Black History Word Search (Free Printable)
A Black History Month word search is an easy way to introduce key vocabulary while giving students time to pause, notice patterns, and talk about important ideas together.
This free printable focuses on terms connected to civil rights, equality, and African American history, making it a natural fit for February lessons in upper elementary and middle school. It works well as a warm-up, early finisher, or low-prep activity alongside read-alouds, short videos, or class discussions.
Rather than rushing through dates or timelines, this word search encourages recognition and conversation, helping students become familiar with words they’ll see again throughout Black History Month.
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How to Use This Black History Month Word Search
This history word search works well as a low-prep activity during February lessons, especially when you want students focused on key vocabulary without adding extra reading or writing demands.
It can be used as a warm-up at the start of a lesson, an early finisher after discussions or read-alouds, or a quiet independent activity during social studies centers.
The puzzle fits upper elementary and middle school best, but younger students can complete it with guidance or in small groups.
For best results, pause after the word search to review unfamiliar terms together.
Vocabulary Included
This Black History Month word search includes 16 vocabulary words connected to African American history and civil rights. These terms are designed to support recognition and discussion rather than memorization.
- African
- Boycott
- Civil Rights
- Discrimination
- Diversity
- Equality
- Freedom
- Heritage
- History
- Integration
- Justice
- Luther King Jr
- March
- Peace
- Racism
- Riots
Some of these words, such as discrimination, racism, and integration, may be new or challenging for younger students. Reviewing the meanings together before or after completing the puzzle can help provide context and encourage thoughtful discussion.
More Black History Month Activities
If you want to extend learning beyond the word search, these Black History Month activities work well alongside February lessons and vocabulary discussions.
Black inventors coloring sheets give students a visual way to connect real people to everyday inventions, making them especially effective for younger learners or mixed-age groups.
A Black History Month word scramble reinforces key terms from civil rights and African American history while adding an extra layer of problem-solving.
Barack Obama worksheets allow students to explore the life and presidency of a modern historical figure, making recent history feel more concrete and relatable.
A Martin Luther King Jr word search focuses on vocabulary tied to Dr. King’s life and activism and works well when paired with read-alouds or short videos.
Juneteenth word scramble activities introduce students to the history and meaning of Juneteenth and are useful when discussing freedom, emancipation, and continued civil rights efforts.
For younger students, Black History Month writing prompts focus on simple reflection, introducing ideas about heroes, kindness, and fairness in an age-appropriate way.
You may also want to use a Juneteenth word search as a follow-up activity when expanding lessons beyond February.
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Books to Use With This African American History Word Search
These books pair well with the vocabulary in this word puzzle and help students see words like justice, equality, and civil rights used in real historical contexts.
- Martin’s Big Words – A strong read-aloud for introducing Martin Luther King Jr. This book works well before the word search so students recognize Dr. King’s name and connect it to ideas like peace, justice, and equality.
- Mae Among the Stars – A great option for discussing perseverance and achievement. It pairs naturally with words like history, freedom, and heritage and helps balance civil rights topics with stories of innovation and possibility.
- Sit?In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down – This book provides clear context for terms such as boycott, civil rights, and integration, making it especially useful before or after students complete the word search.
A short read-aloud before or after the activity helps anchor the vocabulary in real stories, making the word search more meaningful without adding extra lesson prep.
Get Your Free Printable Black History Word Search Here!
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Last Updated on 2 January 2026 by Clare Brown
