Teaching My Kids About Black History Year-Round at Home

Lifestyle

By Jessica Anderson
Updated: June 25, 2021
Originally Published: June 25, 2021

Nearly thirteen years ago, my partner and I adopted our first child, marking the beginning of our journey as a multiracial family. We were chosen by our daughter’s birth mother to adopt a Black baby girl, and from that moment on, our family dynamic became a focal point of attention. A couple of years later, we welcomed another Black daughter, followed by a Black son two years after that. Yes, we found ourselves with three children under four!

As white parents, we had done some preparation before adoption, but it was only after our family expanded that we truly recognized the pervasive white bias in society. I began to view everything through the lens of racial diversity and awareness. It became clear that if I wanted my children to grow up proud of their Black identity, I couldn’t depend on the education system to provide that foundation.

From the start, we noticed a significant lack of representation. The preschools we visited had minimal Black dolls and merely one book on Dr. King. In stores, the options for racially diverse toys were few and far between. When it came to clothing, characters on shirts almost exclusively depicted white figures. Books about Black history often focused solely on pain, such as slavery and Civil Rights struggles.

In those early days, we took action. We gathered books, toys, music, and art that celebrated Black culture, ensuring our children could see themselves reflected in their surroundings. We sought mentors, expanded our social circle, and found professionals who could help us with our children’s hair. We joined a predominantly Black church, acknowledged Juneteenth, and decorated with Black Santa figures during the holidays. Our goal was to create a life that mirrored our diverse family.

Fast forward to today, and the treatment of Black history feels like an afterthought rather than an integral part of education. It’s crucial to remember that separate is not equal. Focusing solely on white achievements while sidelining the contributions and history of Black individuals ultimately harms students of all backgrounds. My children need to be represented in their education, but their white classmates equally need exposure to this history. Shielding them from the truth perpetuates systemic issues and harms future generations.

Designating Black history lessons to February, the shortest month, is hardly sufficient. There’s so much to learn—and even more to unlearn. None of us are immune to the effects of supremacy.

I am grateful that I have taken the initiative to educate my children about race rather than relying on public schools, which continue to fall short. Thirteen years into our journey, I see some improvement, but much of it seems superficial or just the beginning.

While I appreciate the strides in activism and awareness, like the establishment of Juneteenth as a national holiday and the ongoing discussions around Critical Race Theory, it’s evident there’s still a long way to go. Parents cannot afford to wait for systems to catch up; we have to act now. We read books, watch documentaries, listen to music, and engage in thoughtful discussions. My children are learning about Juneteenth, Black Wall Street, and the significance of Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, which was founded by Black Civil War soldiers.

I support Critical Race Theory and real history being taught, but I refuse to wait for politicians to enact laws mandating these lessons. Progress takes time, and we cannot afford to delay.

Moreover, I harbor doubts about whether white teachers can impart accurate historical narratives to my children. Many educators grew up in systems that downplayed race, only offering limited Black history lessons.

We can advocate for racial equity while simultaneously educating our children. Parents are their children’s first teachers, and it’s essential that we learn alongside them. Mistakes will happen, and that’s okay. I would rather stumble and continue than wait for a system to recognize my children’s identities as worthy of inclusion.

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In summary, my family has embraced the responsibility of teaching our children about their heritage and Black history year-round. While we recognize the efforts being made in schools, we refuse to rely solely on the education system to provide this essential knowledge. Instead, we take an active role in ensuring our kids grow up proud and informed.

Keyphrase: teaching Black history at home

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