20 Powerful Black History Month Poems for Kids of All Ages
1. “Harriet Tubman” by Eloise Greenfield
This poem highlights the bravery and determination of Harriet Tubman, a leader of the Underground Railroad.
2. “Martin Luther King Jr.” by Nikki Giovanni
Nikki Giovanni celebrates the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and his fight for equality and justice.
3. “Ruby Bridges” by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou pays tribute to Ruby Bridges, the first black child to attend an all-white school in the South.
4. “Langston Hughes” by Walter Dean Myers
Walter Dean Myers honors Langston Hughes, a renowned poet, and writer, known for his contributions to the Harlem Renaissance.
5. “Rosa Parks” by Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson captures the courage of Rosa Parks, who sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott by refusing to give up her seat.
6. “Sojourner Truth” by Tony Medina
Tony Medina explores the life of Sojourner Truth, an abolitionist and women’s rights activist who fought against injustice.
7. “Malcolm X” by Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander presents the legacy of Malcolm X, a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, known for his advocacy of black nationalism.
8. “Phillis Wheatley” by Eloise Greenfield
Eloise Greenfield showcases the talent and resilience of Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American published poet.
9. “Tuskegee Airmen” by Carole Boston Weatherford
Carole Boston Weatherford honors the bravery and skill of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first black military aviators in the United States.
10. “Nina Simone” by Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander celebrates the musical genius and activism of Nina Simone, a singer and pianist who used her music to advocate for civil rights.
11. “Frederick Douglass” by Tony Medina
Tony Medina tells the story of Frederick Douglass, a former slave who became a prominent abolitionist and writer.
12. “Maya Angelou” by Eloise Greenfield
Eloise Greenfield pays tribute to Maya Angelou, an influential poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist.
13. “Muhammad Ali” by Patricia McKissack
Patricia McKissack captures the spirit and determination of Muhammad Ali, an iconic boxer and civil rights advocate.
14. “Zora Neale Hurston” by Nikki Giovanni
Nikki Giovanni celebrates the literary contributions of Zora Neale Hurston, a writer and anthropologist, known for her novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”
15. “Thurgood Marshall” by Carole Boston Weatherford
Carole Boston Weatherford highlights the accomplishments of Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice.
16. “Harlem Renaissance” by Walter Dean Myers
Walter Dean Myers explores the cultural and artistic movement of the Harlem Renaissance, which showcased black creativity and expression.
17. “Jackie Robinson” by Eloise Greenfield
Eloise Greenfield tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball.
18. “Fannie Lou Hamer” by Tony Medina
Tony Medina sheds light on the activism and courage of Fannie Lou Hamer, a leader in the Civil Rights Movement.
19. “Barack Obama” by Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander pays tribute to Barack Obama, the first African-American President of the United States.
20. “Black History Matters” by Various Authors
Various authors come together in this powerful poem to affirm the importance of celebrating and learning from black history.
These poems provide a glimpse into the rich history, inspiring figures, and important events that have shaped Black History. They serve as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black individuals to society, inspiring young readers of all ages to learn more about the achievements and struggles of Black history.