Black History Month is an important opportunity for educators to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, especially those from underrepresented communities. Creating a classroom culture that embraces diversity and uplifts every student is vital year-round, but it’s particularly important during Black History Month.

Here are five inclusive teaching strategies that educators can use to support young people in their class, along with examples to bring these strategies to life.

1. Diversify the Curriculum Beyond Black History Month 📌

Strategy: Incorporate Black voices, experiences, and contributions throughout the year in different subjects—not just during February.

Example: When teaching literature, include works by authors like James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in your reading list. Choose appropriate books for the age and class of your students. In history lessons, highlight Black historical figures not commonly featured, such as Mansa Musa or Ella Baker. This consistent inclusion shows that Black history and contributions are integral to the larger narrative, not just for one month.

2. Use Culturally Responsive Teaching 🗝️

Strategy: Culturally responsive teaching recognizes the importance of including students’ cultural references in all aspects of learning.

Example: When discussing historical events, include multiple perspectives, especially those of marginalized groups. If teaching about the Civil Rights Movement, go beyond the major figures like Martin Luther King Jr. to discuss lesser-known activists and local heroes from the students' communities. Relating lessons to the diverse backgrounds of the students allows them to see themselves in the curriculum.

3. Create a Safe Space for Dialogue and Discussion 👂👄

Strategy: Foster an environment where students feel comfortable discussing issues of race, identity, and inclusion.

Example: Use Black History Month as a springboard for class discussions about current events, racial justice, and representation. Encourage students to share their experiences or thoughts, and facilitate respectful conversations. For example, after watching a documentary about the Civil Rights Movement, you can host a class discussion where students reflect on how the movement’s messages are still relevant today.

4. Incorporate Visual Representation in the Classroom ⭐

Strategy: Representation matters in the physical classroom space. Ensure that the images, posters, and materials displayed reflect a diverse range of backgrounds and accomplishments.

Example: Create a Black History Month wall featuring not only historical figures but also contemporary Black leaders in science, art, politics, and business. Include people from various fields, such as NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, or athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick. This visual representation can inspire all students, particularly those who may not often see themselves reflected in traditional classroom materials.

5. Use Inclusive Language and Acknowledge Different Lived Experiences 🫂

Strategy: Be mindful of the language you use in the classroom, ensuring it is inclusive and acknowledges the diverse experiences of all students.

Example: Instead of teaching Black history as a “single story,” present it as a rich and diverse narrative with many facets. Avoid framing discussions with deficit language (e.g., focusing only on oppression or struggle) and instead highlight resilience, success, and innovation within the Black community. For instance, when discussing slavery, also teach about the ways enslaved people resisted and shaped the culture around them. Acknowledging the complexity of Black experiences ensures that students feel their histories are respected and understood.

Final Thoughts 💚

Inclusive teaching is about making all students feel valued and respected, not only during Black History Month but every day of the year. By diversifying the curriculum, using culturally responsive teaching, creating safe spaces for dialogue, ensuring visual representation, and using inclusive language, teachers can build a classroom environment where every student sees themselves as part of the larger story. Black History Month offers a unique opportunity to start or deepen these practices, but the impact of inclusive education extends far beyond this month.