African American History Month is observed each February to celebrate the history and contributions of African Americans.  Over time, other countries have adopted the celebration as well, making Black History Month a broader celebration across the globe.  As a teacher, there are a multitude of ways to honor Black History Month in the music room.  I’m sharing some of my favorite songs I’ve taught in my classroom.

Want to learn more about African American History Month?  Check out these links.

• African American History Month
• Black History Month
• Association for the Study of African American Life and History
• Ways to Celebrate Black History Month 

Spirituals

There are so many beautiful spiritual to learn and perform with children.  Depending on the grade level you teach, you should be able to find an age-appropriate spiritual for your students.  With older students, you may choose to discuss the origin or history of spirituals.  For younger children, I tend to speak of the hope that was provided to the people singing a spiritual.  Here are some of my favorites I’ve taught at the elementary level.

• All Day, All Night
• Down by the Riverside
• Git on Board
• Great Big Stars
• He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
• Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho
• Kum Ba Ya
• Michael Row the Boat Ashore
• There’s a Little Wheel
• This Little Light of Mine
• This Train

 Want to learn more about the history of Spirituals?  Check out these links.

• African American Spirituals
• Literacy, History, and African American Spirituals
• Negro Spirituals

Underground Railroad

There is a rich connection of music and the Underground Railroad.  From Follow the Drinking Gourd to Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,  “code songs” were songs that had directions or messages embedded in the lyrics.  I also love connecting local history to the Underground Railroad.  I live in a town that was part of the Underground Railroad, so we can talk about local homes that played a part in helping slaves escape to Canada through Detroit.   Here are some of my favorites I’ve taught over the years in elementary music.

• Follow the Drinking Gourd (code song for using the Big Dipper to guide slaves north)
• Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (code song indicating Harriet Tubman was nearby to take slaves north)
• Steal Away (code song indicating it was time to escape using the Underground Railroad)
• Wade in the Water (code song giving directions to walk through water to avoid footprints/scents)
• Alabama Gal (may have been a code song telling slaves to come in to safe houses quickly)
• Dinah (refers to Dinah Mendenhall, a Quaker abolitionist from Pennsylvania
• Liza Jane (refers to Eliza Jane Calvert, a quilter in Kentucky who made have sewed Underground Railroad codes into her quilts)

Want to learn more about the Underground Railroad?  Check out these links.

• National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
• Harriet Tubman Historical Society
• Signal Songs of the Underground Railroad

The Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement refers to the struggle for social justice that took place during the 1950s and 1960s.  Although slavery had ended, African Americans still endured racism and discrimination.  The Civil Rights movement sought equal rights for all and did so through non-violent means.  Here are some of my favorite songs I’ve taught over the years.

• We Shall Overcome
• Lift Every Voice and Sing
• This Little Light of Mine
• Dream of Martin Luther King
• Eyes on the Prize
• A Change is Gonna Come

Want to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement.  Check out these links.

• Civil Rights Movement
• About Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Martin Luther King Jr. 
• I Have a Dream Speech (video)

There is so much beautiful music and rich history that is available for music teachers to teach during Black History Month.  I often reach out to local historians, parents, and others to help me to honor Black History Month in a respectful, culturally relevant way.  Do you have a favorite song or lesson to use to teach during Black History Month?  Leave me a comment below!

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