How to Teach your Kids Black History—in February and all Year Long

How to Teach Kids Black History

IN FEBRUARY AND ALL YEAR

As the mother of both Black and white children, intentionality around teaching Black history is a vital aspect of our household. Like many other parents my age, the Black history I learned in school was limited, at least in part due to the intentional omission of information from mainstream textbooks. While I’m still far from an expert, filling in some of those gaps as an adult has benefitted my own personal growth as well as that of my children.

My oldest two children are white 3rd- and 6th-graders, and dialog about Black history over the years has been incredibly impactful for them. I’ve watched their empathic responses and understanding of racial justice develop over time. While my Black kids are still young, our primary goal is to instill a sense of pride in their heritage. We’ll continue to tell stories of Black people thriving and excelling throughout American history, despite the adversity they faced.

How to Start

You don’t need to know it all to teach your kids Black history. Be willing to learn alongside your children. If you’re not sure where to start, ask them what they’re learning about in school and begin to gather more information together. If your child is particularly interested in music or cooking, explore traditional African American music or cuisine.

Take an inventory of your library at home. How diverse is your collection? Are past and present Black heroes celebrated? Are Black authors well represented? Children’s books provide vast opportunities for learning Black history. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History and Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison are a couple of our family’s favorites. The public library is a wonderful resource, and the librarians in the children’s section are more than happy to help.

What About Age?

Speak to preschool and early elementary-aged children in simple and clear terms, at their level. You might say something to a young child like, “In the United States, Black people and white

people used to be separated. They had different schools, restaurants and hotels. That wasn’t good, so Martin Luther King, Jr. led large groups of Black and white people to help make it right. I’m grateful people of all races are able to live, work, and go to school together now.”

By second grade, most children are ready to learn the difficult truths of slavery and the civil rights movement. I find it helpful to give my kids reference to the relatively recent history of civil rights events, saying “This happened when Grammie was your age” or something similar. You likely have family members or friends who personally remember the events of the 50s and 60s and would be willing to share their experiences and perspectives.

In late elementary school, most kids are able to make connections between oppressive laws of the past and inequities they see today. For instance, because Barack Obama was President when many of our children were born, they’re often appalled to learn he was the first Black president in all of American history.

Why is it Important?

By knowing the past, kids are better equipped to work toward positive change in the future. They’re able to recognize injustice and stand up against it. Black kids see themselves in the distant and recent history of great Black figures. Kids of all races are inspired by stories of perseverance, ingenuity and courage. Children love knowing that they can make a difference too—look up Ayanna Najuma, Claudette Colvin, and Ruby Bridges, a few child activists during the civil rights era. Ask your children what they would’ve done in those circumstances. These discussions may lead to innovative ideas for improving the lives of people around them. Our kids’ love for others will make this world a better place.

Local Resources

Follow Owensboro Black Expo, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro Art Guild, Azeel Arts, and Owensboro Museum of Science and History on Facebook for special events this month. Each Friday all year, 10th Street Missionary Baptist Church posts a spotlight on a local Black person doing amazing things.

Whether your children are in preschool or high school, let this be the year you start the conversation. OP

DAVI TANNER is an Athletic Trainer for Advanced Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. There’s never a dull moment at “Tanner Manor” with her musician/accountant husband Jared and a houseful of kids. She’s an avid reader and passionate about social justice issues.