Black History Month 2026 Teaching Resources

Get ready for Black History Month 2026 with hundreds of printables, worksheets, digital activities and more ways to bring the stories of Black Americans alive in your classroom this February.

This collection of Black History teaching resources was created by the teacher team at Teach Starter, with printable and digital options that have been designed to meet Common Core and state standards. The majority include editable options so you can easily differentiate them for your students, and each one has been reviewed by a member of our teaching team to ensure they're classroom-ready — so you can save time on your lesson planning.

Teaching about Black History for the first time this February, or simply looking for fresh ideas to bring this topic to life in the classroom? Explore some tips from our teachers, including a look at the theme for the 100th celebration of Black History in the US and some important historical information about the month to anwer students' questions.

When Is Black History Month?

Black History Month is officially marked in February every year. In 2026, the month will be marked from February 1 to February 28.

What Is the Theme for Black History Month 2026?

Each year, the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History (ASALH) chooses the theme for Black History Month. In 2026, that theme is A Century of Black History Commemorations because — as the ASALH explains:

"For its 100th theme, the Founders of Black History Month urges us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world."

Black History Month Activity Ideas for Teachers

Some ideas to approach the theme in the classroom this year include:

1. Create a Century of Commemoration Timeline. Explore how Black history has been recognized and celebrated over the last 100 years by creating a simple class timeline. Students examine how commemorations have grown from small community efforts to nationwide observances.
2. From One Week to One Month. Learn how Black History Month began as a single week and expanded into a month-long celebration. Students compare early Black history commemorations with how Black history is honored today.
3. Explore Ways We Celebrate Black History. Investigate the many ways Black history is commemorated, including art, music, storytelling, parades, and school events. Students reflect on how these celebrations help preserve important stories and voices.
4. Whose Stories Are Remembered? Encourage students to think about whose voices have been highlighted throughout a century of Black history commemorations. Students identify individuals they believe should be remembered and explain why their stories matter.
5. How Our School Commemorates Black History. Invite students to explore how Black History Month is recognized within their own school community. Students contribute artwork, reflections, or ideas to a shared display showing how remembrance continues today.
6. Continuing the Next 100 Years. Challenge students to consider how they can help carry Black history commemorations into the future. Students share ideas for honoring Black voices and achievements beyond February.

Who Started Black History Month?

If you're looking to teach students the background of Black History Month itself, you'll need to start with Carter G. Woodson.

Known as the father of Black History Month, Woodson was a historian and author whose establishment of Negro History Week in 1926 paved the way for the federal declaration of February as Black History Month some 50 years later.

The founder of the ASALH — which today determines the theme for each Black History Month — Woodsen never meant for the study of Black history to be limited to just a week, or even just a month.

Woodsen’s work until his death in 1950 and the work of the ASALH since has been to promote the “year-round and year-after-year study of African American history.”

When Did Black History Month Start?

Although Woodson laid the groundwork in the 1920s, Black History Month would not officially start until 1976 when President Gerald Ford became the first president to declare February as Black History Month.