Elementary school art teacher Khadesia Latimer is making waves with her engaging Black History Month bulletin board, featuring hand-drawn portraits of prominent Black individuals. Her creative approach has not only captured the hearts of her students but also inspired educators across the nation after her TikTok videos went viral. Latimer's initiative underscores the importance of integrating Black history into daily learning, promoting dialogue, and celebrating these vital contributions beyond the designated month.

Showcasing Black Excellence Through Art

Khadesia Latimer, an elementary school art teacher in South Carolina, has transformed her school hallway into an inspiring gallery with her hand-drawn portraits of significant Black figures for Black History Month. Drawing inspiration from Kaitlyn Edington's bulletin board of Black artists, Latimer uses colored pencils and markers to create detailed likenesses of historical and contemporary leaders. Each portrait is accompanied by the individual's name and a brief description of their achievements, turning a simple bulletin board into a dynamic educational tool. Her innovative method has resonated widely, with her TikTok shares encouraging other teachers to adopt similar celebratory displays in their own schools. Latimer's project highlights the power of visual art in conveying historical narratives and fostering a deeper appreciation for Black contributions across various fields.

Latimer's bulletin board selections are thoughtfully curated to represent a broad spectrum of Black achievement. Her initial board included modern figures like poet Amanda Gorman, astronaut Mae Jemison, and mathematician Katherine Johnson, emphasizing contributions in education, literacy, and science. This year, she has expanded her collection to include filmmaker Ryan Coogler, pioneering aviator Bessie Coleman, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, and tennis champion Arthur Ashe. By featuring both historical and contemporary figures, Latimer aims to show her students that Black history is not just a relic of the past but a living, ongoing narrative of impact and innovation. The interactive nature of the display, where students often ask questions about the depicted individuals, allows Latimer to weave these stories directly into her art curriculum, making learning both relevant and engaging. For example, her third-grade classes are currently studying Alma Thomas, whose portrait is prominently displayed.

Bringing Historical Figures to Life in the Classroom

Latimer's artistic process for creating these compelling portraits is both efficient and impactful, allowing her to produce large-scale artworks that captivate her young audience. During her 45-minute planning period, she projects a photo of her chosen subject onto brown bulletin board paper and lightly sketches their key features with a white colored pencil. Following this, she uses a black Sharpie to outline and add definition, bringing the figures to life. The final touches involve using Crayola’s Colors of the World pencils for subtle shading and Qwik Stik markers to add vibrant color to the clothing. These meticulous steps result in impressive two-and-a-half-foot portraits that consistently amaze her students and fellow educators. The tangible nature of these handcrafted visuals makes historical figures more accessible and relatable for young learners, fostering a personal connection to the stories of these pioneers.

The bulletin board's arrangement evolves annually, adapting to Latimer's expanding collection of portraits. This year, due to the sheer volume of her artwork, the portraits are displayed around her classroom, while the bulletin board itself features concise blurbs and names of each Black pioneer. This flexible approach ensures that every piece receives due attention and that students can easily access information. Beyond the physical display, Latimer employs a slideshow to complement her artwork, showing actual photographs of the figures, which further stimulates students' curiosity and encourages them to learn more about the individuals. Latimer passionately believes that "Black history is American history," and her dedication to keeping these narratives alive year-round ensures that her students understand the enduring significance of Black contributions, extending the celebration and learning far beyond Black History Month.