WHY STUDY BLACK HISTORY IN THE 21ST CENTURY 

 

Throughout the 20th Century, African American parents and teachers made sure young people studied and celebrated Black History. Carter G. Woodson, the American historian, author, journalist, and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, was one of the first scholars to study the history of the African diaspora. It was through his efforts that the second week in February was established as Black History Week, later to become Black History Month in 1976 when President Gerald Ford called on the nation to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Yet, in the 21st Century, the backlash of teaching, reading and celebrating Black history has become pervasive in the wake of restrictions in schools, libraries and negative political influences. 

 

Participants will:

• Learn about many aspects of Black history, from the end of slavery through reconstruction, the era of Jim Crow to the present day.

• Understand the fear and protection of parents who have “the talk” with their sons (and sometimes daughters as well).

• Learn about the significance of HBCUs as institutions of higher learning

• Be encouraged to step outside their comfort zones by engaging with people from different racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds

• Learn ways to self-educate about racial and cultural differences, including reading books, attending cultural events and sharing their own cultural differences with others who may be different.

 

NAVIGATE COVERSATIONS ABOUT RACE & CULTURE 

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Many times we find ourselves in complicated situations where either some might be reluctant to talk about race and culture, afraid of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time to the wrong person, or worse, the conversations never happen, often leaving a void of understanding the benefits about what makes us different and diverse. This is a discussion on how to embrace differences and ways to get to know people in a safe and comfortable way.

 

Participants will:

• Recognize that conversations about race and culture can be difficult and uncomfortable

• Understand the anxiety of people who are the “only” in the room or at the table

• Learn the importance of becoming allies for those who are underrepresented

• Recognize and understand privilege, often being the one who points out deficits of inclustion

• Get tips on how to comfortably engage with people who are from diverse backgrounds