Remembering Together - Honoring Black History Month
“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality…. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
At Camp Southern Ground we believe that our differences make us stronger and we are proud to create a racially diverse camp experience for all of our campers and staff! In honor of Black History Month, we are using #RememberTogether to share stories of Black History that can educate and enlighten, as well as stories of inclusion and acceptance. We believe that learning the history of different cultures and communities helps to make the world a more inclusive place.
BUT - We also know it can sometimes be a difficult topic to discuss with your kids! Full disclosure, I’m a white man. My personal history is not Black History. Every year I aim to make myself a little uncomfortable during this month. I try to read and understand more about a history and culture that I don’t fully understand. The truth is, it takes work! Yet, the end result is that I learn something new every time, and I gain an understanding that I did not have before.
For Parents - if you have children of color, mixed race children, or if your children are not people of color - the same question can often come up. How do we talk about Black History Month?
Talking to Children about Black History Month
That’s the question that author Cheryl Willis Hudson asked several years ago when she participated in a PBS Expert Q&A session. She offered the following tips you can use to assure the Black history material you select for your child is meaningful and relevant this month and all year long.
Buy a book by a Black author or illustrator and make it a part of your child's permanent collection. Books offer a fun and easy way to introduce your children to new cultures and help them explore the experiences of people from different backgrounds.
Look for books that are inclusive and reflect the diversity of our communities. Books help illustrate that diversity is a natural part of everyday life. Don't forget to read the books for general accuracy. Check copyright dates and be sure to avoid outdated, stereotypical and irrelevant content.
When and if children ask questions about race, don't sweep differences under the rug. Give children simple, concrete explanations when they have questions about differences. Select books that affirm a valued place for all children. Try to find books that will help prepare children for the complex world in which they live.
Try to find books that will help prepare children for the complex world in which they live.
We’ll be sharing some of our favorites all month long!
Make a note of the author's perspective. Who is telling the story? Is the author sensitive to the culture that is being described? Has accurate research been done to capture the culture that is being written about?
Make sure your selections include contemporary stories. Black History Month is celebration of not just history, but of culture and experiences, which are readily reflected in picture books, chapter books, and poetry. Don't limit selections to biographies and non-fiction. Contemporary fiction can encourage your child to make new friends, relate to classmates and neighbors and understand current cultural experiences.
Seek the suggestions and guidance from knowledgeable cultural experts, booksellers and librarians. Coretta Scott King award winning titles are always a good place to start for excellence in text and illustrations.
Buy books from independent presses that specialize in books by and about Black people, as well as books from larger, more commercial publishing houses.
Discuss the books with your children to show that you are interested in what they are reading and learning.
We hope that your family can use resources like the ones we’ll be providing as we #RememberTogether in honor of black history month! World and American history are filled with stories of amazing black leaders and black history makers. As we all try to understand each, and our histories, we make the world a little bit smaller and a little more loving, and we could all use that right now!