As we enter Black History Month, we pause to celebrate the many contributions, stories, and lived experiences that have shaped our shared past and continue to influence our present and future. At Pandia Press Books, we believe that accurate, inclusive history education is essential - not just for this month, but every day. When students understand the full breadth of our collective story, they are better equipped to think critically, reach their potential, and creatively face challenges as engaged members of a pluralistic society.
Black history is United States history and world history. Unfortunately, many voices and stories are overlooked or being erased from public spaces like parks and museums, historical narratives, and some curricula. Today, more than ever, we see how vital it is to uplift and learn from those whose experiences have too long been left out of the broader story of our nation.
We remain committed to supporting families and educators with resources that reflect the richness and diversity of the past. Below you will find some trusted online free resources that will help you share Black History Month with your learners. We will also share some Pandia Press-created units over the next few weeks.
Black history belongs in your studies all year long, and we hope the materials below will support you in exploring stories of leadership, creativity, resilience, and community.
The 2026 Black History Month theme is "A Century of Black History Commemorations." You can learn more about the history of this month of recognition from the founding organization, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
Black History & Pandia Press History Curricula
R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey
Looking for a connection to your science curriculum? Explore the question "How many of the items you use every day were invented or improved by Black creators?" Profiles of Black conservationists pair perfectly with Earth & Environment! Learn how astronomy helped Black Americans survive.
History Quest & History Odyssey
Black history, of course, is inseparable from the history of the world. The Black experience is part of Ancient, Middle, and Modern history. Before learning about the enslavement of African people in U.S. history studies, it is so important to learn about and celebrate the complex and thriving African nations from which they came.
Both our History Quest and History Odyssey series include African civilizations and/or the Black American experience, and we offer literature and supplemental reading lists for each course. For studies on the great African civilizations, for example, visit our History Odyssey: Middle Times weblinks page for videos and other educational websites.
More Resources
PBS Kids suggest some basics here and get more videos, tools, and articles on their resource page.
For literature that complements both our U.S. and world history curricula, check out an online independent Black-owned bookstore like Ashay By the Bay. Find a book by "African American authors and illustrators that demonstrate appreciation of African American culture and universal human values" recognized by the Coretta Scott King Book Award.
"65+ Black History Videos Everyone Should Watch" from We Are Teachers offers lesson plans and video response worksheets to accompany a well curated list of kid-friendly videos (sort by grade).
The My Hero Project, a nonprofit that uses media to highlight the best of humanity, offers a Black History Month video series & content questions curated for high school students. The site also includes short original films made by Black teens.
Read 5 Things Not to Do During Black History Month, for some quick, easy-to-follow guidelines for giving your lesson plans more depth.
Discover something new. Digging deeper can reveal so many hidden figures whose valuable contributions haven't gotten as much credit as more famous leaders and pioneers.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture has an excellent digital learning tool North Star where you can discover stories and objects from the Museum that illuminate the African American experience. Explore categories like Arts & culture, original historical documents, and “how to” lessons on historical thinking. The Museum also has an education program, "Interpreting the African American Story" that integrates arts, STEM, and more.
The Zinn Education Project offers a database of teacher resources and lesson plans (usually for middle school and up) on Black History including colonial law, the Constitution, Reconstruction, Civil Rights, and contemporary issues.
