The first official celebration of Black History Month occurred at Kent State University in February 1970.

Every year thereafter, schools use the month as an opportunity to teach about the many important and complex parts that make up the extensive history of African-Americans in the U.S. For this reason, finding reliable resources is imperative.

Education World has compiled a few of modern-day resources that can be used to help supplement teaching Black History Month in your classroom.

"The Unequal Opportunity Race"

This video, created by the African American Policy Forum, is a great video to start a discussion about the current state of racial affairs in the United States.

While the showing of this video sparked an outrage in various communities for promoting “white guilt,” the conversation is an important one to have as it is one that currently divides American society in present times.

Whether or not you agree with how the video portrays racial disparities, it opens up the conversation to be had, a conversation that many students will likely be having in their future careers. In other words, despite the controversy, this is a great video to end your Black History Month lesson with, because it continues the discussion into modern times.

5 Classic Songs That Provide Insight Into Black History

Yahoo! Music has compiled five songs that highlight the celebration of Black History Month by each telling a story about black history. "Music is typically viewed as a form of entertainment that moves listeners to dance, sing, or just feel good, but sometimes it empowers,” the article says.

The list includes songs from Stevie Wonder, Billie Holiday and Public Enemy among others, with videos included to easily share with your class.

See the full list here. 

Black History Month Reading List

This reading list includes books that cover a wide range of topics related to Black History Month, both in the past and present.

For instance, From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation by Keeanga-Yahmahtta Taylor documents the history behind the present #BlackLivesMatter movement, while Not Straight, Not White: Black Gay Men from the March on Washington to the Aids Crisis by Kevin Mumford talks about the history behind the struggle of black, gay men and “rejects the erasure of black queerness in American civil rights history.”

The Women Behind Black History Month

This list of 28 African-American women who served as crucial power players in the Civil Rights Movement is a great resource to share with your students.

It includes 28 women from a variety of backgrounds with a variety of different accomplishments to emphasize the wide range of people who made a different in the movement.

See the full list here.

Compiled by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

2/12/2016