Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky

Black History in Kentucky

“We are committed to providing a quality education for all students in the Commonwealth, understanding that an accurate account of our history is essential for developing informed and engaged citizens.” -Shaniqua Robinson

Our Mission

MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to collaborate with educators to provide support in teaching Kentucky’s Black history, curate supplemental educational materials to support teachers, and celebrate the wonderful work of Kentucky’s educators.

By developing and making readily available curated teaching materials regarding Black Kentuckians, past and present, the Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky supports educators and schools in offering a more complete version of the history of the Commonwealth.

As the Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky (ATBHK) has begun our work since January 2023, we have spent a lot of time speaking with educators across the Commonwealth and listening to their needs regarding effective teaching of Black history.

The Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky was established to work with Kentucky’ public schools to help ensure that the many social, historical and cultural contributions of Black Kentuckians are not forgotten, but instead are woven into the teaching of the state’s—and the nation’s—history.

ATBHK has a mission; we work to ensure that the voices, stories, and historical experiences of Black Kentuckians are elevated and shared. We honor the work of Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black history, as we work to support educators in providing the most robust analysis of the social sciences for our students- and this must include Black history.

What we offer

We listen to educators to understand their challenges, whether it is access to materials, an unease regarding support, or a lack of preparation in this specific space. Our strategies are simple.

At ATBHK, we recognize that our mission is made possible through the collaboration and support of our valued partners. We actively work with educators across the state to advance our goal of providing K-12 students with a more comprehensive understanding of Kentucky’s complex history. Below is a list of the offerings we provide:

Fellowship Program
Grant Opportunities
Professional Development
Speaking Engagements
Community Partnerships

Our Governing Board

ATBHK is proud to be guided by a deeply committed governing board that is passionate about the importance of teaching Kentucky’s Black history to students statewide. Our board members represent a diverse range of institutions and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our mission. Their support and leadership are crucial in helping us reach and engage with educators, students, and communities across Kentucky.

Our Vision

OUR VISION STATEMENT: The vision of the Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky is to ensure that all students in the Commonwealth have access to a more complete and inclusive understanding of Kentucky’s complex history. We are dedicated to filling the gaps in education where the stories and contributions of Black Kentuckians, as well as those of other citizens engaged in issues of race and social justice, have been overlooked. Through our efforts, we strive to provide every student with a richer, more accurate historical perspective.