Black History Month 2021

It is Black History Month! I want to highlight and honor the man behind the month, Carter G. Woodson!

Woodson saw the lack of attention given to “Negro” contributions to America and American culture. He wanted to give Black Americans a sense of self-pride, knowledge of history and experiences, as well as foster understanding between the races. What began as just a week morphed into a whole month of honoring Black Americans and experiences!

So, let’s appreciate Carter G. Woodson, the work, sacrifice, and persistence he put into establishing a nationwide institution we now call Black History Month. This year don’t expect the school to teach your kids about Black history, YOU DO IT! You are your child's first teacher. Celebrate Black History Month 2021 with a focus on discovery, admiration, connection, and pride.

Fun Fact: Carter G. Woodson chose February to celebrate Negro History Week to honor the birth months of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

Here are some things to consider as you teach your children Black History:

Introduce Something New: Explore new information. Talk about an individual, place, era, or tradition that maybe you or your child didn’t know. We hear about the same lessons over-and-over. Keep it fresh and get into learning too!

Keep the Party Going: Integrate Black history year-round. Look at February as a learning-intensive program and the rest of the year as learning add-ons.

This Ain’t Just Our History: Stress that Black history is American history,

not just one culture’s history.

All Black people don’t look alike: Beware of books that highlight superficial cultural traits based on stereotypes and generalizations like physical features, foods, clothes, and music. If you do, explain the history and social background behind it.

Without You, There Is No Me: Be careful not to single out just individuals; shed light on the people and movements that made those individuals great.

Let’s Chat: Create a safe space that allows for questions, discussion, and reflection.

Don’t be Loud and Wrong: Make sure you know what you’re teaching and that your information is accurate.

Check out the Learning for Justice website for a great article about the history of Black History Month: https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/the-history-behind-black-history-month