The achievements and contributions of African-Americans to U.S. history have been celebrated in this country since 1926. February became the month for recognition because it marks the birthdays of two men who positively influenced African Americans in the U.S.: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides, which occurred in May 1961. Representative John Lewis (D-Georgia) was a key civil rights activist during that time. He spoke to Kid Reporter Henry Dunkelberger about those days when he was beaten and jailed fighting for a law that was on the books but not being observed in the south. A video of his powerful interview is below.
You will find many similar stories from Kid Reporters recognizing the achievements and accomplishments of African American leaders in this country. Check it out by taking a look at the stories below.
For the latest on national and international events, movies, television, music, sports, and more, check out the Scholastic Kids Press Corps homepage.
Included Here:
- Articles (19)
- Collateral
Articles
Sixty Years Later
Before April 15, 1947, major-league baseball was a game of one color. Sixty years later, baseball is celebrating the man who broke that color line, Jackie Robinson.
Tuskegee Pilot Chrystal Cole
Like Amelia Earhart in her day, Chrystal Cole knew early on that she had to fly.
Historic March Comes to Life
Illustrator London Ladd brings the words and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to life in the book March On!
Book Review: March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World
Kid Reporter Jeremy Sutton reviews the book March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World.
Country Music Songwriter
Alice Randall is an accomplished writer in more ways than one. She has published three novels, written screenplays, and was the first African-American woman to write a number one country song.
The Art of Testing the Ice
When artist Kadir Nelson began his illustrations of the book Testing the Ice, his goal was to "tell the story with pictures." His challenge was to do that in a way that went beyond turning words into drawings.
Book Review: Testing the Ice
Kid Reporter NAME reviews Testing the Ice by Sharon Robinson and Kadir Nelson.
Author Nikki Grimes Exercises
Exercise is a big part of author Nikki Grimes' life, but it's not just any muscle she works out six-days a week.
Music of the Civil Rights Movement
The music of the civil rights was the focus of a workshop and concert at the White House to celebrate Black History Month.
50 Years After Lunch Counter Sit-ins
Recently, Nashville celebrated the 50th anniversary of the lunch counter sit-ins around the nation that helped gain wide public support for the civil rights movement with a program featuring Emmy-award winning political and social writer Juan Williams.
Detroit Mayor David Bing
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing is a star of the basketball court and boardroom. He is also one of about 650 African-American mayors in the United States who are celebrating Black History Month this February.
Jackie Robinson's Courage
When Sharon Robison wrote her latest book about her father, baseball legend Jackie Robinson, she had one message in mind: courage.
The Freedom Rides - 50 Years Later
Kid Reporter Henry Dunkelberger interviews Rep. John Lewis about his experience as a Freedom Rider in 1961.
Zora and Me and a 'Gator
Kid Reporter Maxwell Smith recently interviewed the authors of Zora and Me Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon at the Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem, New York. The book is a mystery that imagines the life of famed author Zora Neale Hurston as a fourth grader.
Zora and Me Kicks Off New Mystery Series
Kid Reporter Maxwell Smith reviews the book Zora and me by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon.
Zora Neale Hurston Revealed
Most students younger than eighth grade have never heard of her, but she is one of the most inspirational and influential African American writers of all time. With a new young adult book out that imagines her life as a fourth grader, a younger generation is about to find out about Zora Neale Hurston.
Civil Rights in Arizona
The heart of the Civil Rights Movement was in the Deep South in states like Mississippi and Alabama. A similar struggle was happening In Phoenix, Arizona, however, which was called the "Mississippi of the West" because it segregated blacks from whites in public places.
Movie Review: Freedom Riders
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides. A new documentary was recently released to commemorate the people and struggle behind one of the most important moments of the Civil Rights movement.
Prudence Crandall Educated All
Prudence Crandall opened the Canterbury Female Boarding School in Canterbury, Connecticut in the fall of 1831. Today, it's a symbol of the fight for the civil rights.
Collateral
- Subjects:Social Studies, African American History, American History, Civil Rights, Cooperation and Teamwork, Composers and Musicians, Journalism, Arts and Creativity, Civics and Government, Courage, Bravery, Heroism, Equality, Fairness, Justice, Civil Rights Movement, Historic Figures, Actors, Artists, Performers, Kindness and Compassion, Tolerance and Acceptance, Black History Month, Understanding Self and Others
