Black History Project

Working to raise awareness of Maryland’s Black History

The Black History Project began in the fall of 2023 at Oakdale High. It is a unique project intended to educate members of the community about Maryland’s Black History. The work is carried out by student volunteers, who sift through primary and secondary source material in order to spread awareness of the people, events, and places that shape our history. We firmly believe that Black history is everyone’s history.

In February 2024, the 20-panel exhibit was displayed at C. Burr Artz Library in downtown Frederick. (Kate Ehrlich)

In its first year, eleven student volunteers created a traveling exhibit focused on Frederick, Maryland. At that time, we referred to ourselves as the Black History Exhibit Project. The exhibit explored the historical struggles and achievements of Frederick’s Black community. Learn more about our Year 1 Project.

Volunteer, Kessia Donfack Djoko, discusses the significance of the “Take My Hand” mural outside the Harriet Tubman Museum Center in downtown Cambridge, Maryland. (Kate Ehrlich)

During the 2024-2025 school year, nine student volunteers researched and led an all-day walking tour of historic Cambridge, Maryland. The city played a significant role in both slavery and the Civil Rights Movement. Learn more about our Year 2 Project.

The Black History Project has received private grant funding from the Institute for Common Power and Frederick County Retired School Personnel Association (FCRSPA).