Black History Month: Voices of Black History facts for kids

Bayard Rustin, Deputy Director, and Cleveland Robinson, Chairman of Administrative Committee (left to right).

Black History Month is a special time each year when we celebrate the incredible journey, amazing achievements, and history of Black people. It's a time for all of us to learn, reflect, and be inspired by the "voices" that have helped build the world where everyone is valued and respected.

This page is your starting point for discovering the stories, achievements, and lasting impact of the most prominent Black individuals. Here, you’ll find an organized collection of links to dedicated articles about brave leaders, brilliant scientists, talented artists, and everyday people who made a difference.

Think of this as your hub—a place to begin an exciting journey through time. Each link you click will open the door to a new story of courage, creativity, leadership, and change. Whether you're learning for a school project, exploring for fun, or looking to celebrate, everything you need is right here. Let’s begin exploring the powerful Voices of Black History together!

How It Began: The Story Behind Black History Month
Key Voices in Black History
Famous African-American Scientists and Inventors
African-American Noble Laureates
African-American Astronauts and Pilots
African-American Heroes: Medal of Honor Recipients
Intersting Facts About Black History Month

How It Began: The Story Behind Black History Month

Carter G. Woodson

This special month began thanks to a brilliant historian named Carter G. Woodson. He noticed that the stories and accomplishments of Black Americans were often left out of history books. He believed it was super important for everyone, especially young people, to know about these heroes and their impact.

So, in 1926, he started "Negro History Week." He chose a week in February because it included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two people who were very important in the fight for freedom and equality. Over time, more and more people joined in the celebration, and by 1976, "Negro History Week" grew into "Black History Month," celebrated across the entire United States and in other countries too!

Key Voices in Black History

Voices of Freedom: Famous Black Abolitionists

Frederick Douglass around 1847–52, in his early 30s

Imagine a time when some people were treated as property, not as human beings. This terrible system was called slavery. People who were enslaved were forced to work without pay, couldn't make their own choices, and were often separated from their families. In the United States, slavery was a huge and complicated issue, especially in the Southern states.

But many people knew it was wrong and wanted to change things. An abolitionist was someone who wanted to abolish – or completely end – slavery. Black abolitionists were especially powerful because many of them had experienced slavery themselves or had family members who were enslaved. They knew firsthand how cruel and unfair it was, and they dedicated their lives to fighting for freedom for all. They believed that every person, no matter their skin color, deserved to be free and treated with dignity. They wrote, they spoke, they organized, and they risked everything to help others. Let's meet some of these incredible heroes!

Prominent African-American Labor and Civil Rights Activists

A. Philip Randolph, U.S. civil rights leader, 1963

March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom — 28 August, 1963. Including the African American Civil Rights participants: Sammy Davis, Jr. (left), actor and performer. Roy Wilkins (right), Executive Secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Civil rights leaders meet with President John F. Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon Johnson after the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, 1963. Lewis is fourth from left.

Freedom Vote broadside

Jesse Jackson surrounded by marchers carrying signs advocating support for the Hawkins-Humphrey Bill for full employment, near the White House, Washington, D.C.

Abernathy and his wife Juanita Abernathy with Dr. Martin Luther King and his wife Coretta Scott King The Abernathy children are shown in the front line, leading the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965

The fight for labor and civil rights was a movement to secure equal treatment, dignity, justice under the law, safe working conditions, fair pay, and the right to come together to make things better. Get ready to meet the pioneering men and women who organized workers into unions, led marches, and raised their powerful voices to demand both economic power and equal rights for Black Americans.

Voices for Change:African-Americans in U.S. politics

Barbara Jordan, the first African American woman elected to the Texas Senate after the Reconstruction era

For many years after the United States was founded, African Americans were not allowed to vote or hold federal office. This began to change after the American Civil War. A very important change happened in 1870 with the Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It said that no citizen could be stopped from voting because of their race or color. This was a huge step forward!

Meet important African-American leaders who have served in the United States government. These individuals have broken barriers and made significant contributions to the United State's laws and leadership, inspiring many along the way.

Outstanding African-American Women

Representative Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American woman to serve in Congress.

Rosa Parks in 1955, with Martin Luther King Jr. in the background

Lola Albright (left) and Willa Brown (right) at Harlem Airport in Chicago.

Mary McLeod Bethune (left) and Eleanor Roosevelt (center), 1943

This section celebrates the brilliant and brave contributions of Black women from every sphere of life. They broke barriers, set new records, and used their unique talents and unwavering courage to fight for justice, create breathtaking art, unlock scientific mysteries, and lead communities forward. Their stories show us that making a difference can happen in a laboratory, on a stage, in a courtroom, or in your own neighborhood.

Meet the role models, trailblazers, and history-makers who prove that with vision and determination, there is no limit to what can be achieved.

