February is Black History Month, and there is no better time to focus on African American History in one's household. For that matter, there is no better time to start a habit of keeping engaged all year long with this fascinating field. One great way to do this through the simple act of putting up a calendar celebrating notable historical figures and dates.
Novels and poems written by black people across the centuries and recent decades, can effectively teach about how black people have lived and thought. Younger people in particular can benefit from learning the perspectives of people in the past, even if those they're reading are completely fictional. A fact-filled historical approach has its strengths, but it often leaves out the inner lives of those who lived in the past.
Families might read a novel together, perhaps one each week for the month, given the book's complexity and size. It might be preferable to chose a different poem written by a black poet every morning and read it at the breakfast table. One advantage to either approach is that they automatically lend variety, since each February can bring an entirely fresh reading list.
Family study could include music appreciation, an area that might bring a special challenge since so many assume they are already familiar with black music. Typically youngsters think they are already experts when all they are expert in is hip hop or urban contemporary music. This might be the month to break out the blues, or to develop a taste for jazz in those who've never heard it before.
It goes without saying that Februaries are great months for teaching Black History itself. It is important to emphasize that this is also America's story, not just the story of one minority group. This means that anyone, of any ethnic group, has a stake in a month that is for the entire country. Since black people are still living through challenging times, whites and others can use this as an occasion to deepen their understanding.
It must also be emphasized that this story is not necessarily bounded by the United States. This month can be just the occasion to study Africa, a vast and ancient continent. In fact, it can be especially healing for black children to understand their own history as a tale of more than suffering in slavery and segregation. Learning about African civilizations can be a mind opening experience, teaching hope for the future.
Other ethnic groups might not be comfortable looking into this topic, which can be very political as well as painful for those very young or sensitive. However, there are ways anyone can engage black culture. One of those ways might be a soul food dinner, treating everyone to delicious Southern cooking. Another way might be to visit a black church one Sunday morning, an environment in which strangers of another ethnicity will be almost certain to be welcomed.
There is no requirement that one has to black. Nor does one have to work oneself to the bone. Every American should know this history.
Novels and poems written by black people across the centuries and recent decades, can effectively teach about how black people have lived and thought. Younger people in particular can benefit from learning the perspectives of people in the past, even if those they're reading are completely fictional. A fact-filled historical approach has its strengths, but it often leaves out the inner lives of those who lived in the past.
Families might read a novel together, perhaps one each week for the month, given the book's complexity and size. It might be preferable to chose a different poem written by a black poet every morning and read it at the breakfast table. One advantage to either approach is that they automatically lend variety, since each February can bring an entirely fresh reading list.
Family study could include music appreciation, an area that might bring a special challenge since so many assume they are already familiar with black music. Typically youngsters think they are already experts when all they are expert in is hip hop or urban contemporary music. This might be the month to break out the blues, or to develop a taste for jazz in those who've never heard it before.
It goes without saying that Februaries are great months for teaching Black History itself. It is important to emphasize that this is also America's story, not just the story of one minority group. This means that anyone, of any ethnic group, has a stake in a month that is for the entire country. Since black people are still living through challenging times, whites and others can use this as an occasion to deepen their understanding.
It must also be emphasized that this story is not necessarily bounded by the United States. This month can be just the occasion to study Africa, a vast and ancient continent. In fact, it can be especially healing for black children to understand their own history as a tale of more than suffering in slavery and segregation. Learning about African civilizations can be a mind opening experience, teaching hope for the future.
Other ethnic groups might not be comfortable looking into this topic, which can be very political as well as painful for those very young or sensitive. However, there are ways anyone can engage black culture. One of those ways might be a soul food dinner, treating everyone to delicious Southern cooking. Another way might be to visit a black church one Sunday morning, an environment in which strangers of another ethnicity will be almost certain to be welcomed.
There is no requirement that one has to black. Nor does one have to work oneself to the bone. Every American should know this history.
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