Black History Month & Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action Board of Education Resolution
At the Board of Education meeting on Jan. 30, 2025, the Board approved a resolution to recognize the Black Lives Matter at School: Week of Action. In February, Black History Month, and the Black Lives Matter at School: Week of Action are wonderful catalysts to highlight, uplift and affirm the rich history and contributions of the Black community and Black leaders.
The Black Lives Matter at School: Week of Action spans from Feb. 3-7 and includes selected lessons that have been vetted and approved by HCPSS staff in curricular offices and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and may be used by middle and high school teachers. The lessons are voluntary and don’t apply to all curricular areas.
This week is an opportunity to understand the historical challenges people in the Black community have faced, and their many contributions to society overall. It is not intended to advance or respond to any political movements or agendas.
While Black History Month only spans one month, we will continue to prioritize the efforts of underrepresented communities and their meaningful impact on our society throughout the year.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time to recognize the contributions and impacts they have made throughout U.S. history. The 2025 theme is "African Americans and Labor". This theme focuses on the ways that work, of all kinds, has intersected with the experiences of Black people. The HCPSS Black Student Achievement Program has compiled a list of resources for staff to utilize.
Check out these public events celebrating Black History Month:
National African American Read-In at the Community Read-a-Thon!
Join friends and community members on Saturday, February 8th to celebrate the National African American Read-In at the Community Read-a-Thon! at the Howard County Library System East Columbia Branch or the Glenwood Branch to read books written by Black authors. The National African American Read-In encourages communities to read together, centering African American books and authors. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month.
Blacktastic: A Virtual Festival of Maryland Black History and Culture - Arts for Learning Maryland
The 2025 Virtual Black History Month Festival - Association of the Study of African American Life and History
Annual Black History Luncheon - Association of the Study of African American Life and History
Celebrate Black History Month in Maryland - Maryland Office of Tourism
National Museum of African American History and Culture Events