Byline: Anonymous
Volume: 56
Number: 4
ISSN: 00129011
Publication Date: 02-01-2001
Page: 65
Type: Periodical
Language: English

NOTE to parents: Your child shouldn't see a stoplight, flip a light switch, eat a peanut butter sandwich, or put on cotton pajamas without discussing Black inventors. He shouldn't watch a baseball game, track meet, golf tournament or a tennis match without discussing legendary Black athletes. Your child shouldn't pass a bus stop, lunch counter, water fountain or public bathroom without discussing the Civil Rights Movement. And your child definitely shouldn't leave the library or record store without knowing about famous Black icons in publishing and entertainment. The lessons of Black history are all around us- and there is no betterway to instill pride and confidence in your child than to teach him Black history early and often.

"It's important to start teaching Black history to your children at the very beginning of their lives," advises Darlene Clark Hine, a Michigan State University professor of history and the president-- elect of the Organization of American Historians. "Begin to tell them stories of people in our past who overcame whatever obstacles that were put in their way. This is a very good foundation for young children-for them to know that they are important and that Black people can do great things."

The benefits of teaching your child the history of Black people are unsurpassed. Samuel DuBois Cook, national president of the Association for the Study of Afro-- American Life and History, views an in-depth knowledge of Black history as the first line of defense against racism and prejudice.

"There are so many negative forces and stereotypes in the culture telling Black children that they are inferior and [dumb]," Dr. Cook explains. "You've got to have a positive influence to counteract the negativity all of the time. You've got to teach your children Black history and remind them of their culture and value. It's a matter of self-identity, self-confidence and feeling at home in this hostile world."

Secondly, recognizing the genius of Garrett A. Morgan or the skill of Jackie Robinson or the courage of Rosa Parks or the wisdom or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will also encourage your child to achieve his full potential.

Experts say it's most advantageous to incorporate Black history into your child's upbringing during his formative years, when he effortlessly soaks up knowledge like a thirsty sponge. With a little creativity, learning Black history can be fun for your child and your entire family.

Begin with yourself. Ultimately, all children will want to know where "they come from." Don't feed them the old stork story, instead, grab a few crayons and sit junior down and tell him about your family tree. Tell your child about the kinfolks in Mississippi, in Washington, D.C., Louisiana, and St. Louis. But don't stop there-- next grab a big colorful map and take them to the continent of Africa. Tell them about the dozens of African countries, the metropolitan cities and the secluded villages. Show them pictures of great African kings, queens and warriors-and then let them draw pictures of their own. Black history observance has spawned several board games and activity kits for youngsters, so visit your neighborhood Black bookstore or a teacher's store and check them out.

Beef up your home library with Black history books and other works by Black authors-and read them with your children. Surround your child with pictures by Black artists. No children's library is complete without Langston Hughes' The Sweet and Sour Animal Book, a book of poetry that gives children lessons on the alphabet and the animal kingdom; Bill Pickett's Rodeo-Ridin' Cowboy, the true story of the most famous Black rodeo performer; and Dr. King's I Have A Dream, an oversized children's book about equality. Your video library should also include narratives on the African experience. Classics such as Roots and Shaka Zulu may be more suited for adolescents, but there are several history-based cartoons for younger children-most can be found at your public library or video store.

For you high-tech parents, the World Wide Web can be a great resource to teach your child about Black history. The fascinating colors and games available on many Black history web sites are sure to hold your child's attention while they learn.

The history lessons may begin in the home, but you don't have to end it there. For instance, just a day in the park can become an amusing lesson in Black sportsmanship. While playing a game of catch, tell your daughter about the Negro Baseball League and its heroes. Or tell your son about our version of Wonder Woman, Wilma Rudolph, one of the fastest Black women in history. And don't overlook teaching about the modern marvels in our midst-- Venus & Serena, Marion Jones and Maurice Greene.

Dr. Hine adds that there are many historical landmarks worth teaching your children about far away from home as well-and they are relatively convenient to most of the tourist hot spots. "Visit Black institutions, which are living monuments, to teach our children about the past, " she says. "And tell your children what was going on during that period."

So on your way to visit the Washington monument, stop by Howard University. Or on your way to Atlanta, stop by Selma's Edmund Pettus Bridge and the monuments and civil rights museums in Montgomery and Birmingham. In Memphis, visit the National Civil Rights Museum (formerly the Lorraine Motel). There's the DuSable Museum of African-American History on the South Side of Chicago and underground railroads in Ohio.

"Visit the Black churches, and the Black libraries, and the Black statues on Black college campuses," says Dr. Cook. "And watch your child grow up with a feeling of Black affirmation, Black presence and Black culture."

Illustrations/Photos: Understanding Black history will strengthen your child's character and give a sense of hope.
Introducing Black history to your child can be fun for the entire family. (Posed by professional models).

Anonymous, How to teach your child black history. , Ebony, 02-01-2001, pp 65.

Black Inventors