Helpful Tips

Do…

Include Black history outside of BHM

Use Black History Month to dig deeper into history and make connections with the past.

Your own research

To understand Black history, you need to look past a few textbooks that probably weren’t written by African American authors. Explore a varied range of resources and be open to learning along the way.

Reinforce “Black” history as American history

Black history is relevant to all students no matter their background. Make sure this is understood through the lessons you teach. This can be done by connecting issues in the past to those still happening today. Making your subject personal will help get your point across a lot clearer.

Don’t…

Separate Black history from “normal” lessons

Pausing your regular curriculum to teach a Black history lesson further marginalizes the subject and reinforces the idea that what you’re teaching isn’t as important as the “normal” curriculum.

Focus on the superficial

It’s great to celebrate Black music, food, or fashion, but be careful not to fall into highlighting stereotypes rather than the culture or history. Be sure to explore the social and political context behind what we know, that allowed Black culture to establish itself the way it has.

Shy away from the controversial

Avoiding sensitive or unresolved subjects invalidates real-life experiences – share these stories and racial realities in developmentally appropriate ways.

Think you’re not qualified

You don’t need to be a person of color to discuss race, but you do need to be comfortable and confident before you start. Build your knowledge about each topic and have open communication with educators of color for support and feedback.