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Carter G. Woodson, the "Father of Black History Month", observed that in spite of Black Americans being central to the story of America, their accomplishments were largely neglected in the books and discussions of American history. He founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history, and culture. In 1926, Woodson and the ASALH launched "Negro History Week". This was established the week of Abraham Lincoln & Frederick Douglass' birthdays in February—to support schools in promoting greater knowledge of Black history. Colleges started extending it to a full month & in 1976, Black History Month was decreed a national observance.
95 years after Woodson started Negro History Week, there is still a serious need to support schools in promoting greater knowledge of Black history, as Black history and contributions continue to be left out of year-round curriculum.
We wish we didn't need to say it, but it is very important for all educators to observe Black History Month, including non-Black educators and those teaching majority non-Black students, because they are least likely to receive this kind of content during and outside of school.
Research shows by 3, kids have already developed anti-Black bias. Two ways to start to counter it are positive representations of Blackness or as Woodson states: knowledge about how Black people “influenced the development of civilization” & explicitly naming & disrupting racism. An powerful and compelling 2016 film to view with your students and families is “Hidden Figures”. The mere title speaks to how Black people and in the case Black women were pioneers in moving the human race forward into space!
Non-Black families & educators: please don't leave it up to Black families & educators to be the only ones asking, advocating for, and teaching this. Please do not ask Black families or colleagues to come up with and teach your whole Black history curriculum. The Conscious Kid Team Harwood; Last week for the second time - one of our students came by our office. This time he was asking for a snack because he hadn’t eaten breakfast. In the last 5 months this child has transferred to Harwood twice - being out of school and between his two homes while not at Harwood. For a student who historically skipped school with no acknowledgement - it was a powerful shift to arrive at Harwood and be met with continued connection and support from our team. And so, after leaving our office we celebrated the visit - a symbol (we hope) of the sense of safety he feels and a reflection of feeling seen, heard, respected, and understood. As the first week of Black History Month draws to a close - let’s continue to consider how we intentionally ensure ALL our students feel the same way. For a majority white staff the challenge by The Conscious Kid above and this video are a powerful reminder of the work of being anti-racists and ultimately creating a community where ALL feel seen, heard, respected, and understood. Here is to rising up together and continuing to consider the impact of our unconscious biases. Laurie, Duane and Meg Gratitudes
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