The Importance of Teaching Black History Year-Round
As a young child growing up, my uncle, a college student living with us at the time, was obsessed with puzzles. He could sit for hours at the dining table, carefully fitting tiny pieces together until the bigger picture started to appear. I never really understood why he loved it so much. To me, it seemed boring and too much work. But my Uncle would always say, “Every piece matters. Without them, you’ll never see the whole picture.”
One day, he called me over while he was going through an old family photo album. He said it was like solving the biggest puzzle of all—our family’s story. At first, I didn’t pay much attention, but then he started showing me things I’d never heard of before. There were pictures of our great-grandparents, notes about their travels and victories, and even an article about how my great-uncle had helped build the first Black-owned school in his town.
I remember asking him, “Why don’t we learn about this part of history? He sighed and said, “That’s just how it is. They don’t always teach us the full story, but it doesn’t mean it’s not important.”
Now, when I think back to those moments, I realize my uncle was teaching me something bigger than puzzles. Black history, like our family’s story, is part of a much larger picture. But if we only talk about it for one month each year, so many important pieces are left out. To truly see and understand the full picture, Black history has to be taught and celebrated all year round.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss why teaching Black history year-round is not only crucial for African American students but for all students. We’ll explore how it enriches education, promotes social justice, and provides a more accurate portrayal of history that benefits society as a whole.
The Problem with Limiting Black History to One Month
There’s no question that Black History Month has provided an important platform to raise awareness and celebrate the contributions of African Americans. However, confining these lessons to a single month can inadvertently minimize the richness of Black culture and history. As history teacher Dr. Lisa F. Jackson writes in The Atlantic, “Limiting the scope of Black history to just a month reinforces the idea that the contributions of African Americans are peripheral to American history as a whole, rather than an integral part of the nation’s fabric.”
By only focusing on Black history for one month, we risk forgetting about the ongoing struggles, victories, and significant historical figures that shaped our society. For example, while figures like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass are important, the lessons surrounding their struggles could be discussed more deeply if we didn’t feel pressured to “fit” them into a month-long time frame.
As Dr. Lisa F. Jackson, a history teacher, aptly states in The Atlantic, “Limiting Black history to just a month reinforces the idea that the contributions of African Americans are peripheral…rather than an integral part of the nation’s fabric.”
A comprehensive approach to Black history doesn’t just acknowledge the past but ties it to modern-day issues, encouraging students to reflect on how historical events still shape contemporary life.
The Benefits of Teaching Black History Year-Round
1. Promotes Inclusivity and Cultural Awareness
Teaching Black history year-round makes it clear that African Americans are an essential part of American society, and their stories should be told consistently. According to the American Educational Research Association (AERA), integrating Black history into everyday learning promotes inclusivity and helps foster a sense of belonging among students of all backgrounds.
The first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States was Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, and she should be just as regularly discussed in science classrooms as other notable medical pioneers, regardless of the month.
When students learn about the variety of contributions made by African Americans—whether in science, the arts, politics, or civil rights—they see themselves reflected in the broader tapestry of American history. It also helps them develop a deeper understanding of race relations, culture, and social dynamics. For non-Black students, it provides an opportunity to learn more about cultures and traditions outside their own, making them more empathetic and culturally competent.
2. Corrects Historical Gaps and Biases
Traditional history education often downplays or overlooks the contributions of African Americans, offering an incomplete picture of history. In fact, The New York Times published a report highlighting how history textbooks have historically whitewashed the roles of Black Americans in pivotal events, such as the Civil War and Reconstruction.
When Black history is only taught in isolated pockets, such as during Black History Month, it becomes easy to neglect the broader, more complex stories of African American achievement and struggle. Teaching Black history throughout the year allows for a fuller, more accurate account of the nation’s past, one that acknowledges both the obstacles and the triumphs that African Americans have experienced.
As historian Dr. Joy DeGruy explains in her work on historical trauma, understanding the full breadth of Black history is crucial for both Black and non-Black students. “When we only focus on the trauma and suffering without providing the context of Black resilience, innovation, and progress, we miss the richness of the African American experience,” she says.
