Black History Month Word Scramble Printable
A Black History Month word scramble is a simple way to reinforce name recognition while introducing students to influential African Americans in a low-pressure format.
This printable includes two versions of the same puzzle. An easier option with a word bank and a more challenging version without clues. This makes it easy to use across upper elementary and middle school grades.
The focus is on familiarizing students with key historical figures before deeper discussion, research, or reading.
The activity works well as a warm-up, early finisher task, or independent practice during February lessons, and an answer key is included to support quick review in classroom and homeschool settings.
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Word Scramble Activity (Easy and Hard Versions)
This word scramble focuses on the names of influential African Americans and works well as a low-prep literacy activity during Black History Month.
Two versions of the worksheet are included. The easier version provides a word bank along the side, making it a good fit for upper elementary students or learners who benefit from visual support. The harder version removes all clues and is better suited for independent practice in upper elementary or middle school settings.
Both versions use the same 12 names, which makes it easy to differentiate without changing the activity. An answer key is included with the printable for quick checking or review.
If you’re looking for a related activity, the Black History word search pairs well as a follow-up or early finisher option.
Black History Month Word Scramble Answers
The names included in the puzzle are listed below and are also provided on the printable answer sheet.
John Lewis
Bessie Coleman
Maya Angelou
Harriet Tubman
Rosa Parks
Joseph Winters
Garrett Morgan
Henry Blair
Sarah E. Goode
Alfred L. Cralle
Granville Woods
Martin Luther King Jr.
More Black History Printables
If you’re planning Black History Month activities for the classroom, this word scramble works well as a quick literacy warm-up or independent practice alongside broader history lessons.
- Black inventors coloring pages – A calm follow-up activity that helps students connect names with real-world inventions and contributions.
- Juneteenth word search – A simple vocabulary-based puzzle that works well after introducing Juneteenth or as an early finisher.
- Black History Month coloring bookmarks – An easy, low-prep option students can use throughout February to reinforce key figures and themes while reading.
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Helpful Black History Month Books
A short read-aloud or independent book pairs well with this word scramble, especially when students need more context around the names in the puzzle. These options work well for upper elementary and middle school classrooms.
- Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr. – A clear, accessible biography that helps students place familiar names into historical context.
- Hidden Figures (Young Readers’ Edition) – A strong choice for connecting Black history with science, innovation, and perseverance.
- Who Was Harriet Tubman? – Works well alongside vocabulary activities focused on civil rights and leadership.
Get Your Free Word Scramble Here!
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Last Updated on 2 January 2026 by Clare Brown
Printables to use at our library.
Hi Kathy,
That sounds wonderful! You can download the printables by entering your email in the box above, and they’ll be sent to you immediately. I love that you’re using them at your library, hope they’re a great resource! Let me know if you need anything else.
Thanks for stopping by!
Clare