Here you will find a quality collection of powerful Black History month writing prompts.
Not only do these prompts reduce writer’s block, but they also encourage students to challenge their beliefs, foster a growth mindset, improve writing skills, analyze historical events, and reflect upon personal experiences.
These Black History Month writing prompts make a fantastic addition to your black history unit. You may also want to use them throughout the school year!
Add a few of these Black History prompts to your February lesson plans so that your students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of the achievements plus challenges of African-Americans throughout history.
There are so many influential people to celebrate and honor during this time.
Black History Month Writing Prompts
1. Describe how in the past some people used racial segregation to exclude others and how doing so caused conflict.
2. Racism looks and feels like…
3. Imagine being an African-American adult 80 years ago. Write about the similarities and differences you would experience during that time compared to now.
4. Describe a world with no conflict or hopelessness.
5. Write a biography about Harriet Tubman. Include birth date, place of birth, family information, childhood experiences, significant achievements, challenges overcome, etc.
6. Write an article for the school newspaper giving tips on how to restrain oneself from judging others negatively based on skin color.
7. The most inspirational story I heard during Black History Month …
8. Retell the story of the Underground Railroad.
9. Describe two inventions created by African-Americans. Explain how these creations have impacted society.
10. Write the pros and cons of focusing on black history only during one month of the year.
11. Explain Black History Month to a person from another country who has little to no knowledge of U.S. racial history.
12. Create a social media hashtag for Black History Month. Tell the ideas, events, adventures, and/or activities your hashtag will represent.
13. My dream is for the world to…
14. Imagine that you have an opportunity to interview any famous African-American, living or deceased. Write a list of 15 questions that you would ask. Explain why you chose those questions.
15. The story that I heard or read during Black History Month that was most impactful to me…
16. Write the three best things about Black History Month.
17. If racism didn’t exist, the world would be…
18. Write about a typical day from the perspective of a black person living in the United States in the 1940s or 1950s.
19. Choose any famous African-American, and write a combination of similes and metaphors to describe him/her.
20. E.Q.U.A.L.I.T.Y – Create an acrostic poem using the word equality.
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21. You are given the task of designing the cover of a magazine that highlights famous African-Americans. Describe your cover.
22. Write a speech that encourages others to fight racism.
23. Dr. King didn’t believe in violence. In your opinion, is there ever a time to use violence when fighting for civil rights?
24. To me, equality means…
25. Describe a time when it may be appropriate for a group of individuals to protest against injustice.
26. Write a poem about civil rights.
27. After reading a book or watching a video about a topic related to civil rights, retell the most important ideas you learned.
28. Tell the sequence of significant events in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life.
29. Write two math problems with a Black History theme.
30. How are things better now in the United States for African-Americans compared to 70 or 80 years ago?
31. Design a bumper sticker to advertise Black History Month.
32. There were many who fought for the civil rights of African-Americans. However, many opposed it. Write about why you think some people opposed rights for blacks.
33. Describe a fun Black History arts and crafts project that you think your classmates will enjoy doing.
34. Retell three of Dr. King’s greatest accomplishments. Explain why these achievements are significant.
35. Write a story that takes place in the 1960s.
36. Brainstorm 5 adjectives that you’d use to describe Martin Luther King, Jr. Now write an example of him showcasing each particular trait.
37. Write a “recipe for peace”. Share the ingredients, measurements, and directions.
38. Research the history of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Then write 10 to 15 facts about why the day is celebrated in the United States.
39. Compare and contrast Dr. King to Rosa Parks or Harriet Tubman.
40. Write a story using these five words: peace, love, discrimination, leadership, courage
41. Compose a haiku about something related to Black History Month.
42. Write a speech to the student body encouraging everyone to be kind and respectful towards others.
43. Summarize the contributions of Katherine Johnson.
44. What lasting impact has Dr. King had on the United States and the African-American community?
45. Write a few similes and/or metaphors to describe a famous black American.
46. Provide examples and non-examples of respect.
47. If Martin Luther King, Jr. were alive today, how do you think he would feel about race relations in the world today?
48. Summarize a Black History book you read recently.
49. Describe what makes an exemplary leader.
50. You’re a reporter and have the chance to interview Dr. King about his life. Write a script with a list of questions you’ll ask him along with his responses.
51. The answer is “Black History Month”. Write five different questions.
Final Thoughts: Black History Month Writing Prompts
Now you have an assortment of delightful Black History Month writing prompts to use during writer’s workshop or for various other writing activities.