Playgarden Prep Honors Black History Month

February is Black History Month. This month is dedicated to celebrating the momentous contributions made by African Americans throughout history. 

Historian Carter G. Woodson created the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915, which led to the announcing of Negro History Week in 1925. February was chosen because both Fredrick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, each a prominent figure in Black history, were born in this month. The honorary week was later extended to a month in 1976, cementing its place in American history. Each February since then, Black History Month has been recognized by the United States, as well as many other countries around the world. 

Today, museums, schools (in-person as well as online preschool and homeschool preschool programs), and national organizations recognize and pay tribute to Black history. The achievements of prominent figures like Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, and others are widely known and celebrated. There are so many more that have cause to be recognized and celebrated, and here are just a few along with some of their inspirational quotes!

In 1931, Jane Bolin was the first Black woman to attend Yale Law School. Bolin later became the United States’ first Black female judge, serving on the boards of the Child Welfare League of America, the Neighborhood Children’s Center, and the NAACP.

“Families and children are so important to our society, and to dedicate your life to trying to improve their lives is completely satisfying.” -Jane Bolin

Dorothy Height was a leader and activist for the women’s movement. Known fondly as “the godmother of the women’s movement,” she worked to grow women’s rights, and used her years in social work and education to do so. 

“Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition [they have] overcome to reach [their] goals.” -Dorothy Height

Marsha P. Johnson was an African American trans woman and one of the pioneers of the gay rights movement. She spent over 20 years fighting for basic human rights for the LGBTQ+ community and continues to inspire activists today.

“You never completely have your rights, one person, until you all have your rights.” -Marsha P. Johnson

The first Black woman elected to Congress was Shirley Chisholm in 1969. She was also the first woman to run for presidential nominee for the Democratic Party in 1972. 

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” -Shirley Chisholm

In 2020, Kamala Harris was elected Vice President of the United States, becoming both the first female vice president as well as first African American vice president. 

“My daily challenge to myself is to be a part of the solution, to be a joyful warrior in the battle to come.” -Kamala Harris

Share the work and lives of these influential people with your little ones! If you are doing homeschool preschool or online preschool, add a Black History Month lesson into your curriculum. Introduce a person to learn about each day and explore their accomplishments, as well as how they have influenced our world today. The struggles and oppression African Americans have faced are unprecedented, and the ways they have fought for their voices to be heard is beyond inspirational. Learning this history in their homeschool preschool and online preschool lessons teaches your kids about cultures that may be different from their own, expanding their worldview and encouraging them to be kind, respectful, and caring human beings.

How can you celebrate outside of online preschool/homeschool preschool?

Support Black Businesses — restaurants, bookstores, online stores, etc. A quick google search can give you a list of your local black-owned businesses! 

Being a New York-based preschool, here is a list of 25 NYC Black-Owned Businesses to Support

Support Black Artists — art, books, music, movies, tv shows, etc. Buy, share, read, stream, and watch art that recognizes and celebrates people of color. Here is a list of 10 Black History Movies for Kids 

Black Children Matter. Black Lives Matter. Black Futures Matter.