It is officially February- a month devoted to the history, achievement, expanse, beauty and resilience of a people yet to reach freedom.
If I know anything about 2021 yet, it has the potential to be all the way out of pocket.
In an effort to liberate my people from the insufficiency of normal patterns of bulletin boards and the same ole tired narratives of the five black folks mainstream America decides to elevate, I've created a syllabus for Black History Month.
In fact, I've curated 5, each for different populations. Each syllabus includes:
a theme
an essential question
curated podcasts +
videos +
poetry +
images +
and books.
And yes, it's free.
1. The first is for families with kiddos of various ages. It is curated for families of varied racial makeup. This is the only syllabus includes a suggestion for play which is more likely to be meaningful than typical coloring pages and multiple bean sensory bins. 'Cause apparently that needs to be said.
2. The second syllabus is for an predominantly black adult small group. The experience of Black history month is different for those of us with the privilege of being Black, so therefore the syllabi emphases are different. These are meant to be done in community to allow for reflection that is more likely to lead to adult learning. I highly recommend you do this with folks who know you know you.
3. The third syllabus is for a predominantly white adult small group. This is the group I most anticipate seeking resources about how to journey with honor and honesty through the first Black History Month since the 2020 uprisings. There's no sugarcoating here and there's also no black trauma porn. You'll notice that the adult syllabi include action steps. However, the action steps are not all inclusive of the work to be done in your community.
4. The fourth syllabus is for a multiracial group or congregation. Diversity is not equity. Multiethnicity is not liberation. This syllabus is about getting real with the impacts of white culture on environments with "good" intentions.
5. The fifth is for teenagers. Every movement worth its snuff submitted to the unique genius of teens and I for one will not stray from this ancestral pattern. Teenagers deserve to be taken seriously and their learning protects them from the painful unlearning most millenials and boomers are wrestling through now.
Many of the videos, texts and images are linked in the syllabi. Where they are not, the resource can be easily found through Google or Youtube with the exact text provided.
I'm petitioning the council for a new name for Black History Month. One which holds more than our past and the need to tell stories of our pain but is wide enough for our present work and a future where we can just be black, love and die.
To download the syllabi, simply subscribe to the website using the form at the bottom of your screen and it'll be sent directly to your email. I believe we get free together so I sincerely hope they're helpful to you.

Comments