With Black History Month right around the corner, it's essential to think deeply about how we want our kids to learn about Black History.
We want to move beyond the traditional narratives that often focus solely on the struggles and oppression faced by the Black community. While acknowledging historical and contemporary oppression is crucial, it's equally important to celebrate Black joy, success, and achievements. This perspective adds depth and nuance to our understanding of Black history, fostering a more inclusive and positive educational experience.
Diversifying Your Approach
When planning discussions and activities for Black History Month, consider whether your content emphasizes joy and success. If not, it's time to diversify your plans and center the narrative on Black success. Here are some practical steps to get started:
When planning discussions and activities for Black History Month, consider whether your content emphasizes joy and success. If not, it's time to diversify your plans and center the narrative on Black success. Here are some practical steps to get started:
- Explore Joyful Literature
Include books that celebrate Black joy, success, and achievements in your curriculum. Consider titles like "Mae Makes Way," "Brave Black First," "A Year Of Black Joy," and delve into reflections on the impactful presidency of Barack Obama.
- Use Joyful Conversation Starters
Engage your students or children in conversations that celebrate Black contributions beyond struggles. Explore Black inventors and their inventions, discuss the significant contributions from Black scientists, appreciate Black art and music, and ponder how the world would be different without the invaluable contributions of Black leaders and teachers.
Highlighting Diversity Within Black History
To truly teach Black history, it's crucial to highlight and uplift the diversity within the Black community. Instead of solely focusing on the least marginalized among Black individuals, let's broaden our perspective. With your BHM lessons, consider if you've included:
To truly teach Black history, it's crucial to highlight and uplift the diversity within the Black community. Instead of solely focusing on the least marginalized among Black individuals, let's broaden our perspective. With your BHM lessons, consider if you've included:
- Dark-skinned Black individuals
- Non-American Black communities
- Disabled Black individuals
- Black women
- Non-English speaking Black people
- Queer Black people
- Black immigrants and refugees
And remember this is just a starting point - there is so much more diversity within the community that should be celebrated!
Black History Beyond February
While February marks the official celebration of Black History Month, the learning shouldn't be confined to a single month. February should not be the first time you've taught Black History in your classroom, nor should it be the last. Uplifting Black voices and communities should be a year-round commitment. After all, you cannot truly teach history without including Black history.
While February marks the official celebration of Black History Month, the learning shouldn't be confined to a single month. February should not be the first time you've taught Black History in your classroom, nor should it be the last. Uplifting Black voices and communities should be a year-round commitment. After all, you cannot truly teach history without including Black history.
As we kick off Black History Month, let's embrace a more holistic approach to education that goes beyond struggles - celebrating Black joy, success, and achievements. By incorporating diverse perspectives and narratives, we ensure that Black history is an integral part of our educational journey every day of the year.
Want to assess your Black History Month lessons to make sure they are truly diverse and rooted in justice? Grab our Black History Month checklist here.