In 1926, the historian Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week with two goals in mind. First, he wished to use history to demonstrate the importance of Black contributions to the creation of the United States in order to prove that Black Americans deserve the equal rights they have been denied. Second, he wanted to highlight positive aspects of Black life and history, as the media focuses on negative stories. Dr. Woodson believed that history could be a vehicle for change. Over the next forty years, Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month and this celebration of Black excellence continues to grow in homes, classrooms, and communities. 

Celebrating in the Classroom

We continue Dr. Woodson’s legacy through his first goal of expanding education to include contributions made by Black scholars, artists, and scientists in our classrooms. At SVCMS, we do this during Black History Month, as well as throughout the year. This month, many of our guides will be highlighting a “person of the day”, sharing music and art by Black creators, and continuing to teach the full breadth of American history across all levels. 

Additionally, our classroom ABAR book baskets include a variety of books about historical events, biographies of prominent Black Americans, and stories showcasing Black families, Black excellence, and Black joy. 

For more books like these, check out this list from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 

Celebrating at Home

What traditions does your family have for celebrating Black History Month at home? Antiracist educator Britt Hawthorne created a list of 32 Children’s Activities for Black History Month. The list is organized by age group and includes suggestions like these:

– Support Your Local Community.  Several cities across the United States offer Black History Month activities and celebrations. Check your local children’s museum, public library, and community centers for a list of FREE or affordable events. Remember, what you say is just as important as what you do. Supporting and engaging in Black-led events creates a family practice of community solidarity.  

– Make Your Own Drum and Learn the History of the HBCU Drumline. The marching bands at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) have a long, spectacular history, filled with intricate choreography and exciting musical arrangements. Teach your little one about HBCU drum lines here, then learn how to make your own drum here.

– Listen to a Black History Month Playlist. This Black History Month playlist includes tracks from legends Ben E. King, Sam Cooke, Etta James, Bill Withers, and more. This playlist includes links to YouTube, so there’s no need to have a subscription to a music streaming service. 

– Bake Buttermilk Biscuits. Buttermilk biscuits originated in Southern Appalachia in the late 1800s. They are a big part of Southern Black culture. Learn how to make your own with your children here.

– Learn the History of Black Cowboys. Did you know there were Black cowboys? Uncover this hidden history by reading this article and watching this great video. The video credits recommend further resources to explore. We also recommend reading these books about the fascinating history of Black cowboys. 

– Read Books Written By Black Authors. There are so many incredible books written by Black authors, it can be hard to know where to start. We recommend picking up The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris for this age group. Check out more books written by Black authors here.

– Watch John Lewis: Good Trouble. John Lewis: Good Trouble is a documentary film that shows the life and work of civil rights activist and US congressman John Lewis. Pop some popcorn, grab the blankets, and cue up this film. Watch the inspiring and informative documentary here. 

– Write a Thank You Card to a Local Black Activist. Activists work to create thriving communities for everyone by spending countless hours putting themselves on the front lines, volunteering time, giving resources, and showing up for justice. Taking a moment to share your gratitude for their hard work can go a long way. Do some research to find Black activists and leaders in your community and write them a letter of gratitude! Here’s a hint, try your local Black Lives Matter chapter or Mutual Aid organizations.

Celebrating in Our Community

We also have many opportunities to celebrate Black history in our own community:

• Take the family to a local Black History Month art exhibit, performance, or community celebration
• Check out a Black Experience In Art performance at Boulder’s Dairy Arts Center 
• Pick up a book by a Black author from Longmont Library 
• Enjoy Longmont Library’s Black History Month Virtual Storytime on Tuesday 2/8
• Shop local Black-Owned businesses
• Explore music by local Black artists 
• Mark your calendar for the Colorado Black Arts Festival in July

ABAR Action Challenge

We challenge you to choose one way to learn about or celebrate Black History each week this month. Take a look at the options above, share some ideas with your family, decide what would be meaningful to your family, and get started! 

EVENT REMINDER: ABAR Book Club & Discussion Group  

This Spring, the ABAR Book Club will be reading the book How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi. If you are interested in joining us, please complete this form to be added to the email list. There is no expectation that you will attend every meeting. In fact, we encourage you to join the email list even if you are busy and unsure whether you’ll make every meeting. The book club discussion will be held via Zoom.

The Longmont Library has multiple copies available, as well an excellent audiobook version available on the Libby or OverDrive apps. Join us to learn, discuss questions, and share insights!