Check Out our Instructional Materials! ATBHK has been working hard to develop a collection of ready-to-use lessons designed to bring Black history to life in classrooms across Kentucky. What makes this work
especially meaningful is that these inquiry based lessons were created by Kentucky teachers, for Kentucky teachers. Each lesson is fully aligned to the Kentucky Academic Standards and is designed to fit seamlessly into existing curricula, making it easy for educators to bring powerful new stories and perspectives into their teaching.
Best of all, every lesson is available for free on our website. We can’t wait for you to explore these resources and see the impact they’ll have on students across the state.
ATBHK brings “I Was Here” project to Berea College
ATBHK is partnering with Berea College’s Division of Student Life and Hutchins Library to bring the I Was Here project to campus this fall. More than an art installation, this powerful exhibit invites us to reflect on
the intersections of history, memory, and identity. The full installation opens in Hutchins Library on October 9 and will remain on display through December. The exhibit is free and open to the public, and we encourage
you to visit while it’s here. In connection with the project, BCC and ECL students will also participate in Invitation to Respond workshops.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2025-2026 Mini-Grant Cycle
We’re pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for our 2025-2026 Mini-grant program! This grant is designed to support meaningful and creative approaches to teaching Black history in K–12 classrooms. Educators can apply for up to $750 to fund projects that deepen students’ understanding of Black history, culture, and contributions. Whether you’re building your classroom library, organizing a field trip, or designing hands-on learning experiences, this grant supports the meaningful work educators are doing to bring Kentucky’s Black history to life in their classrooms.
Funds may be used for:
- Books and curriculum resources
- Field trips to museums or historical sites
- Classroom materials and supplies
- Guest speakers or virtual events
- Innovative classroom projects
Applications for this new grant cycle open on 10/01/2025. Don’t miss your chance to apply! Let’s continue working together to ensure that Black history is a vital and celebrated part of every student’s education.
Professional Reading: A Culture of Dialogue is Foundational to Democracy
This Learning for Justice article emphasizes that authentic dialogue across difference is essential to sustaining democracy and countering polarization.
Unlike debate, which centers persuasion, dialogue prioritizes listening, empathy, and curiosity, allowing participants to learn from others whose identities, beliefs, or experiences differ from their own. The authors note that effective dialogue requires acknowledging power dynamics and historical inequities while still creating space for mutual understanding. Practical steps for educators include modeling active listening, encouraging inquiry over persuasion, and fostering collaborative problem solving— skills that help students engage across differences and strengthen democratic life.
