New York State Education Department and Office of Cultural Education Present a Month of Engaging Black History Month Programming and Resources for Educators

The New York State Education Department and the Office of Cultural Education are commemorating Black History Month with a series of enlightening, community-focused programs that spotlight the influential history of Black New Yorkers. Throughout the month, special exhibitions, educational resources, and compelling in-person and online programs will be available, highlighting the significance of Black history in New York State. The New York State Museum, Library, and Archives will lead engaging conversations about the men and women who broke racial barriers in aviation and baseball, highlight the importance of community during the Great Migration with the unveiling of a new exhibit display, and celebrate cultural identity through rhythm and dance.

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “Black History Month is not only a time to honor the extraordinary contributions of people of African descent to our nation’s history and culture, it is a call to more fully acknowledge the stories, leadership, and lived experiences that have too often gone unrecognized. By lifting up both the struggles and the triumphs that have shaped our collective past, we deepen our understanding of who we are and strengthen our commitment to a more inclusive and equitable future. The Board of Regents and the New York State Education Department remain steadfast in our mission to advance teaching and learning and to help build a society grounded in access, opportunity, trust, and respect for all New Yorkers.

State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Black History Month honors generations who, in the face of injustice, courageously fought for freedom, dignity, and equality while paving the way for a more just and inclusive society. As we observe this month, we celebrate the excellence, resilience, and pride that define the Black experience, while reaffirming our responsibility to educate students with honesty, depth, and purpose. By teaching the full history of our nation and uplifting voices that have too often been marginalized, we help students better understand their world and their role in shaping a future where the values of liberty, inclusivity, and equity are fully realized for everyone.”

Archive Adventures: Discover New York’s Hidden Stories

Dates: Thursday, February 5, 12, 19, and 26 

Time: 11:00 a.m. 

Location: Discovery Place 

Join experts from the New York State Archives to learn more about the remarkable history of Dorothy Franklin and Patricia Banks, two pioneering women who challenged racial barriers in aviation. Each Thursday, an archivist will be on hand to share stories, answer questions, and highlight carefully chosen original documents and photographs. 

Opening the Airways: How Black Women Broke the Color Barrier in the Sky

Date: Saturday, February 7 

Time: 2:00 p.m. 

Location: Huxley Theater 

The New York State Archives’ Jasmine Bumpers and Jamie Brinkman will lead an inspiring presentation on the lives of Dorothy Franklin and Patricia Banks. Learn how their courage and determination helped open the skies to Black women and reshaped the history of flight. 

Screening: Black Barbie

Date: Tuesday, February 10 

Time: 12:00 p.m. 

Location: Huxley Theater 

Discover how three pioneering women at Mattel transformed the toy industry by creating the first Black Barbie doll. This one-time screening provides an opportunity to explore representation, innovation, and cultural impact in toys and media. 

Fashion and Faith: Hats of the Great Migration Gallery Talk with Dr. Jennifer Lemak

Date: Friday, February 13 

Time: 12:00 p.m. 

Location: West Corridor 

Discover the Museum’s newest collection feature with Chief Curator of History Dr. Jennifer Lemak. Hats worn in Black churches during the Great Migration were more than fashion—they were symbols of faith, resilience, and personal identity. The exhibit highlights how they reflected the journeys, leadership, and creativity of women who navigated new lives in New York State while holding onto their heritage and hope for the future. 

Rhythms of the Diaspora: Drumming and Dance with Jordan Taylor Hill

Date: Thursday, February 19 

Time: 11:00 a.m. 

Location: Adirondack Hall 

Jordan Taylor Hill leads a dynamic exploration of rhythm, movement, and cultural memory across the African Diaspora. The program opens with a powerful performance featuring traditional and contemporary rhythms from West Africa, Cuba, and the Black American tradition. Guests are then invited into an interactive workshop where Jordan guides them through rhythms and movement vocabulary that illuminate how these practices carry history, identity, and community.  

Negro Leagues Stats and MLB's Official Record (webinar)

Date: Thursday, February 26 

Time: 12:00 pm 

Location: Webinar  

Speakers: Larry Lester and John Thorn 

In 2024, Major League Baseball (MLB) officially incorporated records for more than 2,300 Negro Leagues players with its existing historical data. Join esteemed author, historian, and curator Larry Lester and official MLB historian John Thorn as they discuss how the data was collected and why it is so important to include statistics from the Negro Leagues. This public program is made possible by federal Library Service and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which enable the New York State Library to champion lifelong learning.  

Resources for Educators

Resources to support teaching and learning about Black history, not only during Black History Month but throughout the entire year, are available on the Office of Standards and Instruction’s Social Studies Guidance and Resources webpage. The curated list is not exhaustive but highlights key historic sites, museums, and cultural institutions that mark the African American experience in New York State. These resources also support the New York State K-12 Social Studies Framework for the development of instructional materials related to African American history and culture.