To a fault, my kids know they’re Black and how the world will treat them outside the comfort of this home. I don’t want to traumatize them, but I do not sugarcoat things either. As Black History Month ends, I am inclined to have more open discussions as many states are trying to erase the narrative of what we have gone through. Who knows what will be taught about our history when our kids have kids?
If you have no idea what I am talking about, here are a few ways that Black History is being wiped out:
- Book Ban: Books are being banned by Black authors and books about Black history culture and experiences have also been banned.
- Critical Race Theory won’t be taught in schools.
- AP African American Studies not offered in High Schools (Florida DOE has already banned this)
- Florida and Tennessee have implemented a “Stop Woke Act.” Our friends at Ben & Jerry’s break it down here.
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To affirm their greatness, we keep positive images of Black Excellence around the house via artwork. Visually it adds color to the house but also shows them their history and culture. Most of the pieces were commissioned by an artist in Nigeria, Onipede Luqman Olabode. You all know by now, that I love a museum visit, this is another interactive way to expose them to history and culture. We are due for another visit to the Smithsonian African-American Museum.
Reading is fundamental. While they can ban books in schools and libraries across the country, they can’t ban them in your house. The biggest takeaway from this post I want you to have is that it all starts at home. We should never rely solely on the educators our kids have to teach them about themselves. I need to do a better job of exposing them to the books on the banned list, now that they are of age to understand many of these issues.
Get deep. Black History isn’t nuanced, many of us are immigrants. There is so much history that can be shared at home, that will never be taught in schools. So, while it’s great that they will learn about key figureheads of African American culture, what about Marcus Garvey, Haile Selassie, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and Arlie Petters? The greatest compliment a teacher gave me at a recent parent-teacher conference was she can tell I talk to my kids like people and not like children. It’s time to sit down with our kids and talk. I would start with what they know; you’d be surprised at how much they can absorb. Then progress the conversation to other topics: immigration, family background, dual citizenship, etc.
Travel. This is the most expensive way, but it’s so worth it. Take your kids to see the world and where they come from. It’s important and there is nothing better, I mean nothing than the hands-on experience travel can bring. I like to always implement a visit to a historical site during every trip, you know for some razzle-dazzle, LOL. They hate it now, but when they get older I am sure they will appreciate it.
What are some ways you are preserving Black History at home? Would love to hear your thoughts and feelings about all this down below. As always, thanks for reading, and stay chic!
