Black History
Month:
Trading Cards with Activities
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Table of Contents
Pages 3 – 8
Famous African American Trading Cards: 15 Cards Total
Pages 9 – 17
Activities for Students to Use with the Trading Cards - Students
must use the Trading Cards to answer a variety of questions.
Answer key are included. Some activities do not have answer keys
because the answers will vary depending on the student.
Pages 18 – 22
Reusable Activities for Students to Use with the Trading Cards –
Students choose a few trading cards to complete the activities.
These activities can be repeated by having students choose
different trading cards.
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Making and Using the Trading Cards
Making the Cards
1.  Cut on the straight dotted lines. Do NOT cut the solid line.
2.  Fold the card on the solid line.
3.  Glue the backs of the cards together so that one one side has
the famous African American picture and the other side has
information.
4.  Save time by having the students create the cards! Or, create
them yourself and laminate for multiple uses.
Using the Cards
1.  Place the cards in a center, and have students use the cards
to complete the activities.
2.  Give partners a card to study and present to the class.
3.  Give partners a set of cards and have them complete the
activities together.
4.  Have students practice their fluency with repeated readings of
a card to different partners.
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Sojourner Truth was born a
slave in New York. She was sold
several times as a slave,
separating her from her family and
other important people in her life.
Sojourner escaped from
slavery in 1826 with her youngest
daughter. She later devoted her
life to the rights of both African
Americans and women. She gave
many speeches, encouraging
equality for all. The story of her
life was published in the book The
Narrative of Sojourner Truth: A
Northern Slave.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born
in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up
with a supportive and loving family,
but he was still exposed to racism
from a young age.
As an adult, Martin was one of
the most influential figures in the
fight to end segregation. He
encouraged people to take action
in a nonviolent way. His “I Have a
Dream Speech” inspired many. He
was murdered in 1968, but his life
is still honored today through a
national holiday known as “Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day.”
Born:
Died:
1968
Died:
1883
1797
around
Sojourner Truth
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Thurgood Marshall was born in
Baltimore, Maryland. From a
young age, he enjoyed listening to
lawyers’ arguments at the local
courthouse. In high school, he
joined the debate team, developing
skills he would use throughout his
life.
Thurgood went to law school at
Howard University. As a lawyer,
he won several cases that were
instrumental in helping to end legal
segregation. He was the first
African American to become a
Supreme Court justice.
Born:
1929
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Died:
1993
Born:
1908
Thurgood Marshall
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Harriet Tubman was born a
slave in Maryland. She endured
many physical and mental
hardships from a young age. For
example, her family was separated
from each other when 3 of her
sisters were sold to different
owners.
Harriet escaped from slavery
in 1849, and then spent her life
trying to help others do the same.
She used the Underground
Railroad, a collection of safe
houses that runaway slaves could
use to hide themselves.
Frederick Douglas was born a
slave in Maryland. His owner’s
wife taught him how to read and
write, ignoring the rule about not
teaching slaves.
Frederick tried to escape
slavery 3 times and was finally
successful on his 3rd attempt. He
spoke out against slavery and
wrote several famous articles and
books, including Narrative of the
Life of Frederick Douglass, an
American Slave. He was one of
the most famous men of his time,
influencing the lives of many.
Booker T. Washington was born
a slave in Virginia. From a young
age, he yearned to go to school
and learn, but it was illegal to
teach a slave how to read and
write.
After the Civil War, Booker and
his family were no longer slaves.
Booker put himself through school
by working as a janitor. Eventually,
Booker would became a teacher,
and he also founded the Tuskegee
Normal and Industrial Institute in
Alabama, which focused on training
African Americans.
Born:
1856
Born:
Born:
around
around
1818
1820
Died:
1915
Died:
1895
Died:
1913
Booker T. Washington
Frederick Douglas
Harriet Tubman
Carol Moseley Braun was born
in Chicaco, Illinois. She graduated
with a political science degree in
1969, and then went on to law
school to become a lawyer.
She ran for a seat in the U.S.
Senate in 1992 and became the
first African American woman to
win election to the U.S. Senate. As
a member of the Senate, she
fought for women’s rights and
educational reform. She was later
appointed U.S. Ambassador to New
Zealand. Carol currently works as
a business consultant.
still
alive
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Maya Angelou was born in St.
Louis, Missouri, but later moved to
Arkansas with her mother. She
experienced several traumatic
events as a young child.
As an adult, Maya’s life was
filled with a variety of
accomplishments. She was the
first African American woman to
write a nonfiction best seller. She
was also the first African
American woman to have a
screenplay produced. Her writing
has touched many lives. She was
also a dancer, poet, and actress.
George Washington Carver was
born a slave in Missouri. After the
Civil War, however, he was freed
from slavery and began school. He
eventually became the first
African American student to
attend Iowa State.
After college, George was
hired to run Tuskegee Institute’s
agricultural department. His work
in agriculture helped many
struggling farmers. George
became a famous scientist and
inventor. He is most well known
for his inventions utilizing peanuts.
