Despite what seemed to be on the collective minds of the country, the end of 2020 did not magically bring an end to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, much of what we will see in the new year will be similar to what we've been experiencing all along. While some schools across the country are still in session, many will be going back to online distance learning after the winter break as COVID-19 cases rise. With the new year right around the corner and Black History Month on the horizon, families with kids at home may be wondering how to celebrate Black History Month while distance learning.
The origins of Black History Month date back to 1915 when Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland sought to recognize notable achievements from African-Americans and individuals of African Descent. They chose the second week of February to coincide with Frederick Douglass's birthday. Since 1976, Black History Month has been recognized each year, by every president.
Woodson and Moorland's organization, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, (ASALH) will celebrate Black History Month virtually in 2021. If you're looking for other ways to celebrate Black History Month while distance learning, here are 6 socially distant ideas for your family.
Create your own virtual Black History Month learning unit study
Make Black History engaging and hands-on
To truly engage my son in our homeschool history lessons, I need to create hands-on learning opportunities. By making an effort to provide activities that engage all of his senses, he's more invested in what he's learning and how it relates to his world.
5. Start a virtual book club for Black History Month.
A great theme for Black History Month in 2021 would be 'Good Trouble,' to celebrate the life and accomplishments of civil rights leader John Lewis, who died in 2020. Tweens and teens will enjoy learning and discussing the behind-the-scenes events of some of the most notable moments during the civil rights movement in Lewis' graphic novel trilogy, March.
6. Visit historical sites and museums that celebrate African-Americans.
Our family is excited about the International African American Museum, set to open in early 2022 in Charleston, South Carolina. “This ain’t a black project,” former politician and attorney Bakari Sellers told the Greenville News of the museum. “This ain’t a Charleston project. This is an American project."
If you can, make an effort to visit sites such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC, to learn more about the Black Experience — maintaining social distancing protocols, of course.
Mom of three Anitra Durand Allen compiled a list of 14 Black Culture attractions in the United States that celebrate the African-American experience. "The recent events of civil unrest and public outcry against police brutality and racism against the African-American community have made me reflect," Allen wrote. "The response to amplify melanated voices made me realize that there are so many people that don’t know much about Black culture."
