Black History Month comes around each February, making that month a great time to begin engaging oneself, or one's entire family, in the rich field of African American History. In fact, there isn't a better occasion for picking up a study that might last a lifetime. There are simple ways to do this, none simpler than just putting up a calendar that notes important black leaders and achievers.
Literature written by black people during past decades and centuries is one fine way to find out about how blacks have lived, even if the accounts are fictional. This can be especially important for younger family members who might be challenged to imagine really living in eras unlike their own in important ways. Historical texts can offer a more concentrated look into details, but can leave the reader cold when it comes to imagining past periods.
The whole family might read an entire novel each week or two, depending upon its size. The family could also be tasked to read a poem each day through the month of February. One nice thing about such a practice is that each year can bring a whole new slate of texts, adding variety and the possibility of growing sophistication to the family each year.
Family study could include music appreciation, an area that might bring a special challenge since so many assume they are already familiar with black music. Typically youngsters think they are already experts when all they are expert in is hip hop or urban contemporary music. This might be the month to break out the blues, or to develop a taste for jazz in those who've never heard it before.
One does not need to teach history through the arts, of course. Historical documentation is abundant both in text form and through documentaries, many of which are aired each February. After all, these are stories that are part of America as a whole, not just one single group. Therefore it does not matter what ethnicity one's family belongs to. Any person, whether black, white, brown, red, or yellow, can benefit from learning something about black culture.
Needless to say, there is no reason this study must stop at the borders of the United States. There is much to be said for studying the history of Africa before the slave trade. For black people, especially children, it can be psychologically important to understand that their story does not begin in some cotton field in South Carolina, but in Africa, a place that had its own empires, kings and queens.
It might be uncomfortable for people of different ethnic groups to dive into this material, which can be hurtful reading for those who are too young. But there are several ways anyone can participate in black culture, including ways that are celebratory and positive. One could treat the whole family to a dinner of traditional black cooking. One might also visit the friendly environment of a majority-black church some Sunday in February.
Enjoying the culture and history of black people is for everyone. There isn't any need for superhuman efforts to be made. Those of all ethnic groups are invited to join in the fun.
Literature written by black people during past decades and centuries is one fine way to find out about how blacks have lived, even if the accounts are fictional. This can be especially important for younger family members who might be challenged to imagine really living in eras unlike their own in important ways. Historical texts can offer a more concentrated look into details, but can leave the reader cold when it comes to imagining past periods.
The whole family might read an entire novel each week or two, depending upon its size. The family could also be tasked to read a poem each day through the month of February. One nice thing about such a practice is that each year can bring a whole new slate of texts, adding variety and the possibility of growing sophistication to the family each year.
Family study could include music appreciation, an area that might bring a special challenge since so many assume they are already familiar with black music. Typically youngsters think they are already experts when all they are expert in is hip hop or urban contemporary music. This might be the month to break out the blues, or to develop a taste for jazz in those who've never heard it before.
One does not need to teach history through the arts, of course. Historical documentation is abundant both in text form and through documentaries, many of which are aired each February. After all, these are stories that are part of America as a whole, not just one single group. Therefore it does not matter what ethnicity one's family belongs to. Any person, whether black, white, brown, red, or yellow, can benefit from learning something about black culture.
Needless to say, there is no reason this study must stop at the borders of the United States. There is much to be said for studying the history of Africa before the slave trade. For black people, especially children, it can be psychologically important to understand that their story does not begin in some cotton field in South Carolina, but in Africa, a place that had its own empires, kings and queens.
It might be uncomfortable for people of different ethnic groups to dive into this material, which can be hurtful reading for those who are too young. But there are several ways anyone can participate in black culture, including ways that are celebratory and positive. One could treat the whole family to a dinner of traditional black cooking. One might also visit the friendly environment of a majority-black church some Sunday in February.
Enjoying the culture and history of black people is for everyone. There isn't any need for superhuman efforts to be made. Those of all ethnic groups are invited to join in the fun.
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