Black History Month

Black History Month Resources

Updated February 2, 2022

Creating a Black History Month Song/Project

Emphasize key events and leaders in Black History while creating an original song

“I used this large group collaborative project during Black History Month to help teach my preteens and teens about their own history – for example, many of them didn’t know the basics of historical events and leaders.  I combined an educational approach (researching basic Black History facts) with beat making in our studio to create an original song that we rehearsed, recorded and performed for the rest of our Club.” – Josh Alfonzo Boys and Girls Clubs of Tarrant County

Download “Creating a Black History Month Song/Project”

Below are additional Black History Month Resources to help inspire a project or a song!

Educational Resources

Video Resources

Note: Some services require a subscription. Check TV and Movies ratings to determine age-appropriateness

Audio Resources

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Project Download – “Sampling the Civil Rights Movement”

If you have a music-themed Black History Month resource or project to share, please post it on the Music Impact Network Facebook Group and we’ll add it to the list.

Creating a Black History Month Song/Project

Emphasize key events and leaders in Black History while creating an original beat

“I used this large group collaborative project during Black History Month to help teach my preteens and teens about their own history – for example, many of them didn’t know the basics of historical events and leaders.  I combined an educational approach (researching basic Black History facts) with beat making in our studio to create an original song that we rehearsed, recorded and performed for the rest of our Club.” – Josh Alfonzo

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How to… 

  • Organize/print age-appropriate historical facts about key individuals, leaders and events to explore during Black History Month – Example resources include: 
    • www.history.com/topics/black-history
    • www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/
    • www.kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/history/black-history-month/
  • Participants (groups or individuals) choose or are assigned a Black History fact/s
  • Help each participant create original lyrics/verses using the facts provided 
    • For example, a participant selects or is assigned fact/s about Dr. Martin Luther King
    • They then research more about his life, accomplishments and significance
    • Each participant then creates/writes original lyrics (e.g. 2 to 4 bar phrase) 
  • Create a collaborative beat – Encourage participants to provide feedback on the beat including: 
    • Style, tempo, vibe, and overall sound
    • Let participants “vote” on sample sounds, beat/patterns, chord progression, bass lines, melodies, etc.
  • Once the beat/track is created play the beat on a loop 
    • Collaboratively write a “hook” for the track 
    • Help participants rehearse their verses (e.g. work on edits, flow, etc) 
    • Record each verse and hook
  • Edit and finalize the track 
  • Showcase
    • Post to social media 
    • Shoot a Music Video and share
    • Perform live on stage 

To download a full, editable version
Free Download

Sampling the Civil Rights Movement

Expose participants to sampling through culturally and historically significant music 

Part music history workshop and part sampling workshop – Participants learn about and discuss the cultural/historical significance of each song used while learning how to produce and perform an original song using samples. Teach your participants basic sampling skills, expose them to new styles/genres of music and help them build a foundation and appreciation for where modern music gets its roots. 

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How To…

  • Explore music samples using WhoSampled website or App
  • Import the tracks into a Studio Computer or iPad
  • Use interesting samples to build an original beat 
  • Encourage participants to create their own original lyrics that complement the spirit of the song
  • Post finished tracks to social media websites or host a showcase event 
  • Song Ideas:
    • “I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel to Be Free)” – by Nina Simone
    • “Selma March” – by Grant Green
    • “We Shall Overcome” – by Larry Goldings
    • “Alabama” by John Coltrane
    • “Change Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
    • “Lift Every Voice And Sing”  – by Hank Crawford and Jimmy McGriff
    • “Oh Freedom!” by The Golden Gospel Singers
    • “People Get Ready” by The Impressions
    • “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday
    • “The Times They Are A Changin’“ by Bob Dylan
    • “We Shall Not Be Moved” by Mavis Staples

To download a full, editable version
Free Download