9 Black History Month Facts For Kids
The African American community spent several years being oppressed and undermined. It took several years of fighting, protests, and, unfortunately, death before equality and human rights became a norm in society. Here are some interesting Black History Month Facts For Kids.
Due to the long stretch of oppression, African Americans became more known for their fight for freedom. Black history month is centered on teaching the other accomplishments of these citizens.
This post will highlight some black history month facts for kids. You can use these facts to enlighten your children and raise them to be confident in their skin while respecting others.
Try this Black History Month Word Search to learn even more!
About Black History Month
We’ve all heard about Black History Month, but do we know what it is?
Black History Month appreciates the impacts of African Americans on the country and the world. It is a celebration that lasts for a whole month, February.
The stigma of slavery and racism has been assigned to the African American community for too long. As a result, it has become easy to ignore their other accomplishments. Black History Month is aimed at educating kids and parents, young and old, on how African Americans also contributed to society.
The aim is to build respect for the community and raise confidence in young members.
Black History Month was originally called Negro History Week and was pioneered by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1915. Also, it is often called African-American History Month in the US.
Dr. Woodson’s parents were enslaved, and he worked in the Kentucky coal mines as a child.
Woodson showed intelligence as a child, and he went to high school when he was twenty. After that, he completed his college degree and went to Harvard University, where he got his Ph.D.
During his time in school, Woodson noticed that African American history was rarely discussed in textbooks. His anger led him to research African American accomplishments. He formed a group called the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Woodson picked the 2nd week in February as the Negro History Week. He picked this week to honor the birth week of Fredrick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. These men played vital roles in Black history.
In 1976, the Negro History Week gained the full recognition of the federal government and was made into Black History Month. The current president then, President Gerald Ford, said, “ seize the opportunity to honor the too often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout history.”
Some Black History Month Facts For Kids
Now that we’re familiar with the origin and essence of Black History Month, let’s look at some key facts:
1. Why Is it in February?
Black History Month in February was an intentional action of the pioneer, Dr. Woodson. It used to be a week-long celebration, typically the second week of February. This is because it was the same week Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln were born.
The government saw no need to change the date and extended the week-long celebration to the entire month.
2. Immigrants Are Included
Black History month isn’t only for African Americans but immigrants as well. Immigrants made some major contributions to America and the African American community. A good example was Kwame Ture, a political activist during the civil rights movement. Colin Powell is another example, and his parents immigrated from Jamaica.
3. New Year, New Theme
There is a new theme for each Black History Month. The president approves each year’s theme and ensures they’re not repeated. The theme for this year was Black Health and Wellness. Previous themes include:
- The Crisis in Black Education
- African Americans and the Vote
- The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity
- Civil Rights in America
- Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories
- A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture
4. Wealthy Black Community
Contrary to the public image painted, rich black communities did exist in parts of America. One good example was a pre-civil war community situated in the upper west side of New York, 82nd street to 89th street. This neighborhood was filled with only black homeowners.
5. Black Americans Overcoming Disabilities
History records tend to cut out Black people who have contributed to society. For those that they do mention, they leave out the part about their disabilities. For example, Muhammad Ali had dyslexia, and Harriet Tubman had epilepsy.
Society should know about the contributions of disabled Blacks to the country’s development.
6. First Black Person Not to Get Up
Society celebrates Rosa Parks as the first Black person to refuse a white man their seat. However, this information is incorrect. Nine months before the Rosa Parks incident, a young woman named Claudette Colvin was arrested for refusing to give up her seat.
7. People Of Color
People of color commonly refer to black people, but it is inappropriate. It is a general term used to describe people of non-white or non-European origins.
Interchanging the terms black people or African Americans with people of color belittles the Black community’s struggles. If you’re referencing the accomplishments or tribulations of Black people, don’t use people of color.
8. It Is Celebrated All Over the World
The celebration of Black History Month took root in the United States. But it has left its borders and expanded to other territories. Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands have months to appreciate the Black community.
9. The Civil Right Act
The Civil rights act passed in 1964 made segregation a criminal offense. Also, it banned using federal assets to promote segregation. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed this bill.
Conclusion on Black History Month Facts for Kids
The Black community has contributed much to America’s development and deserves to be recognized. Black History Month aims to create awareness about the Black community and build confidence in the younger generation of African American children.
We’ve listed some Black History Month facts for kids, and you can use this to educate them. Check out these fun facts for kids here and browse all the other topics at the bottom of the post.
