Life Lessons Every Child Can Learn from Black History Month

black history monthUS HistoryCelebrations & Customs

Feb 18

Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash — *Photo by* *Library of Congress* on *Unsplash*

Imparting historical knowledge to our children is critical as we teach them about the world we live in. Although this past year’s events may leave parents feeling a bit wary of what and how to communicate best to our children, we must remember the important role that black history plays in the United States. Keeping this conversation open and ongoing with your child is one of the best ways to foster a deeper understanding of how black history plays a vital role in our society today.

Some parents may feel it daunting to answer questions about black history when they themselves don’t know all the answers. That’s ok. Don’t let that be a hindrance from celebrating black history month with your child. There is no shame in learning alongside children and cultivating a love of learning (at any age) the rich history of our African American brothers and sisters. As an Asian American, I’m writing this post with a posture of openness and awe as I dive into the profound lives of African Americans that shaped this country. As a parent, I hope my children will be able to see and understand the importance of these stories and how black history has created ripples of change that affect their world today. Join me in this post as we look at some key African American pioneers and the positive characteristics they embodied.

Let’s take a look at 4 life lessons every child can learn from Black pioneers.

1. The lesson of determination and hard work.

Originally born into slavery, Booker T. Washington was a determined young man who enrolled himself in school and worked as a janitor to pay his tuition. His hard work paid off as he eventually gained a scholarship and furthered his education into higher learning, teaching and then later opening Tuskegee University in his adult years. He advised presidents in his time and became an influential voice that pushed for the importance of hard work and education.

Children this day and age are not faced with the same hurdles and challenges from the early 1900s. However, they can still take away the lesson of determination and hard work from the life of Booker T. Washington. As a 16 year old, he made hard sacrifices for his education and he kept pursuing higher learning. Kids and teens can learn from his story of diligence and how working through challenges can pave the way to a brighter and better future.

Photo by Library of Congress — *Photo by* *Library of Congress*

2. The power of generosity.

An avid learner who was a scientist, botanist, and teacher used his skills in agricultural science to give back to the community. George Washington Carver studied decades of research in agriculture and made many discoveries and inventions that would help farmers replenish their depleted soil and solve a lot of farming issues. Carver’s passion for agriculture was matched by his compassion to help others. He used his research and inventions to assist poor farmers in the south by teaching them new farming techniques. Although he gained fame and success, much of his efforts were spent educating poor communities, teachers, and mothers on agriculture and nutrition.

When we share our talents and abilities with others, we help our world grow. Carver was a great example of someone who impacted the world at large, but also knew the importance of helping small communities and the underserved. Children can learn from Carver’s generosity by taking their interests, hobbies and talents and turning them into something beyond their own enjoyment. His story tells of the massive change that can happen because of one individual, and we can empower kids with this example that each of their unique talents and abilities can be used for the greater good of others as well.

3. The effects of courage.

Fears are an inevitable thing. They can follow us into adulthood and morph into different things as we age. However, it’s important to instill a spirit of courage and resilience in our kids to help them tackle challenges in today’s world. Challenges in life will never back down, but we can train our children to take courage and stand up to and eventually overcome the hurdles they face.

This pioneer, also known as the “Moses of her people”, transported dozens of enslaved African Americans through the Underground Tunnel in the 1800s. Harriet Tubman defied the odds when she escaped slavery and returned to the South on several occasions to help free others who were enslaved. She continued to serve as a spy, guerrilla soldier and a nurse for the Union Army and was known as the first African American female to serve in the military. Tubman helped many find food, shelter and jobs in the North and later in life joined other women in the fight for women’s suffrage.

Harriet Tubman’s legacy of strength and bravery shows kids that taking steps of courage can lead to extraordinary change. Sometimes the scariest thing can turn out to have the most rewarding outcomes.