Call for Proposals for Online Black History Courses

Proposal Submission Information
Celebrating an American Milestone

Submit proposals here and select competition titled, “Celebrating an American Milestone: The Negro History Week/Black History Month Centennial, 1926-2026.”

The application portal will open on April 3, 2024. Completed applications with all supporting materials are due by 11:59 AM on October 15, 2024.

Proposal Guidelines

Submission should be no more than 3-pages (1500 words maximum) and include the following information: 

Personal Details

  • Contact information 
  • A short statement explaining your experience and interest in the proposed course. (250 words) 

Proposal Details (you may upload a word or PDF document) 

  • Title 
  • Abstract or short description of the course (250 words or less)
  •  Course Description (1250 words – Overview of the course, Learning Outcome, Describe your student engagement strategies and Proposed Schedule of activities 
  • Course Details (Course Category (include all that apply)
    • Archaeology
    • Art History, Art Criticism, Art Theory
    • Culture, Traditions, and Human Environment
    • Folklore/Folklife
    • Geography
    • Health
    • History
    • Jurisprudence
    • Languages/Linguistics
    • Literature
    • Philosophy/Ethics
    • Comparative Religion
    • Social Sciences 
  • Course Delivery Mode (online, hybrid) 
  • Target Audience (Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Community College, College/University, Adults, Seniors
  • Preferred term to teach (Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or both) 

Supporting Documents (these are NOT included in the three-page submission maximum)

  • Short course narrative   
  • One page CV/Resume 
Timeline

April 3, 2024
Announcement of Call for Proposals

October 15, 2024
Deadline for Proposal Submission

January 15, 2025
Announcement of Selected Instructors

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the complete list of committee members, as well as the subcommittee chairs, here.

Negro History Week Timeline (table 5.2, pp. 109-110 from the book, “Dr. Carter G. Woodson: History, the Black Press, and Public Relations,” authored by Burnis Morris, the Carter G. Woodson Professor of Journalism and Mass Communications and director of The Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum.

Fifteen outstanding events in Black History (events named by Carter G. Woodson for Ebony magazine just before his death in 1950.)

We anticipate offering dozens of courses across various disciplines and topics – all depending on the results of the Call for Proposals.

Yes, an example can be found here.

The deadline for receiving proposals is listed on the Call for Proposals – October 15, 2024.

No. Please see the Call for Proposals for instructions. Only items submitted to the listed site will be accepted.

The course duration depends on the submitted proposal. It may be possible to propose a course involving one session for a presentation or musical performance or four or more presentations or performances depending on the proposal.

The proposed courses should be prepared primarily for introductory levels of instruction – although it may be possible to propose two courses, with one being introductory and the other intermediate. More advanced instruction should be offered outside this program, such as in a regular college course lasting a full semester.

We welcome proposals for all periods of Black History; however, we encourage prospective instructors to avoid current events. We want to help educate people about Black contributions in all history.

We define Black History in a broad sense. Our definition includes Black contributions across many subjects and disciplines – such as music, art, sports, medicine, science, journalism and the humanities. For the Online Courses Program, we embrace the expansive work of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, which was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. ASALH selects the Annual National Black History Theme, and the themes not only help us understand the depth of Black contributions but also suggest ideas for course topics. The National Themes have included “African Americans and the Arts,” “African Americans in Times of War,” “Significant Achievements of the Negro,” “Neglected Aspects of Negro History,” “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories,” “The Crisis in Black Education,” “Black Migrations,” “African Americans and the Vote,” and “Black Health and Wellness.”

Of course, as stated above.

Yes.

Yes.

No. Within the proposals, prospective instructors should state their qualifications to teach courses. Qualifications may include life experience as well as college degrees. Instructors are required to demonstrate expertise, which may or may not include advanced degrees.

Yes, elsewhere on this site, you will find details.

Yes, you can submit multiple proposals. Each course proposal will need to be submitted separately.

Questions?