Black history is an integral part of American history and deserves recognition every day. However, every February, we have a unique opportunity to engage our students in learning about the significant events and figures that have shaped this nation, while also addressing the ongoing realities we face today. To facilitate these important discussions, we have compiled a list of impactful Black History Month poems suitable for children of all ages, accompanied by brief biographies of the talented poets behind them.
Note: Some poems related to Black history may include references to slavery, violence, and death. We advise reviewing these poems beforehand to ensure they are appropriate for your students.
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Poems by Famous Black Poets
1. BLK History Month by Nikki Giovanni
“If Black History Month is not viable …”
This poem encourages us to celebrate Black history beyond a single month, emphasizing the significance of honoring the past while shaping the future.
Classroom tip: Have students brainstorm ways to incorporate Black history into their daily lives and create a classroom poster highlighting key insights from the poem.
2. Life Doesn’t Frighten Me by Maya Angelou
“Shadows on the wall …”
Angelou’s empowering poem teaches resilience in the face of fear. Its vivid imagery serves as a reminder that courage can conquer all.
Classroom tip: Pair this poem with an art project where students illustrate their fears and visualize how they would overcome them.
3. Mother to Son by Langston Hughes
“Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.”
Through a mother’s voice, Hughes imparts a powerful lesson on perseverance. This poignant piece resonates across generations, delivering a universal message of determination.
Classroom tip: Have students write their own “advice” poems, imagining they are imparting wisdom to a younger person.
4. February 12, 1963 by Jacqueline Woodson
“I am born on a Tuesday at University Hospital …”
Woodson reflects on her birth date’s personal and historical significance, creating a narrative poem that provides insight into her story and the broader civil rights context.
Classroom tip: Prompt students to write their own autobiographical poems, incorporating significant historical events from the year they were born.
5. Truth by Gwendolyn Brooks
“And if sun comes …”
Brooks expertly employs imagery and metaphor to explore themes of resilience and hope. Her inspiring words encourage readers to embrace light even in the darkest times.
Classroom tip: Initiate a discussion on the concept of “truth” and invite students to write their interpretations of truth through metaphors.
6. The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman
“We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace …”
Gorman’s stirring poem from President Biden’s inauguration calls for unity, hope, and action.
Classroom tip: Encourage students to reflect on their vision for the future and write their own “hill to climb” poems about overcoming challenges.
7. A Negro Love Song by Paul Laurence Dunbar
“Seen my lady home las’ night …”
Dunbar’s rhythmic and lyrical poem creates a joyful depiction of love and connection.
Classroom tip: Integrate this poem into a lesson on rhythm and meter, then challenge students to compose their own rhythmic pieces.
8. Lift Every Voice and Sing by James Weldon Johnson
“Ring with the harmonies of Liberty.”
Johnson’s poem rejoices in liberty and progress, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past while looking forward.
Classroom tip: Watch a video of the Boston Children’s Chorus performing this poem’s musical adaptation. Use it to spark discussions about students’ personal dreams and goals, then create a class “dream board” showcasing everyone’s aspirations.
9. Coherence in Consequence by Claudia Rankine
“Imagine them in black …”
This thought-provoking piece explores identity, justice, and societal structures. Rankine’s evocative imagery encourages reflection on personal experiences and their connection to broader social issues.
Classroom tip: Use this poem as a launchpad for discussions about intersectionality. Encourage students to write reflective essays or poems exploring their own identities and societal roles.
10. Still I Rise by Maya Angelou
“You may write me down in history …”
Angelou’s iconic anthem celebrates resilience, hope, and the triumph of the human spirit, inspiring readers to rise above adversity and oppression.
Classroom tip: Pair this poem with a lesson on historical struggles for equality, prompting students to identify parallels in current events and reflect on ways they can “rise” in their own lives.
11. Let America Be America Again by Langston Hughes
“O, let America be America again.”
Hughes urges readers to examine the divide between the idealized American dream and the reality faced by marginalized communities. This poignant call for equality and justice remains relevant today.
Classroom tip: Facilitate a classroom debate about the modern relevance of the “American Dream.” Have students write essays analyzing Hughes’ vision versus their own. Check out these classroom activities for teaching this poem.
12. We Real Cool by Gwendolyn Brooks
“We real cool. We / Left school. We / Lurk late …”
Brooks’ concise, rhythmic poem captures the voices of youth living on the margins, prompting discussions about rebellion, choices, and their consequences.
Classroom tip: Engage students in a discussion on how form and rhythm enhance the poem’s message. Have them write their own short poems experimenting with similar stylistic techniques.
13. We Wear the Mask by Paul Laurence Dunbar
“We wear the mask that grins and lies …”
Dunbar’s timeless work delves into themes of identity, resilience, and the emotional toll of concealing one’s true self. Its message resonates across generations and cultures.
Classroom tip: Encourage students to create visual art representing the metaphor of the mask. Use this as a platform to discuss emotional expression and vulnerability.
