Black History Month Club for Young Learners:

While there are many ways to study Black history, the best to study the history of people is to see circumstances through their eyes, or to hear the story in their own words. In this class we will read, listen, and discuss speeches of influential African Americans, while also studying the historic backdrop of the speeches. All are invited to join us for Black history month as we learn about the contributions of Black Americans through their speeches. 

It is virtually impossible to do a complete review of African American history in just a few weeks. It is hoped these speeches will familiarize learners with some of the general tenets of the African American struggle. The speeches span from early colonial America to contemporary times, and address a wide variety of mindsets, issues, and viewpoints. 

Each week we will begin with a black history, fun fact, or interesting story such as Frederick Douglas’s White House conversation with President Abraham Lincoln, after being denied the opportunity to speak to the President, because “negroes” were not allowed to address the President of the United States. 

The sessions will be also be interactive. Learners will share their thoughts on the speeches and stories through writing prompts. Some of the audio or reenactments of the speeches may be used so that learners get a full grasp of the orations. Learners will also survey how speeches are written and rhetoric devices used in influential speeches.

As an African American homeschooling mom, I have shared my fun facts and stories with many kids over the years. It is hoped learners of all races and cultures will come together for a time of celebration and appreciation of African American culture, history, and achievements.

Weekly Learning Activities for weeks 1-4:  
•	African American history fun fact: 
•	Brief background of weekly speeches
•	Presentation of speeches
•	Wring prompt relating to basic concepts of fairness and equality.
•	Review of main ideas of the speeches

Speeches include Sojourner Truth, Pres. Barack Obama, Shirley Chisholm, Ida B. Wells, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois, Mary Church-Terrell, Frederick Douglas, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Tim Scott, Barbara Jordan, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King, Stokely Carmichael, Jessie Jackson, Anita Hill, Medgar Evers, and John Lewis

The creator of the class is the editor of "25 African American Speeches that Changed America"  The speeches in the book will be cited.