Died:
1943
Born:
1947
Born:
1928
Died:
Died:
2014
1864
around
Born:
George Washington Carver
Carol Moseley Braun
Maya Angelou
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Duke Ellington was born in
Washington D.C. to two musicians.
He began playing the piano at a
young age and wrote his first song
at the age of 15.
Duke began playing
professionally by the age of 17,
and his career continued
successfully for more than 50
years. He earned 12 Grammys and
wrote an autobiography about his
life. Duke helped make jazz and
ragtime popular and he was a
significant figure in jazz history.
Rosa Parks was born in
Tuskegee, Alabama. As a child,
she experienced several instances
of segregation and prejudice.
Rosa’s actions on December 1,
1955 would trigger events that
changed the United States
forever. After a long day’s work,
Rosa was riding a full bus home.
She was asked to give up her seat
for a white person, but refused
and was arrested. She became a
symbol for the civil rights
movement, which was seeking
equality for everybody.
Jesse Owens was born in
Oakville, Alabama. He was often
sick as a child, battling pneumonia
and bronchial congestion. He
would overcome these sicknesses
and become a great athlete.
Jesse quickly became
recognized for his skill in track and
field events, particularly in
sprinting and the long jump. In
1935, Jesse competed in 42
events, and he won them all! In
1936, Jesse participated in the
Olympic Games and won 4 gold
medals and broke 2 records.
Born:
1913
Born:
1913
Born:
1899
Died:
1980
Died:
2005
Died:
1974
Rosa Parks
Jesse Owens
Duke Ellington
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Hank Aaron was born in Mobile,
Alabama. He excelled at both
football and baseball from a very
young age.
He joined the Milwaukee Braves
in 1952, and quickly became known
as an outstanding baseball player.
Despite his success, he still had to
endure racist statements,
including death threats. Hank
often spoke up for minorities.
Hank is still considered to be
one of baseball’s greatest players,
breaking many baseball records.
still
alive
Louis Armstrong was born in
New Orleans, Louisiana in a very
poor area. He had to quit school
in 5th grade to so that he could
begin working.
Louis moved to Chicago in 1922
where he joined a jazz band that
grew to be popular. He made his
first recording in 1923.
Throughout his career, he became
famous in the United States and
around the world for his singing
and trumpet playing. He also
appeared in several movies. Many
of his songs are still popular
today.
Benjamin Banneker was born in
Maryland to two ex-slaves.
Although Benjamin was never a
slave, he spoke out against slavery
throughout his life.
Benjamin was mostly self
taught, learning through
observation and borrowed books.
He became a famous astronomer,
writer, and mathematician.
However, he is most well known
for the almanacs he created which
contained a variety of things,
including his own astronomical
calculations.
Born:
1731
Born:
1901
Born:
1934
Died:
1806
Died:
1971
Died:
Benjamin Banneker
Louis Armstrong
Hank Aaron
Activities for Students
to Use with the Cards
Pages 9 – 17
These activities require students to refer back to
the cards in order to be successful at answering
the questions. Answer keys for three of the
activities are included. Some activities do not have
answer keys because the answers will vary
depending on the student.
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Famous African Americans
Use the information from the trading cards to answer the questions!
Sort the trading cards based on when the famous
African Americans were born – before or after 1900.
Born BEFORE 1900
Born AFTER 1900
Sort the trading cards based on whether or not the
famous African Americans were born into slavery.
Born into Slavery
NOT Born into Slavery
Compare the two lists. What do you notice? ____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Famous African Americans
Use the information from the trading cards to list where each famous African American was born!
Alabama
Louisiana
Georgia
Illinois
Virginia
New York
Missouri
Washington D.C.
On the map,
shade in all
of the
states
where a
famous
African
American
was born,
according to
the trading
cards.
Maryland
After shading in
the map, what do
you notice?
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Famous African Americans
Use the information from the trading cards to answer the questions!
Which of the famous African Americans are still alive?
List them below.
___________________________ ___________________________
Which of the famous African Americans had trading cards
that said they were born “around” a certain year?
_______________________
________________________
_______________________
________________________
Which of the famous African Americans were
musicians? List them below.
Why do you think the trading cards said they were born
“around” a certain year?
___________________________ ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
___________________________
____________________________________________________
Which of the famous African Americans were athletes?
List them below.
Which of the famous African Americans had to escape
from slavery? List them below. .
___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
Which of the famous African Americans were lawyers?
List them below.
___________________________ ___________________________
Which one of the famous African Americans was born
earliest?.
___________________________ © 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Famous African Americans
Use the information from the trading cards to answer the questions!
Who worked harder, Booker T. Washington or Jesse
Owens? Defend you reasoning.
Who contributed more to jazz, Duke Ellington or
Louis Armstrong? Defend you reasoning.
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Who helped more people, Harriet Tubman or Rosa
Parks? Defend you reasoning.
