Why We Need Black History Education: A Collection
A Note From the Guest Editor, LaGarrett J. King
Five years ago, I wanted to create a public space for educators to hear the voices of teachers, students, parents, and professors about how they have conceptualized and taught Black history. I also wanted to highlight Black history education strategies and resources to improve practice. Hence, the partnership with Education Week was born. I am so appreciative of Education Week for its continued partnership of these special issues. We encourage you to read or reread them.
As I clarify each year, what first began as Negro History Week (now Black History Month) was originally designed to be for educators and society to celebrate and showcase what we have learned about Black history in the course of the year. For me, Black History Month is a time for reflection on how K-12 educators can improve their practice.
This year, our theme centers on solutions to Black history challenges. Most are familiar with the political hostility toward Black history education happening around the United States. Sometimes, those discourses are deflating and leave educators who would like to improve their Black history teaching feeling hopeless.
To the readers, don鈥檛 despair. There are hundreds of Black history educators who do the work daily. You have a community!
As we prepare for the 100-year anniversary of Black History Month in 2026, we hope this issue and past issues continue to inspire you and helped you think through Black history more effectively and critically. As always, feel free to reach out to me at Lagarret@buffalo.edu.
Happy Black History Month!
LaGarrett J. King is a professor at the University at Buffalo and the founding director of the university鈥檚 .
Editor鈥檚 note: Islenia Mil is the illustrator for this project.
