Published: February 22, 2022
Celebrate Black History with Your Child(ren)
Written by JP Morgan Chase and Co. DEPLOY Fellow, Brittney Aladetohun
Famous historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson is best known as the father of Black History Month, an idea that he pioneered over 40 years ago. Did you know that Black History Month was only one week long and deemed Negro History Week in 1926? It didn’t become Black History Month until 1976. Dr. Woodson chose the week in February due to two iconic figures’ birthdays: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Black history is American history, and throughout the month of February, iconic Black figures and historical events are revered and remembered. However, the celebration does not end there.
8 Ways to Honor Black History with your Child(ren):
1. Google and find local Black History Month events happening near your installation or in your city, and commit to attending in-person or virtually. Some events are taking place in March as well.
2. Teach your child about inclusivity by reading books written by Black authors, especially Black spouses and former military kids. Here’s a list of military-connected authors:
- Amanda Lynch, Army Veteran, has written several books, one being “My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams.” Shop here.
- Deja Hillis, Navy Veteran, has written two books, “A life with Joy” and “Extreme Hakeem: The Wrong Crown.”
- Michelle Knight, Army Veteran and former Marine spouse, has written several books. I recommend “The Friendship Tree.”
- Virtuous Cornwall, Navy Veteran, wrote “This Is Our History” and several other books.
Support Black-owned bookstores or simply visit each author’s website to support their literary work. It’s important to #buyblack to financially uphold the advancement of Black entrepreneurs and small business owners.
3. Add Joyful Fridays to your calendar! This weekly event is put on by The National Museum of African American History and Culture located in Washington, D.C. Registration is free and open to kids ages 4 and up.
4. If you have a middle and/or high schooler, engage in a conversation with him or her based on these creative Black History Month writing prompts. Use these prompts as conversation starters at the dinner table to witness the discussion blossom.
5. Watch and support videos from Black content creators such as Gracie’s Corner, Sankofa Read Aloud, Circle Time with Ms. Monica, and Tab Time (with Mrs. Tabitha Brown).
6. Support Black-owned subscription boxes that are specifically curated for children.
Here are a few to get you started:
- Brown Toy Box
- Jambo Book Club
- TuTu Royal
- Heritage Box
- Black Girl Mathgic (Military Spouse Founded and Owned)
7. Teach your child about race, racial literacy, and racial justice using Sesame Workshop’s Coming Together series.
8. Help your child learn about voting rights, legislation, and laws. Then, get to action and advocate for voting rights by allowing your child to call your state’s congressperson(s) using the 5 Calls App or this directory. Also, host a voter registration drive in your state using these guidelines and toolkit.
Finally, advocate for the study of Black history at your child’s school. Black history is too rich to just be limited to one month. It’s the fabric of American history and it deserves to be taught in every school and every curriculum across the United States.
We are definitely all #onefamily and advocacy is key. Have fun celebrating these resources and add your own suggestions in the comments section.
Posted In: Black History