Famous African-American Scientists and Inventors

NASA photograph of Valerie L. Thomas next to a stack of early Landsat Computer Compatible Tapes, 1979

Katherine Johnson in 1983

Botanist George Washington Carver

Melba Mouton, a mathematician and computer programmer in NASA’s Trajectory and Geodynamics Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

This section celebrates the most prominent Black scientists, doctors, engineers, and inventors. Throughout history, often facing enormous obstacles and unfairness, they used their curiosity, intelligence, and determination to make groundbreaking discoveries and create incredible inventions. Their work has saved lives, connected people, built industries, and opened up the stars for exploration.

From improving agriculture and creating life-saving medical procedures to pioneering computer technology and exploring the depths of space, their contributions are part of the foundation of our modern world.

African-American Noble Laureates

The Nobel Prize is an annual, international award that celebrates incredible achievements by individuals who have done something truly outstanding to benefit humankind. It was first awarded way back in 1901, thanks to a brilliant Swedish inventor named Alfred Nobel. He wanted to recognize people who made the world a better place in different fields.

There are five main categories for the Nobel Prize:

Physics: For amazing discoveries about how the universe works, like understanding electricity or light.
Chemistry: For breakthroughs in understanding materials and how they change, like creating new medicines or plastics.
Physiology or Medicine: For discoveries that help us understand the human body and fight diseases, making people healthier.
Literature: For writing beautiful and powerful stories, poems, or essays that inspire and teach us.
Peace: For people who work hard to bring countries together, stop wars, and promote friendship and understanding around the world.

Since 1969, there's also been an associated prize in Economic Sciences, which recognizes important ideas about how money, trade, and societies work.

As of 2026, Nobel Prizes have been awarded to 990 individuals and 28 organisations. That's a lot of brilliant minds! Among these incredible people, a special group stands out: African-American recipients.

African-American Astronauts and Pilots

NASA astronaut Victor J. Glover

Stephanie Wilson observing the condition of the protective shutters in the Cupola during STS-131

Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel into space

These trailblazers broke the "sky barrier," proving that courage and brilliance have no limits. From the daring pilots who mastered the early skies to the modern astronauts who have lived and worked aboard the International Space Station, these explorers expanded our horizons.

They navigated not only the challenges of flight and space but also the obstacles of prejudice on Earth. Their incredible journeys remind us that the sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning. Get ready to meet the pioneers who reached for the stars and inspired generations to follow.

African-American Heroes: Medal of Honor Recipients

Clinton congratulates Medal of Honor recipient Vernon Baker

Vernon Baker receiving Medal of Honor from President Bill Clinton

James Anderson, Jr., Medal of Honor recipient

Welcome to the gallery of extraordinary courage! The Medal of Honor is the highest and rarest military decoration in the United States. Here, you will meet the brave African American service members who earned this prestigious award. Their incredible acts of heroism—like saving fellow soldiers against impossible odds or defending vital positions—shine brightly in American history. Get ready to be inspired by their valor and sacrifice.

Intersting Facts About Black History Month

Every year, Black History Month has a special theme chosen by the ASALH. For example, past themes have focused on Black health and wellness, Black women in American culture and history, or the importance of Black arts. This helps people focus on different aspects of Black history each year.
While it started in the U.S., Black History Month is also celebrated in other countries! Canada celebrates it in February, and the United Kingdom and Ireland celebrate it in October.
Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel into space in 1992 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. She was also a doctor and a dancer!
Rosa Parks is known as the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement for bravely refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955. Her courageous act sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a major event in the Civil Rights Movement that led to the desegregation of public transportation.
Thurgood Marshall was a brilliant lawyer who argued many important cases for civil rights. He became the first African American Supreme Court Justice in 1967, serving on the highest court in the United States.
Bessie Coleman was the first African American woman and the first Native American woman to earn a pilot's license. She performed amazing aerial stunts and inspired many with her courage and determination to fly.
Barack Obama made history when he was elected the 44th President of the United States in 2008, serving two terms. His election was a monumental moment for the country.

Black History Month on Kiddle

Outstanding African-American Women

Jewel Prestage

Ella Baker

Fannie Lou Hamer

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Black History Month: Voices of Black History Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.

Black History Month: Voices of Black History facts for kids

Contents

How It Began: The Story Behind Black History Month

Key Voices in Black History

Voices of Freedom: Famous Black Abolitionists

Prominent African-American Labor and Civil Rights Activists

Voices for Change:African-Americans in U.S. politics

Outstanding African-American Women

Famous African-American Scientists and Inventors

African-American Noble Laureates

African-American Astronauts and Pilots

African-American Heroes: Medal of Honor Recipients

Intersting Facts About Black History Month