It’s Black History Month. The time has come for Black Americans and other racial communities to honor significant past and present figures. Despite America’s long history of racism and persecution of Blacks, this is the opportunity to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments made by Black Americans in our nation. Black leaders and influencers present an optimistic view of themselves and their people to the rest of the world. The global Black community shares a history of oppression. Anyone’s self-esteem and self-image can be severely damaged by racial injustice. To help their people withstand all forms of racial persecution, Black trailblazers must draw on a particular fortitude.
What makes racial representation of Black History Month crucial? Representation allows the younger generation to attain a sense of belonging and capability. Being positively represented in the course curriculum allows them to better identify with their race and nationality. They can envision themselves as belonging in the country, and the possibilities of their futures become limitless. Generally, when it comes to ethnic representation in literature and the media has a big impact on how children develop and grow. Seeing themselves portrayed in a positive light helps them comprehend the world they live in. They also learn about different cultures outside of their own, which aids them in developing authentic empathy and respect for other cultures. Creator and CEO of The Black Literacy and Arts Collaborative Project, Rochelle Levy-Christopher, emphasizes the value of cultural relevance. She stated that it “makes them feel empowered and makes them feel like I can do this, too.” Black youth understand the world around them by how the world portrays them. They will know what it means to be Black by reading novels by Black authors who have a share in the Black experience. Being exposed to various viewpoints broadens our knowledge and causes us to appreciate diverse human backgrounds. Stories that inspire the removal of prejudice, stereotypes, and obstacles of inequity are essential to changing how Black individuals are viewed by society and how they see themselves.
You may learn more about individuals different from you in terms of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic level by reading a good book. According to Erika Long, a middle school librarian in Tennessee, diverse novels promote empathy. In many respects, varied reading aims to introduce kids to frequently untold tales. Children can learn about individuals who may be different from them or experiencing issues they may not otherwise encounter outside of varied literature.
In light of the impact of representation and this glorious month of culture, love, and diversity, here are five black voices everyone in our community needs to listen to and read-adult or child.
- The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama. In her novel, the former First Lady shares that when we light up for others, we may expose the richness and potential of the world around us. We are then able to uncover deeper truths and new avenues for advancement. Readers will find a series of original stories and incisive musings on change, struggle, and power.
2. Eloquent Rag: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Brittany Cooper. Black feminism and Black women are the focus of this essay collection. Cooper discusses various social, political, and cultural issues, such as neoliberalism, the idea of exceptionalism, and respectability politics, in how they impact the experiences of Black women.
3. Affirmations for Black Girls by Tyra The Creative. As a Black girl, there are certain things that you need to say to yourself to build confidence and polish the glow you naturally shine with. In this podcast, Tyra the Creative does an excellent job of uplifting Black girls through various topics. Everyone should listen.
4. Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen (Author) and Kadir Nelson (Illustrator). I’ll admit this was my favorite book as a child. It was one of the first I learned how to read independently. This book tells a fictional story about a little girl they called Sassy. She loved ballet but pretty much watched from the background. When she got the chance to break out of her shell, it was hard. People talked about her and picked at her, yet she still spread her wings to fly. This book as a child instilled in me the importance of confidence, self-belief, and dedication.
5. Children’s book- Hair Love Matthew A. Cherry (Author), Vashti Harrison (Illustrator). Although this newer book has become mainstream in the last few years, I can see why. Being a part of the black community, our hair is our culture. It is important; it holds power and stories. It is taught at a young age how to manage and care for our hair. Many of us black girls and women can admit that it can be a hard process. This book represents the bond and relationship between black women and girls with their hair and each other.
Happy Black History Month<3