Wondering how your colleagues build powerful BHM plans? Read on.
by The Principal Project Team | 1.30.24
Principal Project is a community dedicated to connecting school leaders to research-based best practices – and one another! – with the shared vision of ensuring success for all students.
Planning for Black History Month? These strategies can help you add a little extra joy to your community celebration.
School leaders like you have shared with us the joyful and affirming ways you elevate Black stories and voices in your building – especially in the lead-up to Black History Month. Whether you want to honor great leaders or celebrate the amazing members of your own community, these strategies can help ensure that your school’s Black History Month builds on the work you do all year long.
1. Start your celebration by elevating student voice.
By adorning the hallways with student tributes to the Black figures they admire, Principal Megan McLaughlin ensures that her school’s observance of Black History Month reflects her learners’ communities, passions and priorities. Check out the finished product here.
2. Highlight the achievements of your very own hometown heroes.
At educator Jonathan Gustin’s school, the inspiration starts within the community. By featuring local changemakers, this strategy reminds students that Black excellence is all around them! Tour the Hometown Hero display here.
3. Share resources to support teachers’ growth.
When it comes to having difficult conversations, we all have room to grow. Fortunately, educators are lifelong learners. You can encourage teachers to feel confident guiding discussions about race with students by sharing these strategies from school leader Dr. Robert S. Harvey.
4. Invite your school community on a virtual field trip.
If you can’t take a schoolwide trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, sharing the museum’s virtual learning lab with your team is the next best thing. Here, educators can find approaches to teaching Black history through the lens of everyday objects, artworks, historical documents and so much more.
5. Greet students with a Black history fact.
Start the day right by sharing a little Black history tidbit in your morning announcements! This calendar, from educator Kimiko Shibata, features a full month’s worth of facts and biographies – share it with your school community or make your own.
6. Do a Principal Project deep dive!
Your Principal Project colleagues know that Black history matters all year long. That’s why we’re always updating our resource library with recommendations from fellow administrators. If you’re looking for ideas on how to support your team, affirm your students and engage your community, this is a great place to start.