Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action activities encompass art, history, and family

Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action is February 3-7, and schools and communities nationwide are planning lessons, activities, and events focused on the 2025 theme, “Collective Value.” Five days of action and education will span 13 guiding principles. Increasing the ranks of Black and Brown educators in K-12, teaching Black history and ethnic studies, and welcoming students and educators of all identities and abilities are among the 2025 priorities.  

The MPS Black Lives Matter at School advisory curriculum gathers resources and recommendations for classrooms districtwide. Lessons, art projects, and advocacy efforts are designed to bring educators, students, and allies into conversation and action focused on racial justice. Families are invited to join in, through activities such as reading books and even sharing favorite memories and recipes at home.  

Here is a sampling of Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action activities and learning opportunities:  

Restorative Justice and Empathy | Monday, February 3 
Students will be creating Black Lives Matter posters and decorations. Other activities for the day include writing a podcast or video script that highlights justice, diversity, collective value, Black families, or one of the week’s 13 guiding principles.  

Schools participating in the MPS Restorative Practices program use restorative circles. Circles create space and structure for individuals of all ages to come together to repair harm and rebuild trust and respect after conflict. Restorative Justice Day is an opportunity to learn about using restorative circles to help communities of all ages and sizes set and achieve goals together.  

Diversity and Globalism | Tuesday, February 4 
Research projects and discussions can explore founding moments and the mission of the Black Lives Matter movement that began in 2013.   

Other activities may include reading and discussing books that share perspectives, histories, and experiences from ethnic groups in your school, neighborhood, or across the globe.  

Trans and Queer Affirming and Disability Justice | Wednesday, February 5 
Lesson plans and discussion questions might explore how elections and elected officials shape the spaces we live, learn, and work in. Conversations could center on how everyone can make a positive impact in school. 

Intergenerational Black Family and Village | Thursday, February 6 
The comforts of home and family are starting points on this day. Activities could include: 

• Making and sharing a family recipe  

• Interviewing family members from different generations 

• Reviewing family photos and events  

• Creating a BLM poster with family, using family photos if possible, to bring to school  

Black Women and Unapologetically Black | Friday, February 7 
Day 5 might inspire acts of kindness and connection as students consider the contributions of Black women past and present.  

• Students can write a thank-you letter highlighting a Black woman’s impact on Black lives, school communities, the nation, or global society. 

• Discussion question: “How can your school community support you in being Unapologetically Black?” 

• Classroom celebrations and presentations can highlight students’ contributions to their school community or the contributions of student leaders and others making a positive difference.