Helping Your Child Celebrate Black History Month

Whether your child is learning about Black history in school, or has found information on the Internet or the library, there are several ways that you can make this month both fun and educational for them-whether you're a teacher or a parent. Here are a few pointers to help you make the most of Black History Month; you're sure to learn more about Black history yourself in the process.

Talk about Black leaders that don't get enough attention.

We all know about Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks; and while these individuals contributed a great deal to Black history and deserve to be remembered, there are countless other African-American figures that need recognition as well. For instance, Carter G. Woodson was the man who actually inspired Black History Month. It started as a week-long celebration in February, during the week of the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two men who impacted the lives of African-Americans significantly. Also, Madame C.J. Walker became the first black female millionaire by selling hair and beauty products. If you provide your children with new and exciting information, you will peak their interest and help them to retain more valuable information.

Use history to relate to your child's interest.

Since history does indeed have a way of repeating itself, you can use your child's hobbies or interests in order to make Black history more fun to learn. If your son or daughter likes science or enjoys creating new inventions, you may want to teach him or her about George Washington Carver, a talented scientist who made hundreds of products from the peanut, or Garrett A. Morgan, the man who invented the gas mask. If your child enjoys literature and the arts, introducing figures such as James Weldon Johnson, a notable poet and author, or Alvin Ailey, a respected dancer and choreographer. This way, your child will see the direct significance of Black history, and will be able to draw inspiration from individuals who have reached the goals your children aspire to.

Make Black history 'current.'

Another way to make Black history more intriguing is to use current figures, celebrities, and role models to teach children. For instance, R&B group Destiny's Child is the most successful female group of all time, and Maya Angelou (poet and author) was only the second poet to read at a Presidential Inauguration. These people are still alive, and can be seen on television and heard on the radio, even though they have already made their mark in Black history, and history in general. This will give your child, no matter what their age, the impression that Black history is tangible and real, since they can physically see the successful of certain notable African-Americans.

Teach Black history year-round.

Even though February is the month that is designated as Black History month, it is a good idea to teach your children facts about Black history all during the year, so that they know that the contributions Blacks have made to society benefit everyone year-round. This will not only give African-American children confidence in themselves, but will teach them to view the world around them much more positively. Children who are not African-American will also benefit from learning Black history because it will teach them to appreciate people of all races and enhance social interaction.