Black History Month :: A Round-Up of Resources

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February is Black History Month. It is an annual celebration of the achievements made by Black Americans. This month calls upon us to reflect on and recognize the important role and contributions they have made and continue to make throughout U.S. History.

There are a few things that have been overwhelmingly obvious to me as I have dived back into this topic 20 years after my college African American literature class. The first is that if you have only learned about Black history in school, your education in this area is most likely lacking.

black history monthAlso, Black history is American history. Without the accomplishments, talents, and triumphs of Black men and women in the U.S., our country would not be what it is today. And without slavery, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights movement, our country would not be what it is today.

All of these things tell a collective history of a nation. So no matter what shade our skin is, it would do us some good to learn about, read, and appreciate Black history.

With that in mind, here is a round-up of resources for learning about and celebrating Black history.


Navigating Black History with Small Children

When I think about the history of African Americans & teaching that to my African American sons, I am reminded of the importance of highlighting so many great men and women. I want them to know their history isn’t just slavery, but about victory, courage, and so much more.


My Favorite Children’s Books for Black History Month

Black History Month celebrates the achievements of influential Black people. It’s also a great time to emphasize Black people’s struggles in American history so we remember. It is a horrific part of American history we cannot afford to forget. Books are a powerful tool to accomplish this. They help educate and guide dialogue with children about racial equality.


Recommended Reading :: Books for Black History Month and Beyond

As February is Black History Month, we’ve been thinking about how to highlight the stories of inspirational Black women and men, teaching our children about their many accomplishments and recognizing we all have important roles to play to combat racism.


Let’s Celebrate the Beauty and Joy of Black Motherhood

I’m a Black mom. It’s not always easy, for lots of reasons, systemic racism and unconscious bias against our children being two biggies. But I’m not here to focus on that today. It’s Black History Month. And I am here to celebrate the beauty that is Black motherhood.


It’s Time to Cancel Black History Month

Why am I saying we need to cancel Black History Month? Well, because we are Americans. Our history is one of beauty. It deserves to be celebrated by all. . . . Black history runs congruent with and not adjacent to American History and that’s how the story deserves to be told.


28 Ways to Honor Black History as a Family this February and Beyond

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, and Rosa Parks are all glorious figures in Black American history. However, there are so many other Black leaders, musicians, artists, activists, scientists, writers, inventors, and civil rights pioneers- past and present- who contribute to American history. This compilation is a day-by-day activities calendar for families to explore some lesser-known trailblazers and bits of Black history.


How White People Can Celebrate Black History Month

Chances are, if your knowledge of Black history consists mainly of your high school curriculum, you don’t know Black history. You know a sanitized, white-washed version of what, in reality, is a dark, painful part of our nation’s past {and unfortunately, present}. And that’s not your fault. We can’t help the education we were given as children and adolescents. But it is our responsibility to recognize now what gaps need to be filled and what mistruths need to be corrected.

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Vanessa Bush
Vanessa loves her people and loves Albuquerque and has lots to say about both. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, Nate, and they have three kids (Micah, Corban, & Evangeline). Originally from Florida, she’s lived in Albuquerque since 2009 when she and her family relocated to start a new church. Even though she misses wearing flip-flops year-round, New Mexico has truly enchanted her, and the desert feels like home. When she is not chauffeuring children about town, Vanessa works as the Director of Strategy and part-owner of Truly Social Digital Marketing Agency, enjoys volunteering at church, loves watching college football, and drinks a little too much coffee. She is passionate about connecting women with each other, loving her people, and finding the good in her place. Follow her on Instagram @vanessamaebush.