Title: “Black History Month” 🌟🌈❤️👑

Introduction

Welcome officially to Black History Month! 🎉🙌🏾 Every month is Black History Month for many of us, but these next 28 days offer a unique opportunity to celebrate and educate. As we embark on this journey together, let’s square away a couple of important things.

1. A Comprehensive History:

First and foremost, let’s avoid saturating this month with narratives of our enslaved ancestors. Teaching the institution of slavery is essential in understanding the history of bondage and the foundation of this country, but it’s not the comprehensive history of Black people and culture. We are more than the chains that white folks placed on us for nearly five centuries. ✊🏾🙏🏾

Expanding on this point, it’s crucial to recognize that Black history encompasses a rich tapestry of achievements, cultures, and contributions. From ancient African civilizations to contemporary achievements in science, arts, and politics, Black history is a story of resilience and triumph over adversity. 🌍🌆💪🏾

2. Black Royalty and Achievement:

Instead, let’s teach our students, both Black and non-Black, that Black people come from kings and queens, not rags and whippings. The perpetual storytelling of enslavement without the mentioning of Black royalty may cause Black children to view their own culture as bad, worthless, and meaningless. In turn, these teachings further perpetuate white supremacy. Mention the names of Queen Nefertiti, Cleopatra, Hatshepsut, and the Queen of Sheba. 👸🏾🤴🏿📚

Highlighting the achievements of Black royalty and leaders from African history helps paint a more complete and empowering picture of Black culture. These historical figures were visionaries, innovators, and rulers who left lasting legacies. Their stories deserve to be celebrated and shared with pride. 🌟👑📜

3. Diverse Activists and Thinkers:

While Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr. are celebrated figures, there are SO MANY other activists, thinkers, and creators worth mentioning. Use this month to teach the stories of Claudette Colvin, Maude Ballou, Bobby Seale, Huey Newton, and countless others who have made significant contributions to Black history. 🙌🏾📖🧠

In addition to the well-known figures, it’s essential to explore the diversity of Black activism and intellectual thought. Highlighting a wide range of individuals who fought for civil rights, social justice, and equality provides a more comprehensive understanding of the movement’s depth and complexity. 🤝✊🏿🌍

4. Inclusive Representation:

Please give light and love to Black LGBTQIA+ lives in your lessons as they have and continue to make up a significant part of our history. Recognize their contributions and stories during this month and every month. 🏳️‍🌈❤️🌟

Incorporating the stories and experiences of Black LGBTQIA+ individuals is essential to accurately representing the full spectrum of Black history. Their contributions to civil rights, the arts, and culture have been significant, and their voices need to be heard and celebrated. 🌈👏🏽📣

5. Beyond February:

Lastly, remember that Black History Month should not be a lights-on, lights-off phenomenon that happens in our schools. It should be a continuous effort to empower Black and Brown students through the accurate history of their people. Carry the work of antiracist pedagogy, cultural responsiveness, and awareness past February and into the other eleven months. ✊🏾🌍📚

Sustaining the commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and cultural awareness throughout the entire year is essential for creating an inclusive and equitable educational environment. By extending these efforts, we ensure that the lessons of Black history resonate and inspire year-round. 🌟🌆🌎

Conclusion:

Black History Month is a time to honor the rich tapestry of Black history, from royalty and achievement to activism and resilience. Let’s celebrate the diversity and contributions of Black individuals, ensuring that the lessons we teach are respectful, inclusive, and ongoing. Peace and love! ❤️🙌🏾 #AllBlackLivesMatter 🌈✊🏾🌟

OTHER BLOG IDEAS 

SOURCE OF REACTANTS- Hidden Brain “you are not the boss of me podcast!” “Freedom Threat” physiological reactants 

What if our children are not 17% proficient in reading but that 83% of our students are demonstrating a literary genius that cannot be measured through the archaic ethos of standardized testing and what if then 17% of our students are those of traditional learners that do well on standardized testing. Hidden Brain (where truth lies)