Temple University has a long-standing commitment to Black studies and the teaching of Black history. Founded in 1971 amid student activism, Temple s Africology and African American Studies Department is one of the nation s oldest and the first to offer a PhD in the field (1988). Alumni such as Ibram X. Kendi and Eddie Glaude have become national leaders, while the university s Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection one of the country s most significant archives of Black historical artifacts continues to enrich research, teaching, and community engagement.

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) extends this legacy through its ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and teacher preparation. In 2023, CEHD received a $1.4 million grant to recruit and retain more educators of color, in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) and the Center for Black Educator Development. These efforts prepare future teachers to integrate Black history, diversity, and social justice into their classrooms, addressing systemic inequities and empowering students.

On Oct. 22, 2025, CEHD will host a public event, funded by a Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) grant from the Library of Congress, to highlight the SDP s commitment to teaching Black history. The program will feature poster presentations from teachers who participated in a June 2026 TPS workshop to design Black history units. A panel discussion will follow featuring Sharif El-Mekki (Center for Black Educator Development) and educators Jade Tuff and Norman Bayard. The event will serve as a kickoff for the SDP s Blackprint 20: Black History Summit, taking place Feb. 13 15, 2026, which celebrates both the summit s 20th year and the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. Refreshments will be provided.