Celebrate Black History Month

Black History Month begins Feb. 1. This is a great time to learn, commemorate, and celebrate the history, cultures, and contributions of Black Americans. In Girl Scouts, we are committed to being a place where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are ever-present.

Today's need for greater racial equity and inclusion requires kids to be exposed to diversity at a young age. To uplift all voices that have had an impact on our country, it is critical that Black history is studied and celebrated—not just in February, but throughout the entire year. African American history is American history, and when kids understand the fuller picture of history, it will also help them understand the fuller picture of today. -Parents.com

Why is Black History Month celebrated in February? Two prominent leaders who played an important part in U.S. Black History have birthdays in February: President Abraham Lincoln, (Feb.12) who fought against slavery in the Civil War, and African American abolitionist and author Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14).

How can we celebrate locally? Look for local Black History month events and activities for you and your troop in the January/February Golden Scoop and Troop Scoop email newsletters. Register your troop for the 45th Annual MLK parade through the GSSJC Events tab. It will be Jan. 16, 2023 in Downtown Houston, starting at 10 a.m.

Read these books that are written for youth and celebrate Black history and culture:

• A is for All the Things You Are by Anna Forgerson Hindley • A Child’s Introduction to African American History by Jabari Asim • The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles • Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano Ph.D. • Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson • Black Heroes: A Black History Book for Kids: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day U.S.A. (People and

Events in History) by Arlisha Norwood • The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis • Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning by

Jason Reynolds