Black History Month is not the only time to introduce your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to biographies of famous African Americans and their culture and history. However, it is a great time to celebrate the culture and teach your students about African Americans who have overcome discrimination and other obstacles to help shape American history.
Often, teachers stick with well-known African Americans like Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama. While these are inspiring people with inspiring stories, there are so many other influential people to introduce your upper elementary students to.
The biographies below are some of my favorites. They tell stories of perseverance and overcoming the odds. My 3rd grade students used some of these biographies when completing their Black History Month Research Project every year.
6 Biographies of Notable African Americans Your Students Might Not Know
1. Madam C.J. Walker (Born Sarah Breedlove)
Madam C.J. Walker 
She also established several beauty schools that provided African Americans women with good jobs and encouraged African Americans to start their own businesses. Madam C.J. Walker used her wealth and influence to promote equal rights and fair treatment of African Americans. She was - and is - an inspiration to many people.
2. Wilma Rudolph
Wilma Rudolph's story
She was born small and sickly. When Wilma was 4, she got polio. Most people who got polio during this time period either died or were permanently crippled. But not Wilma!
She was determined to overcome her disabilities and she eventually became the fast woman in the world - the first American woman to win 3 gold medals in a single Olympics!
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3. Bass Reeves
Bass Reeves
Note: His life as a Deputy U.S. Marshal required violence and the use of guns, and this book includes that part of his life.
4. John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie
"Dizzy" Gillespie's story
He was born into a poor family with an abusive father, and he very angry as a child. Eventually, he turned to music instead of fighting.
Dizzy wrote and played music in a way that had never been done before. Many people believe he is the best jazz trumpeter of all time. He helped shape jazz and bepop into what it is today.
5. Ann Cole Lowe
Ann's mom was a seamstress, and she taught Ann how to sew at a young age. When Ann was 16, her mom died, and she took over the family business. Ann's skill as a seamstress grew, and she eventually began designing one-of-a-kind dresses and became a sought after fashion designer.
I love the theme of this particular picture book,
6. Phillis Wheatley
Phillis was brought to America from Africa on a slave ship. She was bought by John and Susanna Wheatley. The Wheatleys taught her to read and write. They encouraged her love of reading and writing poetry. Phillis became the first African American to publish a book of poetry.
This particular picture book
Your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students might also like these inspirational picture books about people that have overcome obstacles in their lives.
Or, check out these other Black History Month Ideas, including a free Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks printable.
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