American History in which teaching about the involvement of Black and Brown Americans is important to students. It is important to create a dialogue on racism as well as the contributions, customs, and achievements of African Americans. Today, it’s most important because it places a focus on all people. Students must learn that many people made this country a success. Therefore, all must have recognition. Today, there too many racial injustices for students not to focus on Black and Brown Americans. Besides, this pandemic is a hazard to the health of Black families because of overlooking their importance.
History Past
Students need to know that Carte G. Woodson is known as the “Father of Black History”. Thus, he developed Black History Month. He chooses the second week of February because of the birthday of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Douglas escaped from slavery and Lincoln abolished slavery.
There are many Black Americans that students need to know. These are Americans that need to have their acknowledgments known.
- Rebecca Lee Crumpler – the first Black American woman physician.
- Mary Mcleod Bethune – a leader in education, woman’s rights, and civil rights.
- Margaret Stickland Collins – a high school graduate at the age of 14.
- Benjamin Banneker – a self-educated man. Knowledgeable in surveying, astronomy, and insects.
- Elizabeth Freeman – her legal challenge document of liberty gave her freedom.
There are many more Black American contributors to society that students need to study. Additionally, Woodson feels that it is essential for Black and Brown Americans to learn about their heritage. Woodson states, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”
February 2021 Black History Month places the focus on the Black family. A look at various disciplines of the Black family includes history, anthropology, literature, sociology, and the arts. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History decides each year’s theme.
