February is Black History Month, and it’s a very important way for your kids to learn about our history and heritage. Also known as African American History Month, it’s a way for us Americans to celebrate and recognize everything the African American community has done for our country.
Why in February?
Black History Month was originally only a week long, dating back to 1926, when it was first observed. Historian Dr. Carter Woodson founded what is now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). He begun the week-long celebration in 1926, and chose February as it includes the birthdays of two key figures in the history of Black Americans, that being Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, ASALH expanded the week-long celebration to be a month-long instead.
A Time to Celebrate
It may be hard to figure out how to celebrate Black History Month in your home, especially if your kids are younger. It is important and a great learning opportunity to teach your children as much about Black History Month and our country’s history as possible, and as much as they can understand. It is a very difficult conversation to have, but a very important one for your kids to know and understand more deeply as they get older. No history should be left unspoken, even if it is hard to talk about.
That being said, there are many ways you can help support and celebrate Black History Month. You and your children can always read books by black authors, anything from picture books to historical books! You can also check out any local events or go and support local, Black-owned businesses in your community. There may be a museum near you that is centered around Black history or may have a feature presentation or exhibit that you can see. At home, you can watch documentaries or movies by Black creators. Your children’s schools may be putting on a Black History Month event that you can attend!
Get Out and Support Black History Month!
There are so many opportunities and events centered around Black History Month that you and your kids can check out!
Katie Kyzivat