February is Black History Month

Students are learning about, recognizing, and celebrating African Americans.

From National Geographic Kids:

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 enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.

 Among the notable figures often spotlighted during Black History Month are:

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who fought for equal rights for Blacks during the 1950s and ’60s
• Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American justice appointed to the United States Supreme Court in 1967
• Mae Jemison, who became the first female African-American astronaut to travel to space in 1992
• Barack Obama, who was elected the first-ever African-American president of the United States in 2008.

Black History Month: Kuumba Creative Contest

The APS Office of Equity and Engagement is excited to present the 2022 Kuumba: Creative Contest, an initiative to recognize, nurture and honor the creative talents in our APS schools. We invite students to submit their works of art beginning Feb. 1.

• Submission Deadline: Feb. 28.
• Eligibility: APS Students from grades 1-12
• Recognition: First, second, and third place winners will be awarded in each division: Elementary, Middle, and High School.
• Categories:
• Literature and Art: Poetry, essay, painting, sculpture, drawing.
• Media Recording/Alternative Media: Instrumental demonstration, singing, rapping, additional content creation presentation.
• Get more information on the Kuumba Creative Contest 
• Kuumba: Creative Contest Submission

Resources for Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month resource materials for teachers, students, and the community to be able to learn more about African American history, experience, and the significance of the month. Compiled by the APS Office of Equity and Engagement.