Two weeks ago, Joanne Gallardo wrote a fantastic post about
Black History Month. As we continue to explore and honor Black history and pursue antiracism, I want to think about how we do it with the children in our lives. Whether a parent, grandparent, caregiver, Sunday school teacher or interacting with children in some other way, there are lots of great ways to celebrate Black History Month.
1. What is Black History Month?
Check out a short video for kids like
this one from Learn Bright — adults might learn too! Some information this six-minute video includes: Introduction to Black History Month; various famous African Americans; history of African Americans in the U.S.; Carter G. Woodson documents Black history; and how the second week of February became Negro History Week, why this week was chosen, when and how it was expanded to an entire month, and the importance of Black History Month.
2. Explore online
National Geographic Kids includes a great article on
Black History Month with links to explore
African American Heroes such as Bessie Coleman, Benjamin O. Davis Jr., Frederick Douglass, Katherine Johnson, John Lewis and many more.
3. Parent guides
There are lots of great resources for parents and other caregivers you can find with a simple Google search, such as
Celebrating Black Leaders from PBS Kids for Parents. This guide includes questions to ask your child, other articles to read and even book lists.
4. Book lists
No post from me would be complete without some book suggestions. I
love this book list from PBS Kids of
Children’s Books with Strong Black Characters. This list includes some of my favorite books, such as
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson,
Amazing Grace by Marry Hoffman and
I Am Enough by Grace Byers. Or this list from the Anti-Defamation League:
13 Exceptional Kid Lit Books to Read for Black History Month that includes books for older children and teens. These books may be written for children and youth, but a well-written children’s book is a treat (and learning opportunity) for adults as well.
5. Hear from African American heroes
The internet is such a wonderful thing!
ReadingRockets has pulled together a list with links to interviews, discussions and other activities exploring the contemporary contributions of African Americans — in their own words. They also include information and links to
StoryCorps Griot. A griot is a storyteller, a position of honor in West African tradition, who hands down family and community history from one generation to the next.
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