Teaching Your Kids about Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to focus on the moments in American history that are unique to the black experience. Every February, we have a special opportunity to celebrate these moments and share this history with our children. It is a time to reflect on how far civil rights have come and how far they still need to go. It is a testament to the powerful impacts made by black men and women throughout American history into the present day.
Teaching your kids about black history is so important, but where do you begin? Here’s a few ideas on how to introduce Black History Month to your kids.
WHEN IT STARTED
In 1915, historian and author, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, founded the organization now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life & History. His organization initiated the first “Negro History Week” in 1926. He chose the month of February specifically because the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, important figures in the liberation of African Americans, fall within the month. By 1975, President Ford gave an address to the American public urging them to recognize black history as integral to our nation’s history by naming Black History Week. By 1976, the Association for the Study of African American Life & History expanded Black History Week to the present Black History Month we now celebrate. In 1986, Congress passed an official law proclaiming February as Black History Month.
WHY WE CELEBRATE
For too long, the stories and voices of people with African backgrounds in the United States have been ignored and overlooked. By proudly celebrating the contributions that have been made despite the struggles of racial inequality—from the cruelty of slavery to the oppression under Jim Crow laws to the present day struggle against police brutality—shows how resilient and strong the African-American community in the United States has always been. This journey of freedom and triumph is uniquely that of black men and women in America, and that deserves to be honored and commemorated.
WHO WE HONOR
There are so many prominent figures who we celebrate. Who are your personal heroes? Share them with your children. Instead of the usual bedtime story, tell them about a historical moment of black history. Pick movies or television that highlight black stories. Help your kids find their own heroes, and more importantly, help them become one by following in the footsteps of the men and women who came before them and changed the trajectory of history.
Here are a few suggestions:
Books
The Story of MLK, Jr. (Johnny Ray Moore, ages 2-5)
I Have a Dream (Kadir Nelson, ages 4-9)
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer (Carole Boston Weatherford, ages 4-7)
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History (Vashti Harrison, ages 8-12)
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History (Vashti Harrison, ages 8-12)
Movies
Our Friend, Martin (YouTube)
Ruby Bridges (Amazon Video/YouTube)
Selma, Lord Selma (Amazon Video)
Hidden Figures (Amazon)
An American Girl Story-Melody 1963: Love Has to Win (Amazon Prime)
Discuss
Discuss with your children what you all have read and watched. Ask them questions about how these issues play out in our current society. If your children are younger, have the conversation and ask them to draw pictures about how it would make them feel to be treated in this way. Additionally, discuss why we celebrate Black History Month, the importance of it, and what black men and women have done to better our current world.