A time to teach: using Black history to heal and educate children

Ebony, Feb, 2005 by Shirley Henderson

JEFF White used to be ashamed of his heritage. He still remembers the day his 10th grade class discussed slavery. Later, during lunch, he got into an argument with a classmate.

"He told me that my ancestors were nothing but slaves," White recalls. "I just didn't know anything beyond that. [Being a slave] was portrayed as a bad thing."

Today, White, 40, is an Internet technology professional and the father of three children, one of whom is named after Egyptian Queen Nefertiti, known for her exquisite beauty. The Chicago father now knows the truth about his history and the story of how Black people transcended slavery and helped to change American society, and he is determined to use Black history to teach his children about their history and culture.

Dr. Stephanie Davenport, director of educational services at Chicago's DuSable Museum of African-American History, says that it is important to teach Black history not just in February, but all 365 days of the year. She and other Black historians say parents should start teaching children about Black history at a very early age--as young as 5 years old. "Be tenacious about teaching them," says Dr. Sheila Y. Flemming, president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, founded by Carter G. Woodson and a major supporter of Black History Month. "It's the job of the parent to do everything first--be it history, faith, art or music."

Parents can do just that, according to Dr. Flemming, by using oral history as a means of communication. Start by buying a tape recorder and letting the children tape older family members.

As parents take the lead in promoting positive self-image in their children, Dr. Flemming and other experts say there are a number of techniques for using Black history to educate and elevate.

Start a Black history library at home

Invest in some of the beautifully illustrated children's books that use vibrant hues and flattering images of Black people. Buy classic works by historians like W.E.B. DuBois and Carter G. Woodson. Don't forget about writers such as Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, Countee Cullen, Toni Morrison and artists like Jacob Lawrence and Romare Bearden.

Also, start reading to your children regularly, a practice that will encourage them to read by themselves.

Churches and social outings

Parents and their children can participate in churches that incorporate different aspects of Black history into services and programs through dance ministries, plays, etc. Many churches present pageants honoring historical figures, such as Martin L. King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Paul Robeson, Sojourner Truth, Crispus Attucks and others.

"Getting your children involved in programs of this sort," says Dr. Davenport, "can provide positive perspectives and also can ignite a fire that will produce a future politician or entrepreneur."

Expand your child's education and redirect any inaccurate beliefs

If your children's education focuses on one particular period of Black history, expand their knowledge. Take them on regular trips to the library, where they can discover Black cowboys like Bill Pickett and Nat Love. When teaching your children about African history, make sure that they know about the great kings and queens of Africa such as Queen Nzingha, the warrior queen of Matamba.

Have an educational program night at home

If you allow children to watch TV all day, their self-image will suffer. Have an educational program night with your children and watch a documentary such as Two Dollars and a Dream: The Story of Madame C.J. Walker, which focuses on one of the first Black female millionaire businesswomen.

Stop lights, golfing tees and fountain pens

Teach them about the contributions of Black inventors and scientists like William B. Purvis, who invented the fountain pen, George Franklin Grant, who invented the golf tee, and Garrett A. Morgan, the inventor of the stoplight and gas mask.

Plan a family trip around Black History

When deciding on the next family vacation spot, plan a trip to one of the major Black museums such as the DuSable Museum of African-American History in Chicago, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, or the newly built Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati.

Art, music and more

Surround your child with positive images. Purchase African and African-American paintings, sculpture, videos and DVDs. There are many CDs that combine rap music and Black history (www.positiverecords.com). Go to art fairs and buy posters, African fabric, ceremonial masks, sculpture, or even musical instruments that reflect African and African-American heritage to place in your home.

"Finally, you can use Black history to help develop character," says Dr. Flemming. "What builds character is self-esteem. Self-esteem and character go together."