Black History Month began as one week in 1926 when the historian Carter G Woodson designated the second week of February as Negro History Week. In the 1970s, Black History Week became Black History Month and has been since nationally recognized as a time of year to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans in Science, Math, Innovation, History, Sports, and Entertainment.
DCAEYC encourages all early childhood practitioners to celebrate Black History Month with all young children regardless of race or ethnicity. Celebrating various cultures will help all young children develop healthy racial identities and social skills to combat anti-bias perspectives and will set the stage for developing the value of human diversity. “Early childhood education has the power to change the future,” said Spencer Crew, interim director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “To begin the process of racial reconciliation and healing, we must have meaningful and intentional conversations with children about racial identity and promote anti-bias values from birth.” Crew concluded, “With an appreciation for differences in early childhood, young children can develop into adults who actively challenge bias, stereotyping and various forms of discrimination.”
Suggested Literature for Black History Month
- Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison - Recommended for ages 0-3
- The Jazz Man by Karen Ehrhardt - Recommended for ages 3 and up
- The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez and Lauren Semmer - Recommended for ages 5 and up
- Following the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter - Recommended for ages 5 and up
- Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold - Recommended for ages 5 and up
- The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson - Recommended for ages 5 and up
- Teammates by Peter Golenbock - Recommended for ages 6 and up
- What Color is My World?: The Lost History of African-American Inventors by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld - Recommended for ages 8 and up
Online Resources