Black History Month is a special time of year when we celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans throughout history.
There are many important things to teach our children during this time, and it can be difficult to know where to start. That's why we've put together this list of seven essential facts every child should learn during Black History Month.
With this information, your kids will be able to understand and appreciate the contributions that African Americans have made to our society!
But before we get started, let's first take a look at what Black History Month is, why it's important to celebrate it, and how you and your kids can participate in this special history month.
What Is Black History Month?
Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements and accomplishments of African Americans throughout history. It is observed in the United States during the month of February, and it has also been adopted by countries around the world, including Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Why Is Black History Month In February?
The genesis of Black History Month goes back to 1926 when the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and Carter G. Woodson founded the "Negro History Week" and decided to celebrate it in February.
They chose this month because it coincided with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass (February 14th) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12th) – both important figures =African Americans history
When Did Black History Month Start?
After the inception of "Negro History Week" in 1926, the idea of expanding it to a month-long celebration began to gain traction in the 1950s and 1960s.
In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month, and every president since then has made a similar proclamation.
Why Is Celebrating Black History Month Important?
There are many reasons why celebrating Black History Month is important. But let's take a look at just a few:
Black History Month is a time for us to remember and celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans throughout history, and how their contributions have made our country’s history and culture richer and more diverse.
Black History Month is also a time for us to learn about the Black experience in America. By understanding the challenges and struggles that African Americans have faced, we can learn to empathize and become better allies.
Celebrating Black History Month is one way that we can work towards building a more united and inclusive country. When we come together to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans, we are also celebrating the diversity of our country and acknowledging that it’s that diversity that makes us great
One of the most important reasons to celebrate Black History Month is to teach our children about the importance of diversity and inclusion. By teaching them about African American history and culture, we are imparting valuable lessons about equity, justice and respect.
Celebrating Black History Month is a way for us to strengthen our commitment to racial equality and justice. By recognizing the challenges they face, we can become better allies in the fight for racial equality.
How Can You And Your Kids Participate In Black History Month?
There are many ways you and your kids can participate in Black History Month. Here are just a few ideas to get started:
Support Black-Owned Establishments
There are many small businesses, restaurants, and organizations owned by African Americans that you can support during Black History Month. By patronizing these establishments, you show your commitment to helping Black entrepreneurs thrive and succeed.
Go To A Black History Museum
One of the best ways to learn about Black history is by visiting a museum. Learning about the past gives us better insight into the Black experience. This will help you and your kids feel more connected to Black history and culture.
Read Books About Black History And Culture
There are many great books written about Black history and culture that you can read with your kids during Black History Month. Reading these books together can help teach your children important lessons about diversity and inclusion while exposing them to the rich history of African Americans.
With these strategies, you and your kids can make the most of Black History Month and use it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and become more engaged in your community.
Black History Facts That Everyone Should Know
Black History Month was started in 1926 by Carter Woodson as a way to teach people about the contributions of African Americans.
Here are 7 interesting facts that everyone should know.
1. Black History Month Is Celebrated Worldwide
In the recent past, many countries and communities worldwide have adopted the practice of celebrating Black History Month.
Countries like Canada celebrate Black History Month in February; Australia in July; and Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands in October.
2. Every Year Black History Month Has A Theme
In addition to celebrating Black history and culture throughout the month of February, Black History Month also has a specific theme each year.
The theme is usually chosen annually by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, which is the organization that honors Carter Woodson and created Black History Month.
Some past themes have included “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity,” "African Americans and the Vote," and "The History of Black Economic Empowerment."
3. Civil Rights Activists Popularized Black History Month
Although Carter Woodson initiated the celebration of Black History Month in 1926, it was not until the 1970s that civil rights activists like Jesse Jackson and Julian Bond worked to turn it into a month-long celebration of Black history and culture.
They felt that the contributions of African Americans had been overlooked for too long, and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about this important celebration.
4. Black Students Protested For Black History Month
In the 1960s, Black students at many universities across the US protested for Black History Month to be taught in schools. They argued that a lack of representation of Black history in schools was indicative of the systemic racism that still exists and that teaching about Black history would help students better understand the African American experience.
5. Interracial Marriage Only Became Legal in 1967
Although many people view the modern era as marked by increased tolerance and acceptance of diversity, there were still laws that restricted interracial marriage in the US as recent as 1967.
It was then that the Supreme Court finally overturned an anti-miscegenation law that banned marriages between whites and people of other races in the state of Virginia.
This overturned a long history of laws that prevented interracial relationships and marriages.
Oberlin Was The First College To Admit Black Students
The first college to admit Black students was Oberlin College in Ohio. Today, Oberlin College is ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the US and is known for its commitment to equality and social justice.
6. Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman is regarded as one of the most powerful and influential figures in American history, yet many people do not know much about her life.
Born into slavery in Maryland in 1822, Harriet escaped to freedom in 1849 and went on to help other enslaved people in the south escape to the north.
In addition to helping people escape from slavery, Harriet also became a spy for the Union Army during the Civil War and helped to free hundreds of people who were enslaved.
She played a vital role in bringing about the Emancipation Proclamation.
Other Interesting Facts About Black Trailblazers For Kids
- In 2009, Barack Obama became the first African American president of the United States.
- In 1947, Jackie Robinson, a baseball star, became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball after joining the Brooklyn Dodgers. He played for over ten years and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
- Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968, representing the state of New York. She was also the first Black woman to run for president.
- In 1903, W.E.B Du Bois launched the Niagara Movement to push for racial equality, and was one of the founding members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
- Thurgood Marshall was the first African American to become a Supreme Court Justice, serving from 1967 until 1991.
Make A Difference Today
If you want to make a difference today, take some time to learn about the people who paved the way for change and equality, and share what you have learned with others!
Also, be sure to inspire your kids with our Piccolina Trailblazer Collection - a line of inspiring dolls, tees, pajamas, and sweatshirts that teaches kids about amazing women who have made a real difference in the world.
Shop our entire collection today and help your child to discover their inner trailblazer!