3. Encourages Critical Thinking and Empathy
Year-round teaching of Black history creates an environment for students to engage in critical thinking. It challenges students to examine historical events from multiple perspectives, question stereotypes, and explore systemic inequalities. By understanding the lived experiences of African Americans, students can better grasp concepts like social justice, economic disparity, and cultural preservation.
The integration of Black history across all subjects, whether through literature, science, or social studies, encourages students to think critically about the world around them and make connections between history and current events. These discussions promote empathy, helping students understand how the past has shaped ongoing conversations around race and equality.
For example, studying the Civil Rights Movement and its connection to modern-day social justice movements like Black Lives Matter allows students to see how the struggles of the past still resonate today.
4. Fosters a Better Understanding of Current Events
One of the main reasons for teaching Black history year-round is its connection to present-day issues. African American culture, politics, and history are intertwined with the events that shape our nation today. In classrooms where Black history is an ongoing conversation, students can more easily understand the current struggles that African Americans face, from racial discrimination to mass incarceration, and engage in discussions on how to address these challenges.
As noted by The Huffington Post, young people who learn about the history of systemic racism are better equipped to understand the complexities of contemporary social justice movements. Educating students on how African Americans have fought for equality throughout history can inspire them to actively participate in shaping a fairer, more just future.
5. Empowers African American Students
For African American students, having their history and culture integrated into the curriculum year-round is empowering. It allows them to see their heritage reflected in all aspects of learning, from literature to science to history. The Journal of Black Studies reports that students who see themselves represented in what they learn are more likely to feel a sense of pride and ownership over their education. They’re also more likely to succeed academically.
When African American students learn about historical figures like George Washington Carver, Maya Angelou, or Thurgood Marshall, they gain a sense of pride in knowing that people who look like them have had a significant impact on the world. This fosters confidence and motivation, which can positively influence their academic performance and future aspirations.
How to Integrate Black History Year-Round
Now that we’ve explored the importance of teaching Black history year-round, let’s look at some practical ways to integrate these lessons into everyday education:
- Incorporate Black History Across Subjects
Instead of reserving Black history for a single month or subject, integrate it into various areas of the curriculum. In literature, for example, teach works by African American authors such as Langston Hughes, Toni Morrison, and James Baldwin. In science, explore the achievements of Black scientists and inventors like Dr. Mae Jemison and George Washington Carver. - Celebrate African American Holidays and Achievements
Recognize and discuss the significance of holidays such as Juneteenth, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Black History Month in context, but don’t limit their exploration to just these times. Celebrate African American achievements in fields such as politics, sports, and arts throughout the year. - Create a Diverse Learning Environment
Curate a diverse library of books, videos, and resources that reflect the African American experience. Encourage students to read, discuss, and write about their findings, focusing on a range of topics—from historical events to contemporary issues. - Invite Guest Speakers and Community Members
Bring in local Black leaders, activists, or scholars to speak with students about African American history and culture. This can create a richer, more interactive learning experience. - Encourage Discussions Around Race and Justice
Foster open, inclusive discussions about race, justice, and inequality. Encouraging students to share their thoughts and opinions creates a learning environment where issues of racial equity are treated with the seriousness they deserve.
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Conclusion
Teaching Black history year-round isn’t just a matter of education—it’s a matter of justice. By including the full, rich history of African Americans in all aspects of education, we ensure that all students are learning a more complete and accurate history, while also fostering a more inclusive and empathetic society. It empowers Black students, promotes cultural awareness for non-Black students, and challenges us all to think critically about the past and present.
Nikki Giovanni once said, “Black history is American history.” And it’s a story that deserves to be told year-round.
References
- “The Importance of Teaching Black History Year-Round,” The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/
- “Black History and Education: An Ongoing Conversation,” The American Educational Research Association. https://www.aera.net/
- DeGruy, Joy. Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing. Uptone Press, 2005.
- The Huffington Post. “Why Teaching Black History Is Crucial to Addressing Modern Racism.” https://www.huffpost.com/
- The Journal of Black Studies. “The Impact of Culturally Relevant Teaching on African American Students.” https://journals.sagepub.com/
