Celebrating Black History Month in SFUSD

Published in Chinese in the Sing Tao Daily on Sunday, Feb. 9. 

By: Dr. Maria Su

I wish I could spend every moment of the day at our incredible schools! I’m always impressed by how much thought and care goes into the student experience, especially during historic months like Black History Month, which is so rich with events and opportunities to learn. 

The month of February was officially recognized as Black History Month in 1976, but its origins go back 50 years prior when Carter G. Woodson had a vision for promoting African American history. Here in SFUSD, we recognize the importance, relevance and origins of Black History Month and we aim to uplift the rich history of Black Americans and the brilliance of the students we serve all year long. 

We value the fundamental opportunity Black History Month offers for our schools to provide educational lessons, celebrations, and resources related to Black History. Here are just a few happening in San Francisco schools this month. Please check with your child’s school to learn about these or any additional activities:

Bright Spots:

• The International Museum of Dance (IMOD) and dance company MOLODI have partnered with SFUSD to inspire students through the power of Black percussive dance and stepping. This initiative brings high-quality dance instruction, workshops, and assemblies to over 20 schools across SFUSD.
• On Feb. 18, students from Mastering Cultural Identity classes at 11 SFUSD schools will see a performance of School Yard Rap Presents: “Black History Is Moor Than A Month.”
• Many SFUSD schools participate in the national African-American Read-In, centering African American books and authors.
• Webster Elementary is having a Black History Month Spirit Week, with days such as Wear Red, Green, Yellow and Black Day!
• At E.R. Taylor Elementary, Black History Month is integrated into the curriculum across many subjects. For example, in Art there is a quilting project, STEAM classes focus on Black inventors, and P.E. highlights Black athletes.
• Each and Every Book Club using Just Right Reader decodable books is starting with a focus on African American literacy! Join us at the upcoming Each and Every Book Club meetings.
• Student Nutrition Services (SNS) highlights African American SNS employees through interviews, videos, and pictures.
• Schools are hosting African American Honor Roll celebrations to recognize the academic excellence of our students.

Resources:

• Black History Month Resource Guide 2025 - This guide is a compilation of resources from blogs, news outlets, reference guides and community organizations that teachers can incorporate into units and lessons throughout the year. You’re welcome to reference it for ideas to bring Black History Month alive in your family’s discussions and activities too.
• African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) -  Parents of African American students who want to become more involved in the districtwide African American Parent Advisory Council or to network with other families in SFUSD, visit sfusd.edu/AAPAC, email aapac@sfusd.edu. For updates subscribe to the AAPAC Newsletter, tinyurl.com/AAPACUpdates.
• African American Achievement & Leadership Initiative (AAALI) - The African American Achievement and Leadership Initiative holds SFUSD departments and City agencies accountable for providing a high-quality educational experience to African American students, and provides a platform for African American students, parents, and community leadership.
• Black Student Unions (BSUs) are groups at many of our schools where Black students can come together in a space outside of class.

Although we have made progress in our efforts to educate and support each and every SFUSD student, we know that there are still persistent gaps in access, opportunities, and outcomes for many Black students in our district, city, and country. 

As a district we remain committed to closing those gaps by ensuring each and every student has access to high-quality teaching and learning. For instance, SFUSD’s groundbreaking Each and Every Initiative is dedicated to improving literacy outcomes starting with some of our youngest learners – our African American and Pacific Islander kindergarten students. This initiative has shown positive gains, as measured by Star Early Literacy tests.

As Dr. Charles Drew Elementary Principal, Dr. Vidrale Franklin says, “The Each and Every Initiative puts a name to [student data]… Knowing the name of each and every student – each and every African American student – says to them: I see you, I love you, I recognize your abilities, I recognize your brilliance, and you deserve a quality education.”

In closing, I want to extend a special invitation to any parents of African American students in SFUSD. If you want to become more involved in the districtwide African American Parent Advisory Council or to network with other families in SFUSD, visit sfusd.edu/AAPAC, email aapac@sfusd.edu. We look forward to supporting your children in partnership.

Happy Black History Month!

Dr. Maria Su is superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District.

WATCH: Happy Black History Month from Dr. Maria Su.