Modern Black leaders are making history every day. We owe it to our children to introduce them to the changemakers doing the work right now. Here are a few modern Black leaders your kids should know about as we strive for social justice during these uncertain times.
Black History Month for kids
Modern Black leaders of today and tomorrow
Whether a part of the new administration of the highest office of the land or just inspirational everyday kids, modern Black leaders are making history and paving the way for a better future.
6. Levar Burton
There’s probably a very specific song that comes to mind whenever you hear the name Levar Burton, and for good reason. Everyone’s favorite television show host is still working in the children’s literacy space.
“I simply want kids to read, OK?” Burton told Marketplace Tech. “And parents ask me all the time, how do I get my child to read more? And I ask them, generally, two questions. One, do your children see you reading? Because it is that all-important example, that modeling, that really informs a child just how important the activity of reading is to you, as their parent.”
“Second question I ask them is what is your child passionate about? Because it’s our passions that really drive our reading appetite,” the education advocate explained.
Watch reruns of Reading Rainbow with your kids, and then take a deep-dive into the child literacy initiatives Burton is working on today.
Young Black leaders of the future
A key consideration to share with your children is that some of the Black leaders of today and tomorrow aren’t that much older than they are. In regards to climate change, for example, while white counterparts like Greta Thunberg may be getting a lot of press, there are also young Black leaders doing amazing things for the environment.
7. Jerome Foster
Environmental activist Jerome Foster founded One Million of Us, a youth-led organization that empowers young people to fight for the causes that matter most to them.
8. Mari Copeny
Known also by the moniker “Little Miss Flint,” Mari Copeny is an activist and philanthropist who, in 2013, sent a letter to former President Barack Obama about the water crisis facing her Michigan City. It was her letter that led to the Obama administration’s approval of a $100 million relief effort.
In the aftermath of the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment — a disaster that will have far-reaching environmental effects — there is little doubt that our children are watching and will need to be the change we need going forward, as long as we take their interests seriously.
“Have frequent conversations involving your child’s values, ideals, missions, and objectives,” Massachusetts General Hospital youth program director Gene Beresin told National Geographic. “Listen to what’s important to them.”
9. Mikaila Ulmer
Founder of Me and the Bees Lemonade, Mikaila is a 15-year-old millionaire. The Shark Tank contestant — who began selling her lemonade at Whole Foods and Macy’s — inspires young students through her workshops and speaking engagements. Mikaila invests a portion of her business’s profits to organizations committed to saving the bees.
