Honoring Black History This Month and Throughtout the Year
*This article was originally shared in February 2020 with updates made February 2021
February’s dedication to Black History Month allows us to honor the past and continue the progress that so many black Americans have made. It is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of black Americans and a time for reflection; to recall an antagonistic time that has still impacts on black Americans today.
We cannot honor Black History month without identifying the significant events and people that lead to its declaration. For centuries, the oppression of African Americans gave rise to many leaders who helped shape the identity of our nation. From the days of slavery, abolitionists emerged like Fredrick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, who led slaves to freedom by way of the Underground Railroad. Fast forward many centuries later, leaders like Rosa Parks, W.E.B. DuBois, Martin Luther King Jr. and many more black Americans were instrumental in breaking down barriers and dismantling segregation.
These black American leaders and others throughout history paved the way for today’s leaders to continue in their path. In Montana, Wilmot Collins, a refugee who fled from the brutal Liberian Civil War, has made his mark in black history having been elected as the first black mayor in Montana and through his career in public service.
Black history plays a vital role in America’s history and recognizing the role African Americans have made should be acknowledged year round. Collins believes because children of today will be our leaders tomorrow, we must use “Black History as an educational tool year round,” and “be deliberate about exposing our community and children to the accomplishments of African Americans throughout history.”
“Montana is leading the way on how we react to racism,” Collins shares. Prior to being elected as Helena’s mayor in 2017, Collins dealt with increased racial injustice when his family’s home was vandalized. Despite that experience, he remains positive and shared how his community came together to help restore his home and stated, “How our community reacts is what makes a difference.”
Here are 5 meaningful ways to celebrate Black History year round:
Discuss black history with family and friends. Carry on the conversation about black leaders of the past and present and learn more about the unsung heroes. Share stories about moments in history that friends or family may have been present.
Support black businesses, nonprofits and other organizations. Donate your time or make a contribution to influential black led nonprofits like Black Girls Code, the NAACP, or Black Lives Matter. Purchase from black-owned businesses like Beelove, Candlessentials, and more. Here’s a great list by New York Magazine with over 150 black owned business you can support.
Enjoy black art. Whether it’s a painting from a black artist like Kerry James Russell or music from any genre, supporting black artists encourages more creativity.
Seek black authors & illustrators. From board books for babies to literature for adults, black authors and illustrators have received awards for their creativity and storytelling. Here's a great list of 5 children's authors & illustrators.
Be mindful about raising children in a culturally competent way. In January, 406 Families featured an article on this very topic in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Other great resources:
Learn more about #ownvoices—https://www.brodartbooks.com/newsletter/posts-in-2019/what-is-ownvoices
Learn about using the term “black American” vs. “African-American”— https://fordhamobserver.com/30133/opinions/should-we-say-black-or-african-american/
Sesame Street put together an incredible video, The Power of We, along with a landing page including a printable resource to discuss racism with your kiddos.
Credit: https://pbskids.org/video/sesame-street/3047592663
