Black History Month

7th Grade Stamps
Black History Month Postage Stamp Lesson

In 1940, the first stamp issued in honor of a black American was released. The image was of educator Booker T. Washington. Since then, many black Americans' lives and contributions have been celebrated on stamps. Some of them include Harriet Tubman,abolitionist; Billie Holiday, jazz singer; Ralph Bunche,statesman and Nobel Peace Prize recipient; Martin Luther King, Jr., minister and civil rights activist; Jackie Robinson, baseball player, and Madam C.J. Walker, entrepreneur.

Before beginning the design work, students need to gather information about black Americans and events that are important in their history.

Materials:

Smartboard presentation

Chromebooks for research

newsprint and pencils

Copy of templates

Drawing Materials... pencils, colored pencils, fine tip markers

black sharpies

Lesson:

After watching a Black History Month presentation on the Smartboard, student will research on their Chromebooks ideas for their Black History Month stamp. When ready, students will design a stamp honoring a black American, place ,event or contribution. Students are to create rough sketches on newsprint first. Download the blank postage stamp or have students re-draw their stamps on the template. There are some basic elements that must be included on the stamps. They are as follows: USA, 49 cents, a person, place, or event, with an image. Designs should be highly detailed, creative and demonstrate fine craftsmanship. Have students draw their designs with colored pencils, black pens, or fine tipped markers.