Happy Black History Month from ATBHK!
At the Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky, we wish everyone a meaningful and inspiring Black History Month. In light of the current challenges facing our nation, it is more crucial than ever to uplift and preserve the voices of Black Kentuckians while continuing to share the rich, untold stories that shape our history. To support educators in this important work, we are excited to announce that we have updated and expanded the materials and resources available on our website. These new tools are designed to help bring Black history to life in the classroom and ensure that these vital narratives are shared with future generations.
ATBHK Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Berea College
On January 20th, ATBHK hosted our Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Breakfast at Berea College, a gathering that provided an opportunity to honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy and come together as a community. This special event was an occasion for reflection, unity, and celebration as we remembered the profound impact Dr. King had on our nation and the world. We were privileged to hear from Dr. Roger Cleveland, who delivered a powerful keynote address, urging all of us to embody the intangible qualities that Dr. King demonstrated—such as resilience, courage, and a steadfast commitment to justice—as we work to continue advancing his vision of equality and freedom for all. The event not only allowed attendees to gain insights into Dr. King’s life and work but also fostered a sense of fellowship among participants, reinforcing the collective responsibility to carry forward the work of social change. Through this shared experience, we were reminded of the importance of community and the ongoing pursuit of Dr. King’s dream.
ATBHK Fellowship Showcase
As part of our Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, we were proud to recognize and honor the educators who completed the ATBHK Fellowship. Each fellow developed instructional materials—including lesson plans, unit plans, inquiry-based projects, and professional development resources—focused on highlighting the contributions and history of Black Kentuckians. These valuable resources will soon be available on our website for use by educators across Kentucky. Additionally, we are excited to announce that information about our 2025-2026 fellowship will be shared in March!
2024-2025 Fellows
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
Reflecting on a New Year: The Indispensable Role of Social Studies Teachers
In their article “Reflecting on a New Year: The Indispensable Role of Social Studies Teachers,” Wesley E. Hedgepeth and Lawrence M. Paska emphasize the critical importance of social studies educators in fostering an informed and active citizenry. They argue that to maintain a healthy democracy, it is essential to trust, support, and empower these teachers. Trust involves acknowledging their expertise in presenting complex social and political concepts impartially and engagingly. Support encompasses providing fair compensation, manageable class sizes, access to current resources, and opportunities for professional development. Empowerment means granting educators the autonomy to explore diverse perspectives and address controversial topics, which are vital for comprehensive understanding. The authors caution that failing to invest in social studies teachers risks undermining the foundations of freedom and justice.
ATBHK Wants to Visit Your School!