14. Primer for Blacks by Gwendolyn Brooks
“Blackness is a title, is a preoccupation, is a commitment …”
Brooks celebrates the richness and complexity of Black identity in this unapologetic piece, inspiring pride and a deeper understanding of cultural unity.
Classroom tip: Have students write their own “primer” poems focusing on an aspect of their identity they deeply resonate with. This can foster rich classroom discussions about individuality and community.
Short Poems for Black History Month
15. Harlem by Langston Hughes
“What happens to a dream deferred?”
This is one of Hughes’ most well-known poems, questioning if a deferred dream would “dry up, like a raisin in the sun.” These lines inspired Lorraine Hansberry’s play A Raisin in the Sun.
Classroom tip: Pair this poem with readings from the play to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the daily life for many Black Americans in the 1950s. Encourage them to write about their own dreams and what pursuing them means.
16. For Trayvon Martin by Reuben Jackson
“Instead of sleeping / I walk with him from the store …”
Jackson’s heartfelt tribute honors Trayvon Martin, encapsulating the emotions and legacy surrounding his story while encouraging reflection on social justice and change.
Classroom tip: Facilitate a discussion on the importance of activism, prompting students to research modern movements for social justice, and create presentations based on their findings.
17. won’t you celebrate with me by Lucille Clifton
“born in babylon / both nonwhite and woman …”
Clifton’s triumphant poem celebrates resilience and identity, empowering readers to embrace their unique stories and victories.
Classroom tip: Invite students to write their own celebration poems, focusing on their personal strengths and triumphs, and share them in a class “celebration circle.”
18. The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
“The swift and sweet ones who hurdled history and opened a world of possible …”
This powerful poem celebrates the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. Alexander’s vivid words inspire pride and reflection, making it an excellent choice for classroom discussions.
Classroom tip: Use this poem to prompt discussions about historical figures, and encourage students to create artwork inspired by the themes.
19. Lessons by Jacqueline Woodson
“Mama wanted us to learn to cook …”
Woodson reflects on the gendered expectations of her childhood in this touching poem. It’s a relatable and thought-provoking piece about family dynamics and life lessons.
Classroom tip: Prompt students to write about a skill or lesson they’ve learned from their families and share it in class.
20. Learning To Read by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
“Knowledge didn’t agree with slavery …”
This historical poem uses powerful imagery to reveal how enslaved individuals fought to gain knowledge, showcasing perseverance and the value of education.
Classroom tip: Introduce this poem during a lesson on Reconstruction. Afterward, lead a discussion on the significance of education in shaping society.
21. History Lesson by Natasha Trethewey
“I am four in this photograph …”
Trethewey’s reflective poem connects personal memory to broader historical themes, encouraging readers to consider how history shapes identity.
Classroom tip: Ask students to bring in a photograph of personal or historical significance and write a poem inspired by it.
22. I saw Emmett Till this week at the grocery store by Eve L. Ewing
“looking over the plums, one by one …”
Ewing’s poignant poem connects past and present, imagining an encounter with Emmett Till in contemporary settings. It invites reflection on the lasting legacy of racial injustice.
Classroom tip: Use this poem to introduce lessons on Emmett Till, then invite students to write about historical figures in modern contexts.
23. Earthrise by Amanda Gorman
“It was our world’s first glance at itself …”
Inspired by the iconic Apollo 8 photograph, Gorman’s poem urges readers to reflect on our planet’s fragility and beauty, emphasizing our shared responsibility to protect it.
Classroom tip: Pair this poem with a science lesson on climate change, prompting students to write pledges on how they can contribute to environmental sustainability.
More Inspiring Poems for Black History Month
34. The Slave Auction by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
“The sale began—young girls were there …”
Harper’s vivid depiction of a slave auction reveals the heartbreaking realities of slavery, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering history.
Classroom tip: Use this poem to initiate a class discussion about empathy and understanding historical injustices.
35. Ballad of Birmingham by Dudley Randall
“Mother dear, may I go downtown …”
This haunting narrative poem recounts the tragic story of the 1963 Birmingham church bombing, highlighting both the innocence of youth and the devastating impact of violence.
Classroom tip: Pair this poem with a lesson on the Civil Rights Movement, helping students connect history with personal narratives.
36. Tending by Elizabeth Alexander
“In the pull-out bed with my brother …”
Alexander’s intimate poem captures family bonds and shared memories, offering a gentle reminder of the small yet significant elements of our identities.
Classroom tip: Encourage students to write their own “snapshot poems” that capture meaningful moments from their lives.
37. A Place in the Country by Toi Derricotte
“We like the houses here.”
Derricotte’s poem examines the intersection of identity and belonging, prompting readers to reflect on what it means to find (or not find) a home in unfamiliar spaces.
Classroom tip: Explore the concept of “home” through student essays or poems, discussing how our environments shape our experiences.
