Black History Month 2020: 7 Classroom Resources

For nearly 40 years, the UK has celebrated Black History Month throughout October. Originally, this awareness month was founded to recognise contributions made by people of African and Caribbean backgrounds in the UK over many generations. Nowadays, Black History Month has expanded and progressed to include the history of all black people. 

First launched in the 1980s, Black History Month was established to challenge racism and to educate communities about the history that was not taught at school and a lack of representation in history books. 

For schools, this month is an important opportunity to teach children about significant and influential black men and women throughout history. 

We have created a list of classroom resources and lesson activity ideas to share with your class this Black History Month:

1) Twinkl Resources Famous Black Men and Women Information Posters

This set of posters includes facts about the lives of important and famous black people throughout history, including Rosa Parks, Martin Luther Kind, Dianne Abbott and more. Display this poster in your classroom this month to encourage students to ask more about their stories and the adversity they faced.  

2) BBC Newsround Video: Kids on Racism

Share this video with your class to kick-start discussions around racism and what to do if you have ever witnessed or experienced racism. 

3) The Black History Month 2020 Resource Pack

Created by blackhistorymonth.org.uk, the Black History Month resource pack includes a selection of educational materials such as a Black History Month timeline, downloadable headteacher assembly notes, KS1, 2 and 3 notes and worksheets for Black History Month 2020. (Please note that the pack includes a fee of £49.50). 

4) Teachwire Empire Windrush Lesson Plan

Designed for KS2 classes, this lesson plan raises awareness of the discrimination faced by black people as they arrived in Britain in 1948 aboard the Empire Windrush. Pupils can discuss important historical events and relate issues to current affairs. 

5) Into Film Black History Month Film List

Highlighting the diversity of black filmmaking talent, in front and behind of the camera, this list includes a range of films to provoke debate and to draw attention to the history of black culture. From ‘The Princess and the Frog’ to ‘Black Panther’ and ’12 Years a Slave’, this list includes films suitable for all year groups. 

6) Black History 4 Schools

This website provides links to useful resources to share with your class this month, with topics ranging from ‘Black presence in Tudor times’ to ‘Transatlantic Slave Trade and Abolition of Slavery’. 

7) BBC Teach Black History Month Teacher Resources

BBC Teach’s collection of resources will allow you to explore black history, culture, and achievements with your class this month. The collection includes resources for both primary and secondary school students.

Are you getting involved with Black History Month at your school? Why not let us know what activities and lessons you have planned by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Looking for a bank of resources to inspire future lesson plans? Check out our list of Online Educational Resources for some of the best resource websites out there.