BLACK HISTORY RESEARCH PROJECT

WHY IS FEBRUARY BLACK HISTORY MONTH?

For this project, you will be creating a report that explores the reason behind Black History Month. WORTH TWO TEST GRADES—200 POINTS!!!!!!!!

This project will be due February _____ …………….. and will be presented to the class. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Your report will be SEVEN pages in length (including the cover page). (Number all pages). It must be typed and double spaced. It should be no larger than 12pt font, and Times New Roman type-style. Your margins should be 0.8 all around (top, bottom, left, right). Go to file, page setup, and then make the necessary changes. Leave the gutters alone. Hint: It should look just like this page, except the words might be a bit smaller.

I-*Your report must have a colorful cover page, complete with MLA heading.

II-The first (1) page will be a report (in your own words) that answers the question: Why is February Black History Month? Your report should include:

·  When and how did Black History Month begin?

·  What other important events happened in February that validated having the study during this month? (There are six specific events.)

*This should be a full page of information in paragraph form only.

III-On page two (2), you must discuss two important people that contributed to Black History (Civil Rights Heroes). One MUST be African American and one must NOT.

·  You may not use Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Harriett Tubman, Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Dubois, or anyone mentioned earlier in this report (like your page 1 person).

·  Athletes and entertainers (anyone on TV), inventors, artists, poets, the first to do something, etc. are also NOT allowed. Your person must have been a fighter of Civil Rights in some way.

*This should be a full page of information in paragraph form.

IV-On page three (3), discuss the following question:

Aside from African Americans, what other groups of people have a designated month to celebrate their achievements? (three paragraphs)

·  Be sure to state the month that is celebrated, and discuss how and when it began. At least two paragraphs (one heritage group per paragraph).

·  Why is there not a white history month? (one paragraph)

**Women’s History Month may not be used.

V- Page four (4) should be a picture page. Include images that you feel represent Black History Month. If you are artistically inclined, you may draw the images, or gather images from magazines and/or the internet.

·  Your page must have at least five (5) pictures.

·  You must include a written or typed explanation of the images. This could be a caption under each picture, or a paragraph on the bottom or on the back of the paper. At least 100 words total.

VI-Page five (5) should be a personal reflection page of no less than 200 words (three-four paragraphs). Be sure to include:

·  What thoughts do you have about the information you’ve learned about Black History Month? What surprised you? What did not?

·  Do you think the founders of Black History Month would be proud of the way things are today? Explain your answer.

·  Finally, decide and explain whether or not you think there should be a month dedicated to black history or any other heritage group.

VII-Finally, page six (6) should be a complete bibliography that cites all sources. You must have at least three sources. One of your sources must be an actual book (A Google, Ask Jeeves, or Wikipedia search is unacceptable.) Use only the sources from the media home page. Use MLA style to cite your sources.

*NOODLETOOLS is a great source for your works cited page. It does the work for you!

**You may also use the pamphlet titled “MLA Bibliographic Guidelines” from the library**

Tips:

*The first part of this report must be written in essay form (in paragraphs). Although there are guiding questions, do not write them down and answer them like a homework assignment!

*****SPELLING AND GRAMMAR COUNT. PLEASE PROOFREAD!*****

*****PLAGIARISM ON ANY PORTION OF THIS PROJECT WILL RESULT IN A ZERO!*****

Before you hand in your report, review the following checklist:

ð  1. Do I have a colorful cover page complete with MLA heading?

ð  2. Is my format correct? (margins, font size, type-style) Do I have paragraphs?

ð  3. Do I have at least six numbered pages?

ð  4. Did I discuss and answer all of Part 1?

ð  5. Did I write about two Civil Rights Heroes (Is one of them African American)?

ð  6. Did I discuss the other groups that have a month?

ð  7. Do I have a picture page (with at least 5 pictures)? Did I explain the images in at least 100 words?

ð  8. Did I discuss and answer all parts of page 5, my personal reflection page?

ð  9. Do I have a MLA-style bibliography with at least three sources, one being a book? (Did I use the media resources)?

ð  10. DID I PROOFREAD AND SPELL-CHECK MY WORK?