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her bravery and activism earned her the title "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," inspiring generations to fight for justice and equality. (Rosa Parks Coloring Page)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream (1963)
Dr. King gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963, asking for equality and fairness for everyone.

Women at NASA (1960s)
Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson were brilliant mathematicians who played vital roles in NASA’s early space missions, helping to launch astronauts into orbit. (Katherine Johnson Coloring Page)

The Colors of Black History Month
The colors of Black History Month—red, black, and green—come from the Pan-African flag. Red stands for the blood shared in the fight for freedom, black represents the people, and green symbolizes Africa’s rich land and resources.

Black Aviators: Bessie Coleman, Guion Bluford, and Mae Jemison (1921, 1983, & 1992)
Bessie Coleman became the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license in 1921. Guion Bluford became the first African American in space in 1983, and Mae Jemison became the first Black woman to travel to space in 1992. Together, they inspired generations to soar to new heights. (Mae Jemison Coloring Page)

Barack Obama and Kamala Harris Make History (2009 & 2021)
Barack Obama became the first Black President of the United States in 2009. In 2021, Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first female, first Black, and first Asian American Vice President, breaking multiple barriers in U.S. politics.