Perhaps someday we'll reach the point where all Americans regard Black history as important enough to teach in their homes--not just African American homes, but every home. Black history is unique in that it doesn't span a limited period of time. It's not one set of events, such as the Holocaust or the American Revolution. African Americans are still achieving "firsts" and making history in the present day, as illustrated in 2009 by the ascent of a Black man, President Barack Obama, to the United States presidency. From sports to academia to politics, there are African Americans continuing to break barriers and reach heights that many only decades ago thought were impossible to reach.
There are many ways to bring Black history into the home, and no particular right way exists to go about doing so. Just getting discussion going about current and past events affecting the lives of African Americans, and their impact on American society, is a good start.
Speaking about what goes on in my own home, an African American home, my son has been exposed to Black history since the day he was born. When he was brought home from the hospital, there were already books about Dr. Martin Luther King and Sojourner Truth sitting on his bookshelf. Since then, his collection of books about figures in Black history have expanded to include African American athletes, politicians, entertainers, and freedom fighters. From infants to grade-schoolers, there are several children's book series dedicated to Black history. Simply reading as a family about historical African American figures and historical events is a way to teach Black history in your home.
Another way my family teaches Black history in our home is by celebrating Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa, contrary to what many believe, is not a religious or spiritual holiday. It is a seven day celebration that begins the day after Christmas, and revolves around seven key principles. Another common belief is that to celebrate Kwanzaa, one must be African American. The fact is, anyone with an appreciation for Black history and culture can participate. If you are looking for ways to teach Black history in your home, holding a Kwanzaa celebration is definitely worth looking into.
When teaching Black history in any home, it is important to emphasize the fact that Black slavery in America does not define the entire African American experience. The first thing that usually pops into people's minds when they hear the term "Black history" is slavery. It's surely an important part of American (not just African American) history to teach our children, but Black people are more than just the descendants of slaves. We are now, and always have been, innovators and inspirers.
Join the Conversation