Black History Education
February is Black History Month, but we support Black History education and our Black community everyday. Here are some great ways to show your support and educate yourself. At the bottom of this page, we will be listing all of the special activities going on in our schools this month to honor the legacy of a beautiful culture that has blossomed out of such tragic beginnings.
It's important to remember that Black History month is more than just a highlight reel of Black accomplishments and Black tragedies. As President Obama said in 2016, "We know that this should be more than just a commemoration of particular events. It’s about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America. It’s about taking an unvarnished look at the past so we can create a better future."
Visit A History Museum
| When researching historical events, prioritize primary documents–including video and pictures–that tell the story of history as it happened from the people who made it happen |
Museums can be an outstanding resource for primary documents, and often host a collection online!
Michigan Museums
- Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
- Visit the Detroit Historical Museum on Woodward in the Wayne State University District
National Museums and Archives
- Explore resources from (or visit!) the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture
Watch Black Films
Explore documentaries by Black filmmakers
Watch movies highlighting Black history and contemporary Black culture
- 11 films to watch for black history month and after
- This curated selection from the Jacksonville Public Library are all available for FREE to stream using Kanopy and your Ferndale Library membership. Universal Library Card Application
| Prioritize primary documents–including video and pictures–that tell the story of history as it happened from the people who made it happen |
Experience the work of famous and underground Black directors, writers, and actors
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24 Essential Works of Black Cinema Recommended by Black Directors
from Time includes the work of William Greaves, Charles Burnett, Julie Dash, Raoul Peck, and Steve McQueen -
Black Women Directors.co highlights Black female and non-binary directors from around the world.
Appreciate More Black Art
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The history of the Black Diaspora is World History, and that cannot be overstated in the realm of the arts. Often uncredited and under compensated, Black artists have influenced every facet of contemporary arts. Read books by Black authors
See Black Visual Art in Person
Listen to the music of foundational Black artists over the past 100 years
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Support Our Black Community
Support black-owned businesses
- Detroit's Black Owned Businesses from VisitDetroit
- 28 BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES IN DETROIT YOU CAN SUPPORT RIGHT NOW from CaninetoFive
- Get a book and catch poetry or music at Nandi’s Knowledge Cafe in Highland Park
Participate in Black History Month
- Decorate your front door or a window for Black History Month
- Attend Black History Month events in your community
Eat Food that Celebrates Black Culture or Supports Black Communities
- Order or cook African and Soul food using traditional recipes and modern evolutions from Black culinary artists
- Sign up with EatOkra.com ( a Black-owned company) to find and order from Black-owned restaurants in the area.
- Visit Blue Nile in Ferndale to experience Ethiopian cuisine, one of the many traditional African cuisines which has influenced the development of distinctly-American Black cuisine
Know the True History
The Underground Railroad
Learn about Metro Detroit connections to the Underground Railroad
- Detroit’s Underground Railroad History & Historical Sites from VisitDetroit.com
- See additional Museums listed at the top of this page.
Juneteenth
Research Juneteenth and its historical significance
- Historical Legacy of Juneteenth from the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Detroit Uprising of 1967
Learn about the Detroit Uprising, also known as the Detroit Revolution
- Uprising of 1967 from the Encyclopedia of Detroit by the Detroit Historical Society
- Detroit 67 Project has gathered videos, interviews, & oral histories around the events of 1967
| Prioritize primary documents–including video and pictures–that tell the story of history as it happened from the people who made it happen |
Visit Historical Sites
- Visit and learn the history of The Shrine of the Black Madonna in Detroit on Linwood
- Visit and learn the history of Dr. Ossian Sweet House
Black History Month History
Learn about the importance and history of Black History Month
- Origins of Black History Month from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History
- Archives, Events, and Panel Discussions are available at BlackHistoryMonth.gov
- Community-curated information and resources from Wikipedia
Research Black Contributions to Science and Technology
Start with some lesser known inventors who influence our lives every day.
- Garret Morgan, inventor of the 3-light traffic signal
- Frederick McKinley Jones, inventor of the Refrigerated Truck
- Lewis Latimer and the long-lasting light bulb
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Marie Van Brittan Brown, inventor of the home security system and closed-circuit television
Common Sense Media Content
These entertainment picks feature Black characters, moving stories, compelling themes, and positive representation to celebrate and honor Black culture, stories, and achievements with your family. They highlight a diverse spectrum of Black history and experiences. Families with kids of all ages can find something to enjoy together and learn from.
Common Sense Media Black Voices Resource Hub
Common Sense media has also put together this list of age-specific content for learning and exploring at home.
Kid-Friendly Videos and Podcasts for Exploring Black History and Culture
School Activities
Ferndale Early Childhood Center
- Black History Digital Reading Room with clickable age-appropriate storytime videos
- Family Discovery Project - Black Inventors
- Olympics Day to recognize Black athletes and the struggles they had to overcome on the world stage
- Focus on Black Representation in classroom literature for the month
Ferndale Lower
- Daily Announcements will highlight The ABC’s of Black History by Rio Cortez
- Each individual classroom will participate in activities and share literature focused on Black Americans all month
- Displays around the school
- Annual Peace Parade was held in January to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Ferndale Upper
- Theme: We BELIEVE in EXCELLENCE: Portraits of Black Excellence & Joy
- Big Part of History projects (5th grade)
- Door Decorating in celebration of Black Excellence
- Ferndale Graduates (FHS/UHS) Career Visits - week of 2/13/22
- Weekly Shout Outs/Announcements will include highlights of Young Black Americans and their impact
- Additional Resources and Activities
Ferndale Middle
- Daily Trivia/Announcements to highlight Black history- Students and staff
- Door decorating contest
- Flipgrid performances-students submit performances highlighting Black history through spoken word, singing, dancing, artistic expression and submit via Flipgrid
Ferndale High:
- FHS Black History Fine Arts Showcase: Friday, February 10th at 1pm in the FHS Auditorium
University High
- Honoring Black Voices: Writing Competition
- BHM Door Decorating Contest
- Black History Film Night
- BHM Spirit Week
Tri-County Educational Center
- Friday Films. Each Friday (Feb. 10/17) we will be playing a Black History Film
- Black History door and hallway decoration contest
- Integrated lessons in all 1st hour homerooms, highlighting individuals and significant events
