Moms Vibe:
By Krystle J. Bailey
Conceived by historian Carter G Woodson, Black History Month is recognized as a time to honor and celebrate the African American history that is inextricably woven throughout American history. The annual celebration, which began in 1926, officially became recognized in 1976 under President Gerald Ford. While every day of the year is a beautiful opportunity to teach our children about the rich cultures, stories, trials, and triumphs of African Americans in this country, February is a special time to shout these stories from the rooftops. Many schools do a great job at celebrating Black History Month but the learning doesn’t end in the classroom.
For more Black History Month reading, check out these recommended books.
Henry’s Freedom Box
Henry’s Freedom Box tells the dramatic story of a young slave by the name of Henry Brown. Henry was born around 1915 but is unsure of his exact birthday. After enduring the emotional wreckage of slavery in the south, Henry makes a brave decision to mail himself to the north in a warehouse crate. Upon arrival, Henry celebrates his first birthday – his first day of freedom. This award-winning book is described as “a beautifully illustrated and gently told story.”
Moses: When Harriet Tubman
Led Her People To Freedom
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People To Freedom is an astounding, emotional, inspiring book about Harriet Tubman’s first journey north. Harriet’s heroism earned her the name Moses, as she braved the wilderness, faced the unknown, and escaped to freedom, only to make the trek nineteen more times to lead others to safety by way of the Underground Railroad. The lyrical text captures the spirit of the Harriet Tubman offering young readers a glimpse into the compassionate and deeply religious woman that Tubman was.
Tar Beach
This New York Times Best Seller and Coretta Scott King Award Winner does a beautiful job of using illustration and history to tell the captivating story of Cassie Louise Lightfoot. Cassie’s dream, growing up in a Harlem apartment building, was to go anywhere she wanted. She wished for unlimited freedom and allows the stars to take her away as she soars over the city in this magical story of culture and love.
Timelines From Black History:
Leaders, Legends, Legacies
Grow your child’s understanding of Black History with this beautiful visual exploration of iconic names like Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglas and so many more. The detailed images are created to compel children to think critically about the stories and the roles each historic figure played in history. The stories of black leaders, writers, scientists, and activists inspire readers to dive into key eras in our nation’s history from Jim Crow to current events.
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hammer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement
Fannie Lou Hammer left a legacy of hope, determination and strength. Her voice is one that will reverberate through generations as a fierce Civil Rights activities. This collection of vibrant images and inspiring poems capture the life of the great Fannie Lou Hammer as she championed equal voting rights and equity for African Americans.
Counting on Katherine
One of the infamous Hidden Figures, Katherine Johnson was a mathemetician for NASA during the Apollo 13 moon landing. As a young girl, Katherine loved math. She counted her steps, the dishes she washed, and everything she saw. She looked for opportunities to add things up in her head, as she was bounlessly curious about math and science. Counting on Katherine tells the story of how Katherine’s mathematical genius meticulously calculated the moon landing route and also saved countless lives when the unthinkable arose.
Black History is American History and should be taught year round. However, February is a beautiful time to raise black voices, tell black stories, and celebrate the contributions of African Americans throughout the ages. Enjoy these books and the countless others available for your reading pleasure.