38. Facing It by Yusef Komunyakaa
“My black face fades …”
This deeply personal poem explores memory, trauma, and healing as Komunyakaa reflects on the Vietnam War and its aftermath, addressing the scars left by conflict.
Classroom tip: Pair this poem with history lessons on the Vietnam War, asking students to analyze how poetry can serve as a medium for processing and healing.
39. Calling Dreams by Georgia Douglas Johnson
“The right to make my dreams come true / I ask, nay I demand of life—”
This compact anthem of determination conveys an empowering message for children in just a few lines.
Classroom tip: Have students write a four-to-six-line “dream claim” poem declaring one goal and the first step toward achieving it.
40. To the woman I saw today who wept in her car by Bianca Lynne Spriggs
“Woman, I get it.”
Spriggs’ poem explores moments of vulnerability and shared human connection, encouraging readers to see and validate the emotions of others in everyday life.
Classroom tip: Discuss how poetry can cultivate empathy, inviting students to write letters or poems to someone they’ve observed struggling.
41. Virginia Is for Lovers by Nicole Sealey
“At LaToya’s Pride picnic …”
Sealey’s vibrant work celebrates community and belonging, blending pride, joy, and the complexities of identity in a heartfelt exploration of love.
Classroom tip: Use this poem to discuss themes of inclusion and pride, encouraging students to share or create stories about moments when they felt a strong sense of community.
42. Black Laws by Roger Reeves
“Fuss, fight, and cutting the huckley-buck …”
Reeves’ powerful poem delves into the lived experiences of Black individuals, addressing systemic oppression with unflinching honesty and lyrical depth.
Classroom tip: Analyze the poem’s imagery and rhythm, encouraging students to create visual art inspired by the poem’s themes.
43. Eddie Priest’s Barbershop & Notary by Kevin Young
“Closed Mondays …”
Young captures the vibrant culture of a Black barbershop in this evocative poem, painting a picture of community, tradition, and storytelling.
Classroom tip: Use this poem to explore themes of community and culture, prompting students to write about places in their neighborhoods that bring people together.
44. Coal by Audre Lorde
“Is the total black, being spoken …”
In this striking poem, Lorde celebrates Black identity, using coal as a metaphor for strength and resilience. Her work resonates deeply, calling for recognition of beauty in every form.
Classroom tip: Pair this poem with discussions on metaphors and ask students to create their own symbols for resilience or identity.
45. Nina’s Blues by Cornelius Eady
“Your body, hard vowels / In a soft dress, is still …”
Eady’s poignant poem pays homage to the transformative power of Nina Simone’s music, exploring themes of grief, art, and the lasting influence of cultural icons.
Classroom tip: Play Nina Simone’s music and invite students to write about the emotions it evokes or create poems inspired by their favorite artists.
46. Rwanda: Where Tears Have No Power by Haki R. Madhubuti
“Who has the moral high ground?”
Madhubuti’s moving poem reflects on the tragedies of the Rwandan genocide, challenging readers to consider the global impact of violence and humanity’s moral responsibilities.
Classroom tip: Use this poem as a jumping-off point for lessons on global history and social justice, prompting students to research other historical events and write reflective essays or poems.
47. Notes on the Peanut by June Jordan
“Hi there. My name is George Washington Carver.”
Although many think of peanut butter when they hear Carver’s name, Jordan’s witty poem challenges readers to see beyond stereotypes, highlighting the breadth of his contributions.
Classroom tip: Use this poem to discuss Carver’s achievements, inspiring students to write about underrepresented historical figures.
48. The Negro Speaks of Rivers by Langston Hughes
“My soul has grown deep like the rivers.”
Written at just 17, this poem connects the African diaspora to ancient history through the metaphor of rivers, celebrating heritage and the continuity of Black identity.
Classroom tip: Pair this poem with a geography or history lesson on the Nile, Congo, and Mississippi Rivers, encouraging students to create their own “river of heritage” representing their personal or cultural histories.
49. Sympathy by Paul Laurence Dunbar
“I know why the caged bird sings …”
This moving poem expresses the pain of oppression and the yearning for freedom, using the image of a caged bird that continues to sing despite its captivity. Its emotional clarity has inspired generations, including Maya Angelou.
Classroom tip: Compare Dunbar’s metaphor of the caged bird with Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, encouraging students to create visual art or written responses exploring freedom and self-expression.
50. Common Dust by Georgia Douglas Johnson
“And who shall separate the dust / What later we shall be …”
Johnson’s brief yet profound poem reminds readers that in death, distinctions—of race, class, or power—fade away, offering a universal vision of equality and shared humanity.
Classroom tip: Use this poem to spark a philosophical discussion about equality and legacy, prompting students to write reflective pieces on what connects all people despite their differences.
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What are your favorite Black History Month poems for kids? Come share and discuss in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook!
Plus, if you loved these Black History Month poems, check out these Black History Month Activities for February and Beyond.
