Black History Month - Folktales

These lessons are from the year 2020. In this year, after doing many years of straight history, I wanted to look at culture and perspective via folktales. I grew up surrounded by Southern folktales, religious mythologies, and fables, and as I got older I learned the folktales of my ethnic traditions in Ireland, Italy, and Latvia. Storytelling is an important element to every culture and should be celebrated :)

Each story below was either taken from a free public source or I bought the book that goes with it. If you use these lessons, please purchase the appropriate book where appropriate to support these rich and wonderful stories. In respect for these authors and illustrators, any artwork from the book itself has been removed from my lessons. Please note that links to research are provided in the Teacher Notes.

It was also for these lessons that I developed some of my original characters, particularly Leaula. If you use this artwork, please cite me appropriately. 

​Below you will find a brief intro to each story and then the lesson plans. If you should find any issues or have any questions, there is a place for you to contact me at the bottom of this page. 

Anansi and Brother Death

This is the story of how Anansi earned immortality. After stealing food from a man, Anansi gives his daughter to this man as payment to live as a wife and servant. Later Anansi discovers that the man took his daughter, killed her, and cooked her. The man reveals himself to be Death. 

Anansi runs home and has his entire family cling to the ceiling to escape Death. One by one each family members falls, except for Anansi.

Themes

• deities
• death
• family
• bravery
• strength
• ancient storytelling
• Explanations for natural phenomena
  • spiders hanging from ceilings

Mirandy and Brother Wind (By Patricia McKissack)

This story takes place in the American South and stars a young African American girl named Mirandy. As she prepares for her first cakewalk she searches for the perfect dancing partner. Everyone says Brother Wind is the best dancer and so Mirandy embarks on a journey to capture Brother Wind.

Themes

• Bravery
• Kindness
• Music
  • Jazz
  • Bluegrass
• Community
  • Cake Walk
• American storytelling

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

This story comes from Zimbabwe. It is the story of two sisters who have been chosen as potential brides for the king. They must both make the journey to the capital and to the king. Their journey and how they treat those they encounter tells a lot about who they are and who is fitting to be queen. 

Themes:

• ​African Storytelling
• Kindness
• Cruelty
• Family
• Country
• Bravery
• Beauty

Sukey and the Mermaid

This story was originally West African, but comes to the US and takes place in the Gullah region of South Carolina. Sukey, our main character, is a young girl with a rough childhood. She discovers a mermaid who promises protection and love. As Sukey grows her needs and wants change, but she learns important lessons about family, love, and wisdom. 

Themes

• American storytelling
• Gullah Tradition
• mythology
• family
• strength
• wisdom
• love

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