Celebrate Black Music
Black Music Appreciation Month, originally established by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 and officially recognized by President Bill Clinton in 2000, is a time to honor the powerful impact of Black musicians on American and global music. From the roots of spirituals and gospel to the innovation of jazz, blues, rock 'n' roll, hip-hop, R&B, and soul, Black artists have profoundly shaped the soundtrack of our lives.
This free PreK-12 collection of lesson plans, classroom activities, and multimedia resources makes it easy to teach the history and cultural influence of Black music—during June and throughout the school year. Explore the evolution of Black music with engaging tools like interactive timelines, videos, and discussion prompts that bring music history to life.
Whether you're introducing students to the Harlem Renaissance, tracing the rise of Motown, or analyzing the social impact of modern rap and R&B, these resources help you build an inclusive curriculum that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the lasting legacy of Black musicians.
