Honor African American Leaders

Honor African American Leaders lesson plan

Who was the first Black woman in North America to be elected mayor? Daurene Lewis, from Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. Showcase her achievements and those of other famous African American leaders!

  • 1.

    Choose a person of African descent who is making, or has made, major contributions to society. Research people within your own community, state or province, or country. Identify the person’s achievements and interests to highlight on a poster.

  • 2.

    One person you could choose is Dr. Daurene Lewis, the first Black woman in North America to be elected mayor (of Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada). She later became Principal, Halifax Campuses, Nova Scotia Community College. She is also an internationally known weaver. 

  • 3.

    With Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils, sketch the person you are honoring. Include details such as the name, country, and dates. Write captions for illustrations about several achievements. Whenever you want to change or highlight something on your poster, just erase it and start again!

  • 4.

    Use Crayola Washable Markers, Fine Tip Markers, and Multicultural Markers to color your poster. You might show the country’s flag colors, important symbols of positions held, or other descriptive designs.

Benefits

  • Students research information about important leaders of African descent such as Daurene Lewis, the first female African Canadian to be elected mayor in North America.
  • Students recognize the many contributions of international Black leaders.
  • Students design a poster depicting highlights of the honored person’s achievements.

Adaptations

  • Write biographies of the honored individuals. Compile them in an illustrated book to share with children throughout the school.
  • Research important contributions that women and men of African descent have made all over the world. Create a bulletin board with facts about them.