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February is Black History Month

© Mary M. Alward

February is Black History Month. It was first established in 1926. During this month, we pay tribute to, and reflect upon, the contributions of African Americans.

Did you know that African Americans contributed greatly to the histories of both the United States and Canada? They were inventors, freedom fighters, entertainers, authors and so much more. They helped to make our countries the great places they are today. Where would we be without such notable figures as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr.? These are just two African Americans who changed the course of history. Find out more about African Americas who made a difference by visiting Nichel Anderson's "Black History Month 2005" Event. There are many different categories from you to chose from. Within each category are articles written by the Feature Writers here at Suite101, in tribute to African Americans who made contributions to the world.

For a bit of Black History Month fun, try making this craft.

Hands Around the World Wreath

What you will need:

paint for different skin tones. If you chose brown, yellow, red and white paint, you will be able to create your own colors.

paper, scissors, glue, pipe cleaner, a large piece of white card stock or bristol board, a small plastic eye, a small piece of orange construction paper, black marker.

What to do:

Dip your hand in different colors of paint and place your hand on white paper. Make 10 to 12 handprints, depending on how large you'd like your wreath to be.

Allow the paint to dry fully.

While the paint is drying, draw a circle and make a globe. It can be colored with pencil crayons, markers or crayons. Be sure it shows all the continents, especially Africa.

Continue

By this time the painted hand prints should be fully dry. Cut them out.

Glue them together to form a circle and then glue onto the white piece of card stock or bristol board. This forms the outside of the wreath.

Glue the globe on the card stock in the center of the wreath.

Use hot glue to fasten the pipe cleaner to the back of the card stock. (It might be best to ask an adult to help with this part of the project.)

Let dry completely.

Hang in a place where everyone can see your creation.

Important Links to Black History

Be sure to read Georgene Bramlage's article Booker T. Washington to learn more about slavery. This article tells about the life of a young slave boy and the chores he had to perform from the time he would walk.