Black History Month - KS1

Black History Month is an event held to remember important moments in history and celebrate the achievements of Black people in the UK and around the world.

The event was introduced in the UK in 1987 and takes place each year in October.

Black History Month is about recognising the amazing things Black people have done to help make the world better.

Why do we celebrate Black History Month?

In the past, people didn't always give credit to Black people for their contributions to art, writing, sports, business, politics and many other things.

By celebrating Black History Month, it helps us to learn more about these important achievements and tell the stories that haven't always been told.

Black History Month helps us learn about the lives and achievements of many Black people from the past who helped change the world for the better.

Explore the stories of some important individuals through the information, activities, and videos below.

Walter Tull

Walter Tull was born in Kent on the 28 April 1888.

He was one of Britain’s first Black professional footballers.

Walter gave up his career as a footballer to become a soldier in World War One.

In 1917, he was made an officer and became the first Black officer to lead British soldiers into battle.

Learn more about Walter Tull

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks lived in America in the 1950s.

At that time, Black and white people were kept apart in some American states.

In 1955, Rosa refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger.

Her actions helped change American history forever and led to Black people being treated more fairly.

Learn more about Rosa Parks

Activity - Astonishing Activists game

Play this fun game and learn more about Rosa Parks and other important people who changed the world for the better.

Discover more on KS1 History

You can learn more about Black history and significant people in these articles.

Fairness means treating others with respect and equality.

Black people have fought for equal rights and fairness for many years and continue to campaign today.

Have a look at the information, videos and activities below to learn more about some famous Black activists and why fairness is so important.

Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

Over 60 years ago, Dr Martin Luther King Jr. lived in a part of America where Black people were treated unfairly.

He became a leader in the fight for equal rights, using peaceful protests and powerful speeches to bring about change.

In 1964, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work.

His actions helped change laws and attitudes, making a real difference in the lives of many people.

Learn more about Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

Watch: Why is fairness important?

Everyone has the right to be treated fairly and equally.

Learn why fairness is important in this video.

Discover more on KS1 Citizenship

You can learn more about why it is important to treat people with kindness in the articles below.

Black History Month celebrates many important Black artists of the past and present.

Art is an important way for people to express their culture and identity.

Take a look at the information and activities below to learn more.

Brianna McCarthy

Brianna McCarthy was born in Trinidad and Tobago, in the Caribbean, in 1984.

She makes portraits by sticking different materials to a surface. This is known as collage.

Brianna uses a range of colours and patterns in her portraits to show that everyone is unique and different.

Learn more about Brianna McCarthy

Activity - Make a portrait collage

Have a go at making a collage of yourself or a friend.

You will need some small pieces of paper, tissue or wrapping paper.

Draw out your head shape onto a piece of paper.

Then use a glue stick to stick down your pieces.

What colours and patterns will you use?

Discover more on KS1 Art and Design

Learn more about collages and other ways to create art in these articles.

You can find many more amazing resources on Black history, heritage, culture and achievements from around the BBC.