Friday, January 31, 2014

HISTORY® features Black History Month


HISTORY® features Black History Month programming and online content

HISTORY Classroom and History.com feature study guides, video clips, and other resources for Black History Month lesson plans, projects, and activities.

First To Fight: Black Tankers of World War II, Monday, February 3, at 6am/5c
The 761st Tank Battalion made history during World War II as the first African American tank unit to see combat. Over the course of 183 straight days on the front during World War II, their unit helped liberate more than 30 towns under Nazi control. This is their incredible story, with first-person interviews with members of the 761st.

Honor Deferred, Thursday, February 6 at 8am/7c
More than 1 million African Americans served in WWII, fighting valiantly on the front lines and throughout the ranks. Yet despite their bravery and courage both on the battlefield and off, not one of the 432 Medals of Honor awarded during World War II went to a black soldier. Fifty years after the war, the US Army investigated why none of these Medals had been awarded to African Americans. Honor Deferred explores this investigation and the stories of the seven men whose acts of heroism were finally recognized in 1997.

A Distant Shore: African Americans of D-Day, Thursday, February 6 at 9am/8c
Nearly 2,000 African Americans were among the troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy during the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. Many of their stories have been neglected in the dominant histories of D-Day, yet their contribution is unquestionable. In this moving 1-hour documentary, seven African American men who fought through D-Day share their gripping stories. This program describes the ways African American soldiers put their lives on the line abroad even as they struggled for equal rights at home upon their return. 

Double Victory, 2 Parts, Monday, February 10 and Monday, February 17, at6am/5c
This special documentary tells the story of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, the first African American aerial unit. These brave pilots fought against fascism overseas while paving the way for the Civil Rights Movement on the home front.
Check out Black History Month resources.
Read more about African Americans during WWII.
View the Double Victory classroom guide.
Special BIO.com Content: American Freedom Stories
Alabama Civil Rights Video Series


Many of the pivotal moments of the modern Civil Rights movement in America took place in Alabama. In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott that ended segregation on public transportation. In Birmingham, the Civil Rights struggle shocked the world when children were violently arrested during the Children's Crusade of 1963, and four months later four little girls were killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. And, in 1965, protestors of all races joined in solidarity in the 50-mile march from Selma to Montgomery to demand African Americans' right to vote.

About the series:
This video series highlights the roles of everyday people in Alabama who were involved in the Civil Rights movement. These individuals often risked their safety for the broader goal of achieving equality. Many firsthand participants are interviewed in these videos. Their perspectives provide powerful stories of struggle and change. Since many of those who participated in the Civil Rights movement were either students or children at the time, these videos are particularly useful for the classroom, giving students insights into the roles young people played in bringing about change.

Watch the video series online.

Curriculum Links:
These videos would be useful for history, social studies, civics, politics, Women's Studies, African American studies, ethnic studies, media and film courses. They are suitable for seventh-graders and above. Note to educators and parents: Some of the content included in these videos may be intense and difficult for students to watch so we recommend that adults watch the videos before recommending them to students.

The Gabby Douglas Story
Saturday, February 1 at 8/7c


How do ordinary people achieve extraordinary goals? The Gabby Douglas Story , a Lifetime® Original Movie, tells the remarkable story of how Gabrielle Douglas defied the odds to become a two-time Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics at the young age of 16. Featuring actual footage of her incredible Olympic performances, Gabby's inspiring story comes to life in this film. Raised primarily by a single mom who has been her biggest motivator and supporter, Gabby was determined to excel in gymnastics despite many challenges along the way. But how did she accomplish her dream, becoming the first African American to win individual all-around gold and the first American to win gold in both the individual all-around and team competitions in gymnastics? This film tells Gabby's Olympic tale, a story of sacrifice and triumph, sportsmanship and teamwork. It provides a great road map for young people to think about how to "Raise the Bar" in their own lives and in their own communities.

Curriculum Links:
The Gabby Douglas Story is an inspirational film suitable for sixth-graders and above. It is a good fit with social studies, current events, physical education, and sports and society courses, among others. It is also a great film for after-school programs and activities.

View the education guide.

Watch a preview.

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