03 Feb Especially for Parents: Family Resources for Black History Month

by Angie Williams

At Especially for Children, we continue to be committed to training and growth around the topics of race, diversity, bias, and inclusion in early childhood education, and we look forward to sharing that journey with you. Last month our country witnessed a historic moment when Kamala Harris, the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent was sworn in as Vice President of the United States. As our nation continues to grapple with its troubled history and continued systemic problems around race, it is encouraging to think of the millions of girls and women of color who can finally see themselves reflected in the person who holds one of the top offices of our government. One early childhood educator reflected on the moment in our industry magazine:

“Now…little Brown girls all over the world can finally have a genuine moment of recognition and joy: The new VP looks just like us!

For all of us, for me, this moment of representation matters. For the first time, as Black and Brown girls everywhere, we will see ourselves as limitless. Game changers. Earth shakers. Trailblazers.

People of privilege will now have no choice but to allow us Brown girls to bring perspectives that are new to them. Our stories will bridge chasms, our actions will redirect the course of history.”

— Mismiki Montgomery

Directly following this moment, we find ourselves in February, Black History Month. This year’s theme is The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity. As educators and within our own families, Black History Month is an important time to intentionally learn about African American History and celebrate Black culture.

We have collected several resources for families to support this learning and experience. Please find those resources below, and if you have additional ideas or resources to share with teachers and/or families, please let your center director know.

The Library of Congress: African American History Month: http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/

45 Books to Teach Children About Black History (sorted by age): http://theculture.forharriet.com/2014/02/45-books-to-teach-children-about-black.html#axzz55g6irvsy

PBS Kids: Teaching Your Child About Black History: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/teaching-your-child-about-black-history-month

Raising World Citizens: 5 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month with your family: http://www.chicagonow.com/raising-world-citizens/2015/02/5-ways-to-celebrate-black-history-month-with-your-family/