Happy New Year from ATBHK
We at the Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky are filled with gratitude and excitement for the year ahead. Together, we’ve made incredible strides in celebrating and amplifying the voices of Black Kentuckians, and we’re committed to building on this foundation in the coming year.
From engaging educational programs to innovative curriculum development, we are eager to continue collaborating with educators, students, and communities across the Commonwealth. Let’s make 2025 a year of even greater impact, inclusion, and inspiration.
Here’s to a bright and prosperous New Year filled with learning, growth, and the celebration of Black history!
Shaniqua Robinson
Executive Director
ATBHK Fellows to Present at 2025 KySTE Conference
ATBHK fellows, Kim Yates and Elise Carter, will present their collaborative unit plan at the upcoming Kentucky Society for Technology in Education (KySTE) Conference in Louisville, KY. This event provides a platform for educators to explore innovative ways technology can enhance teaching and learning.
Yates and Carter’s unit, titled “Bringing African American Food Culture to Life,” delves into the rich history and traditions surrounding African American cuisine. Designed to connect students with the cultural and geographical significance of African American foodways, the unit emphasizes local traditions and their broader historical impact.
One of the most exciting aspects of this unit is its integration of Google Earth, allowing students to explore the geographical roots of various food traditions and understand their evolution over time. This interactive approach not only brings history to life but also encourages students to think critically about the intersections of culture, geography, and tradition.
ATBHK Teacher Spotlight of the Month: Kim Yates
We are thrilled to highlight Kim Yates in our teacher spotlight for the month of January! Kim is a 6th-8th grade ELA teacher at Pineville Middle School. She is also a member of our 2024-2025 fellowship cohort.
Kim incorporates Black history in her teaching by incorporating Black stories into the existing curriculum. She noted that oftentimes, Black perspectives are not always showcased in the existing curriculum. She helps her students find these perspectives and stories to show them the contributions of Black people to Kentucky’s literature and history.
Kim is also aware that many of Kentucky’s students have a limited understanding of the history of our state. She says she wants her students to recognize the historical significance of Kentucky in our nation’s history and stated “so much of that is attributed to Black individuals and their stories and history.” We are proud of Kim and her dedication to ATBHK!
ATBHK Mini-Grant Application OPEN NOW!
The Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky is excited to offer mini-grants to support our amazing K12 teachers! If you have a creative project or lesson idea focused on Kentucky’s rich Black history, we want to help make it happen.
What Can You Do with the Grant?
- Teaching Materials: Buy books, films, and other resources to bring Black history to life in your classroom.
- Field Trips: Take your students on educational trips to museums, historical sites, and cultural centers.
- Conferences and Workshops: Attend events that help you learn more about Black history and bring back new ideas to your students.
- Special Projects: Develop new lesson plans, invite guest speakers, or create unique projects that engage your students in learning about Black history.
Grant Amounts
You can apply for grants ranging from $250 to $500. And the best part? You can apply for renewal each year if funds are available!
Who Can Apply?
Any K-12 teacher in Kentucky with a passion for teaching Black history.
Application Process:
- Fill Out the Form: Provide some basic information about yourself and your school, then describe your project, how you’ll use the funds, and what you hope to achieve.
- Review and Decision: Our committee will review all applications and select the projects that best meet our mission.
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
phone: 859-985-3942
Professional Reading
How a DEI Rebrand Is Playing Out in K-12 Schools
Schools are changing how they approach Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by using new terms like “belonging” and “student success.” This shift helps them continue promoting fairness and inclusion while avoiding controversial language. Many schools are blending DEI ideas into their everyday work without calling it DEI to keep the focus on supporting all students in a politically sensitive time.
ATBHK Wants to Visit Your School!
