 Pathways to Freedom: Maryland and the Underground Railroad Travel the steps of brave men and women who fought for freedom. In MPT’s interactive exploration, students become eyewitnesses to history and must make life-changing decisions about their future. They will uncover clues, explore covert byways and secret hidings places used by slaves, and learn about the lives of local freedom-fighters from Maryland. Grades: elementary and middle school
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The Role of African
Americans in the Civil War African Americans
played a significant role in the American Civil War and faced difficulties as
union soldiers. In this self-paced literacy and writing activity, students examine content and
sources surrounding the war in order to write an explanatory essay. Resources include
standards, educator materials, a writing checklist, and interactive activities.
Grades: middle school
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Maryland's
Champions of Freedom
In Maryland, the crusaders to end slavery included two abolitionists,
Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman. Students will learn about the lives of these famous freedom-fighters through a combination of primary and secondary sources, and apply that knowledge in order to write an informative essay. Resources include objectives, writing tips, graphic organizers, and practice and review activities. Grades: middle school
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Women in Modern
World History
Wangari Maathai became the first African woman
to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contributions to sustainable
development, democracy and peace. In one of several activities on the site, students read articles about Maathai’s life,
and gather information in order to write informative and explanatory texts. Activity includes graphic organizers, a writer's checklist, and teacher resources. Grades: high school
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PBS Programs and Activities
PBS LearningMedia
Visit PBS LearningMedia’s resource portal and conduct a search by keyword to find interactives, images, videos and content to teach students about Black History Month. Grades K-12
PBS NewsHour Access a collection of Black History Month lesson plans, activities and multimedia. Topics cover everything from civil rights and poetry, to music and the Talladega murals.
 Black Culture Connection Find inspirational films, classroom resources and activities that showcase and honor black history, culture and heritage.
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 Connecting Kids with Black History Teach children about the historical accomplishments and struggles of African Americans. PBS Parents offers tips and ideas to help kids connect to the past.
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Black History Month Programming on MPT
During Black History Month, MPT is airing a variety of
programs and films honoring the lives and achievements of activists, freedom-fighters,
pioneers and others who made their mark on history. We have included some highlights below, and there is much more to see!
Please access MPT’s online program schedule for more
programs and air dates.

American Masters August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand February 7, 8:00 pm (on MPT2/Create)
Capture the legacy of the man some call America's Shakespeare, from his roots
as an activist to his indelible mark on Broadway. View
clip.
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 Black
America Since MLK: And Still I Rise
February 12, 5:00 pm
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores America's changing racial landscape, celebrating
how far we have come toward equality. Visit the official website for more
information and classroom resources.
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 The Talk: Race in America
February 20, 9:00 pm In the wake of recent tragic and fatal events between men of
color and law enforcement, learn how black and Hispanic families counsel their
kids to stay safe if they are stopped by the police. See a preview and join the
conversation.
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 American Masters: Maya Angelou February
21, 8:00 pm
Journey through the prolific life of the I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings author
and activist who inspired generations. Learn about the film and access
classroom resources.
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