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Jan 4, 2023 · Share these Black History Month facts with kids this February and throughout the year to celebrate incredible milestones and victories.
- There's a reason why Black History Month is February. Black History Month isn't celebrated in February due to pure coincidence. It was decided upon to coincide with President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass's birthdays.
- Slavery is far from the only thing that has made life difficult for Black Americans. Slavery may have ended in 1865, but many systemic issues continue to make surviving and thriving as a Black American difficult.
- The Civil Rights Act made it illegal for Black people to be denied service based on race, color, and religion or face segregation. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
- Immigrants are part of Black history, too. Black History Month may have originated in the United States, but it's important to remember that it's inclusive of other cultures as well.
- Rebecca Lee Crumpler (1831–1895), the first Black woman in the United States to qualify as a doctor, opened her own medical clinic in Boston and dedicated herself to treating women and children who lived in poverty.
- During the U.S. Civil War, more than 178,000 Black soldiers served across 175 regiments, making up 10% of the Union Army's soldiers and representing the key to the Union's victory.
- Though they were forbidden from signing up officially, a large number of Black women served as scouts, nurses and spies in the Civil War.
- One of the greatest African rulers of all time, Mansa Musa (1280–1337) led the Mali Empire at the height of its power and creativity. He directly controlled the price of gold, and he has been described as the richest person in human history.
Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the...
- Kay Boatner
Scientists, engineers, and inventors find the solutions to the world's problems. Learn about the work that these Black scientists and inventors have accomplished that make our lives better.
Add these Black History Month facts for kids to your classroom discussions to broaden understanding of Black history and culture.