It's Black History Month and this is a great time to learn all about the trailblazers who were intentionally left out of written history we've been taught. While there are plenty of people fighting to revise curricula around the US, there are still many school districts that pay little attention to including everyone in the story of America's history. Whether you're looking to unlearn and relearn, or if you want to supplement your child's studies, here is a handy list of resources for your journey!
1 THE GREAT UNLEARN, curated by Rachel Cargle
In addition to this self-paced, sliding scale online course, Rachel has an engaging and informative Instagram account I recommend following. Please donate if you consume her curated content. The below list is a starter guide of topics to research in your own time for Black History Month, from Rachel Cargle. There are basically enough topics for one a day. Commit to the time to understand the importance of these names and events if they are unfamiliar.
Don't have the bandwidth for Rachel Cargle's course and self-study? This "virtual exhibition of 28 works that celebrate Black legacy in the U.S" delivers a daily email introducing a piece of Black history, along with questions to challenge you and your friends and family so you can actively work to banish anti-blackness in your community. 28 Days of Black History is curated by Camille Bethune-Brown and Shanaé Burch and distributed by Anti-Racism Daily. Please make a donation if you consume this curated and well-researched content.
We need to care about Black history all the time, not just in February. This daily email keeps anti-racism work top of mind and engrains it into a ritual, decolonizing our minds and our communities. Big change starts with a small ripple. Anti-Racism Daily features a diverse group of voices, led by founder Nicole Cardoza. Again, please make a donation if you use their resources.
At this point, dedicating the shortest month of the year to Black History feels like yet another way our country has short-changed generations of humans who quite literally built America into what it is today. It feels right to own up to a broken past, let go of it, and let the truth fill us.
What are you doing to challenge yourself and your community this month and beyond? Email us! hello@joinyesand.com
Antique book image used with permission from Etsy shop Forgotten Bookmarks