Who would you rather be friends with, Maya Angelou
or Carol Mosely Braun? Defend you reasoning.
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Famous African Americans
Of the 15 famous African Americans, who is the most important? Justify your thinking. Be sure to
include details from the trading cards in your answer.
______________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Famous African Americans
Use the information from the trading cards to answer the questions!
Sort the trading cards based on when the famous
African Americans were born – before or after 1900.
Sort the trading cards based on whether or not the
famous African Americans were born into slavery.
Born BEFORE 1900
Born AFTER 1900
Born into Slavery
NOT Born into Slavery
Sojourner Truth
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sojourner Truth
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Booker T. Washington
Thurgood Marshall
Booker T. Washington
Thurgood Marshall
Frederick Douglass
Carol Moseley Braun
Frederick Douglass
Carol Moseley Braun
Harriet Tubman
Maya Angelou
Harriet Tubman
Maya Angelou
George Washington Carver
Jesse Owens
George Washington Carver
Jesse Owens
Duke Ellington
Rosa Parks
Duke Ellington
Benjamin Banneker
Louis Armstrong
Rosa Parks
Hank Aaron
Benjamin Banneker
Louis Armstrong
Hank Aaron
Answers will Vary
Compare the two lists. What do you notice? ____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Famous African Americans
Use the information from the trading cards to list where each famous African American was born!
Alabama
• 
• 
Martin Luther
King, Jr.
Carol Moseley
Braun
• 
Sojourner Truth
Missouri
• 
• 
On the map,
shade in all
of the
states
where a
famous
African
American
was born,
according to
the trading Students might need
some assistance
cards.
with Washington D.C.
Washington D.C.
George
Washington Carver
Maya Angelou
• 
Duke Ellington
• 
• 
• 
Thurgood
Marshall
Frederick
Douglass
Harriet Tubman
Benjamin
Banneker
After shading in
the map, what do
you notice?
Shade
Shade
Shade
Shade
________________
Answers
________________
will vary
________________
________________
Shade
New York
Shade
Booker T.
Washington
• 
Maryland
• 
Virginia
• 
Louis
Armstrong
Illinois
Shade
Jesse Owens
Rosa Parks
Hank Aaron
Georgia
Shade
• 
• 
• 
Louisiana
________________
________________
________________
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Famous African Americans
Use the information from the trading cards to answer the questions!
Which of the famous African Americans are still alive?
List them below.
Carol Moseley Braun
___________________________
Hank Aaron
___________________________
Which of the famous African Americans had trading cards
that said they were born “around” a certain year?
Sojourner Truth
_______________________
Frederick Douglass
_______________________
Harriet Tubman
________________________
Carver
George Washington
________________________
Which of the famous African Americans were
musicians? List them below.
Duke Ellington
___________________________
Louis Armstrong
___________________________
Why do you think the trading cards said they were born
“around” a certain year?
The exact date of their births are not
____________________________________________________
known. The dates given are estimates.
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Which of the famous African Americans were athletes?
List them below.
Jesse Owens
___________________________
Hank Aaron
___________________________
Carol Mosely Braun
___________________________
Sojourner Truth
___________________________
Frederick Douglass
___________________________
Harriet Tubman
___________________________
Which of the famous African Americans were lawyers?
List them below.
Thurgood Marshall ___________________________
Which of the famous African Americans had to escape
from slavery? List them below. .
Which one of the famous African Americans was born
earliest?.
Benjamin Banneker ___________________________
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Reusable Activities to
Use With the Cards
Pages 18 – 22
These activities have students choose a few of
the trading cards in order to answer the
questions. By having students choose different
cards, the activities can be repeated several
times. This is a good opportunity for teacher
modeling. Answer keys are not included because
answers will vary depending on the cards chosen.
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Famous African Americans
Choose 2 famous African Americans, and then compare and contrast them using the Venn Diagram. Then, write a
short paragraph explaining the most important similarities and differences between the 2 famous African Americans.
Famous African American:_______________________________
Famous African American:_______________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Famous African Americans
Choose a trading card, and read it carefully. Then, write 2 facts and 1 fib about that person, in any order you want.
See if a partner can find the fib!
Famous African American:
____________________________
Famous African American:
____________________________
1. _______________________________
1. _______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
2._______________________________
2._______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
3._______________________________
3._______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Famous African Americans
Choose 5 African American trading cards, and create a timeline using the year each of them was born!
CHALLENGE: Include other dates mentioned in the trading cards.
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.
Famous African Americans
Choose 5 African American trading cards, and rank them in order from who you think made the most important
contributions to the United States, to who made the least important contributions. Defend your thinking.
Made the Most Important Contributions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5
.
___________________________
Justify your rankings. Be sure to explain the
reasoning for the placement of all 5 famous
African Americans.
_________________________________
___________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
___________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
___________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
___________________________
Made the Least Important Contributions
_________________________________
_________________________________
© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.