Black History Month Resources

Incorporate Black Scholars & Voices

As we celebrate Black History Month, let's commit to amplifying Black voices, stories, and achievements in our classrooms and beyond. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Highlight contributions of Black scholars in your field by including readings, articles, or research from Black authors.
• Invite guest speakers from the Black academic community to share their expertise and experiences.
• Acknowledge historical barriers Black scholars have faced in your discipline and how they have shaped the field.

Connect Course Content to Black History & Achievements

Black individuals have left an enduring legacy of excellence, innovation, and leadership across all disciplines. Below is a short list of discussion examples by discipline for you to consider in your class.

• Civil Engineering: Examine the work of Archie Alexander, a Black civil engineer who designed major infrastructure projects, including the Tuskegee Airfield. Discuss his role in shaping modern urban infrastructure. 
• Business: Discuss Ursula Burns, the first Black woman to serve as CEO of a Fortune 500 company (Xerox) and analyze her leadership strategies and corporate restructuring efforts. In business or economics, explore Black entrepreneurship and economic movements.
• Environmental Science: Explore the concept of environmental justice through the research of Dr. Robert Bullard, known as the “father of environmental justice,” who has studied how pollution disproportionately affects Black communities.
• Psychology: The Psi Chi website provides a rich list of resources and instructional activities. Also, this special issue of American Psychologist contains articles that highlight the contributions of Black psychologists.

Encourage Critical Discussions

Let's promote discussion to reflect on the past, analyze the present, and create a better future. 

• Dedicate a class session to discussing systemic issues related to race and history within your field.
• Use case studies or current events that highlight racial justice, Black innovation, or social movements.
• Engage students in small-group discussions or reflection papers on relevant topics.

Support Campus & Community Events

Below is a list of events. Encourage students (and colleagues) to participate in these community functions. (Extra credit never hurts!)