How Schools Can Celebrate Black History Month & Why It Matters

Introduction

Black History Month planning in schools works best when it is intentional, reflective, and grounded in the real experiences of students and educators. Nikki Williams-Rucker brings that perspective to her work as an instructional coach at Black Teacher Collaborative (BTC), an organization committed to ensuring Black children learn in challenging, affirming, and innovative environments staffed by Black educators who support both academic growth and socio-emotional wellbeing through shared racial identity.

With 16 years of experience as an English teacher, Williams-Rucker also founded My Sister’s Keeper, a nonprofit that has helped more than 2,000 girls get to and through college. In this conversation, she shares how schools can approach Black History Month with purpose—focusing on belonging, preparation, and student voice rather than last-minute activities.

👉 Related Resource: How to Organize Black History Month Activities

The Value of Celebrating Black History Month in Schools

SignUpGenius: What are some tangible values that come out of celebrating Black History Month in schools?

Nikki Williams-Rucker: Celebrating Black History Month can build sociopolitical consciousness, awareness, racial identity, and the inclusion of Black people in history. When Black children see themselves as members of their school community—and are accepted as members who don’t just feel included but truly belong—the impact on academic achievement and closing achievement gaps can be significant.

Black students want and need to feel that the education system is liberating them, not oppressing them. Black History Month is one step in that direction, especially when it’s done intentionally and with fidelity.

Representation, Curriculum, and Student Growth

SignUpGenius: How have you seen students benefit from diverse teacher representation and curriculum that reflects wider cultural worldviews?

Nikki Williams-Rucker: When I taught AP Language, I taught students who did not look like me. I intentionally used a diverse range of voices and perspectives in the classroom. Having a teacher who didn’t look like them or come from where they lived gave students a broader worldview and the opportunity to engage with ideas they may not have encountered otherwise.

Students were able to ask meaningful questions, recognize implicit bias, and learn to respect the lived experiences of others. This isn’t unique to my classroom—it’s true in any learning environment with diverse teacher representation. More voices in the room create critical thinkers who can connect with diverse populations.

Practical Ways Schools Can Approach Black History Month

SignUpGenius: What are some practical ideas for celebrating Black History Month in schools?

Nikki Williams-Rucker: One year, we transformed the entire school to reflect 1950-era segregation—from water fountains to stairwells. Before students arrived, we facilitated staff training focused on bias and racism so teachers had time to reflect and process before leading students through the experience.

We used colors instead of skin tones and created space for students to experience the impact of segregation firsthand. We paired the experience with documentaries, guest speakers, and structured debriefs. It allowed students to critically examine a difficult period in history while reflecting on how it still shapes their educational experiences today.

We also shared one Black History Month fact each day during announcements and encouraged students to contribute additional information through contests. Resources like Teaching Tolerance offered helpful activity ideas and frameworks.

Empowering Student Voice Beyond February

SignUpGenius: How can schools teach Black history while also empowering students to create their own ways of honoring Black History Month?

Nikki Williams-Rucker: Student voice should be central. Organizations like Mikva Challenge focus on empowering students to be active participants and change-makers. Mobilizing students shouldn’t be limited to Black History Month—it should be part of the overall school culture.

If schools want students to truly feel they belong, Black History Month should build on what’s already happening in classrooms year-round. Curriculum needs to reflect the students sitting in front of us by including different texts, perspectives, and voices as authorities on academic concepts. Black students need to see themselves as the geniuses they are—and to see that reflected in their schools.

Closing Reflection

Black History Month is most impactful when it is thoughtfully planned, well supported, and connected to a broader culture of belonging. As Nikki Williams-Rucker reminds us, meaningful experiences don’t happen by accident—they are built through preparation, reflection, and a commitment to student voice.

Thank you to Nikki Williams-Rucker for sharing her insights. For additional planning ideas, explore resources and activity examples that help schools organize Black History Month experiences with intention and care.