This month, we recognize 100 years of elevating black history in the month of February. The theme for Black History Month is “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a pioneering historian, educator, and author of the book “Father of Black History,” first established “Negro History Week” in 1926. Dr. Woodson, raised by his parents who were former slaves, devoted his life’s work and study — earning a doctorate from Harvard — to researching, learning, and preserving Black history.

This month encourages all of us to educate our children and learn for ourselves much of what we likely did not learn through our own schooling — the full history of the American story and indeed our World’s story and how it has both impacted Black lives and how Black lives have shaped history.

We encourage you to consider: How are you, in your own role, explicitly seeking to understand our history with Black Americans or as a Black American and what are you doing to create a more just world?

Certainly, teaching our children about the history of slavery, the actions and champions of nonviolent change, the important work of abolitionists and understanding white privilege historically and currently is an important start. In order to maximize your support as you engage with your family or students, we are listing a wide range of resources here.

• Check out the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture. Try out their interactive map with your family to explore the various destinations through the U.S. where Black Americans were trailblazers of every kind — in communities, in the arts, politics, sports, and more. They’ve also curated podcasts and other quick bite resources for Black History Month. Check them out here!
• This year, the humanitarian and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson died at the age of 84. His legacy will live on. Learn more about his life and impact.
• Check out this extensive list of anti-racism resources including articles, webinars, podcasts, books, professional development and guidance on talking about race and anti-racism with children and teens from the American School Counselors Association. 
• Inspired by our United States’ National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, check out this Facing History and Ourselves’ lesson plan for students grades 6-12, and an article on a young Cleveland poet’s reactions to her poem, “The Hill We Climb.”
• Teaching Tolerance’s Coshandra Dillard, provides insights here about focusing on liberation, creativity, and the identities and incredible contributions made by Black Americans. 
• Our family has made a number of trips to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in my original hometown, Cincinnati, Ohio to learn and experience together. They have numerous online resources including understanding slavery today and how to get involved in being an abolitionist.

Get to Know Organizations That Provide Education on Black History and Promote Racial Healing and Justice

LiberatED – This organization does important work with schools, youth, and communities to promote racial healing and justice. Learn more about the work on LiberatED, join their newsletter, and learn ways you can get involved.

Facing History and Ourselves – This organization works globally with middle and high schools to provide tools and resources to support learning. They “use lessons of history to challenge teachers and their students to stand up to racism, antisemitism, and other forms of bigotry and hate.” They offer lessons that not only teach historical events, people, and places but also promote empathy, dialogue, critical thinking, ethical decision-making and compassion. If you homeschool or simply want to supplement your child’s learning at home, their resource library is extensive! Check it out!

Southern Poverty Law Center; Learning for Justice – This organization was founded in 1971 as a small law firm in the deep south in order to stand up for civil rights. It has since grown as an education and thought leader and emphasizes shared purpose and community around racial justice. Check out their articles and resources from some of the top thinkers in today’s civil rights movement.

Learn about Black Americans Who Shaped Our History

We have not heard enough about the Black Americans who have shaped American history in every area of our lives including politics, law, religion, music, fine art, athletics, science, innovation, and more. Test your own knowledge and see how many you can name! Then, be sure and share these profiles with your family.

12 Notable Figures in Black History: Photos: https://www.history.com/articles/black-history-key-figures

9 Leaders from Black History You Should Know: https://www.facinghistory.org/ideas-week/9-leaders-black-history-you-should-know

31 History-Making Black Americans Everyone Should Know: https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/g25954127/african-american-historical-figures/

How will you give your family an experience of Black history this month to deepen your empathy, compassion, understanding of justice?