Friday, February 5, 2010

It's Black History Month.... AND?



In case you haven't noticed, I'm a black chick. Okay, to some that may come as a surprise. But it's true.

Where my kids go to school, there is so little taught in the school about the the history of African Americans.... or Asians or Hispanics what mind you. There is just so little taught to the kids in this predominantly white school that at this time of year it bothers me.

Do you know that my oldest son's class did not speak of MLK last month?

Now, Cam's 2nd grade class did. His teacher actually asked me if CJ's 4th grade class had done anything and I told her no. I guess that the teachers feel that it is not a part of their curriculum. I find it a bit offensive as it is a part of our HISTORY and HISTORY is a part of the curriculum. On of the problems is, some teachers don't wanna go the extra mile to think outside of the box to get these important issues in.

As a PTO member, I wasn't going to initiate anything for Black History Month this year, as I and 1 or two other parents we the only ones who did anything last year. We went all out with a African Dance program and HUGE lunch for the teachers. This year I was going to step back and allow someone else to take the reigns and put something together.

I found out this morning that it just ain't happening.

SO I decided that although it will be nothing like last year, SOMETHING is better than nothing! I am going to AT LEAST get some Black History facts of the morning show, as ALL kids deserve to know about Black History!

7 comments:

African American Mom said...

If we don't do it then who will? The school should be glad to have you as their top volunteer. I am striving to be like you when I grow up!

T.Allen said...

Ugh...we homeschool and I try so hard to stay away from Black History month. Blacks have been instrumental (even when not by choice) in building this country. I'm always conflicted about celebrating centuries' old accomplishments in a month, yet hmmp...as it turns out, if I don't we might not even have that much!

I applaud you for making a difference. I thank you and your children will too.

Unknown said...

Unfortunately, most schools don't see the relevance to Black history month so by you doing the history in the morning, that will at least give the kids some awareness.

There was one teacher at the school that I worked at that made a huge impact on Black history month. But, had she not made an issue, then it would've been slid under a rug somewhere.

Kristin said...

You know, I am not sure if my kids studied it this year or not. I know they have in past years. I will ask them when they get home. I bet the program last year that you did was amazing.

Gucci Mama said...

We always had a segment on Black History Month in school! And I grew up in rural Minnesota (went to private school) and finished high school at a private school in rural Montana, in a town with literally ONE black family. We always had a big segment on MLK and Black History Month. I can't BELIEVE it's not recognized as much now as it was when I was growing up. I'm surprised!

Good for you for making something happen!

Rambling Rachel said...

Ah, white privilege. Being white comes with so much privilege, it's easy to think black history is irrelevant. And as a white person, I see there is so much ignorance.

If you'd like to raise your blood pressure, check out my post.
http://www.rachelsramblings.com/2010/01/dr-ruther-and-health-care.html

Unknown said...

Thanks, guys. And believe me, I'm not one of those people that are BLACK POWER crazy, but I do feel that if you are going to teach history then you have to teach all aspects of history. Then slavery, segregation and fight for freedom is part of America's history, and I feel that it should not be overlooked. It bothers me that it sometimes is. I'm not one of those people who thinks that there should be an apology from today's leaders for the slavery that happened years ago, but I am one of those moms that wants to see that part of history acknowledged. And what better time to do so than the month that was put in place for that reason?