Here are My Most Eye-Opening Posts About Race and Racism
When did Black History Month start and why is it so important?
Every February this question gets asked a lot on social media. The majority may be asking purely to start an argument. But I genuinely believe that some people may be confused and are looking for an answer.
After all, if we really want equality for all why then do they also tell us to celebrate a whole month dedicated to only Black inventors, pioneers and heroes? Is that also a form of discrimination? Even my daughter Jayda curiously asked me why we get a special month.
My response: No, it’s not. The reason why we give Black history such a prominence in February is because for centuries, African-American achievements have been excluded from schools and wider society.
As most schools focus on the traditional achievements of white figures, the contributions made by African-Americans are often overlooked. Or sometimes credited to their white counterparts. That’s why it’s so important that we give special attention to the achievements of Black people and our history in February. To remember–or learn that people of color have also helped make this country so great.
When I told Jayda this she beamed with pride and asked a followup question “So people get to celebrate US?” Yes baby girl, we do!
Black History is American History
Black History Month is a platform for education and it should ideally be filed under ‘history’. But for now, it has four weeks every year.
If we want to create a society where all Black children feel as represented as white children–a place where they feel that they belong. I think this month is an important time to discuss, reflect, and acknowledge the truths of history that are often overlooked. But to also keep the conversations going all year. And to remember to include these new things we learn in our regular teachings.
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while (or even if you’re new, Hi! Welcome!), you might know that diversity and inclusion are important topics for me. Not just because my children are biracial, but because I believe that talking about race and the differences that make us unique. Especially talking with our children, help us become more empathetic and understanding of others.
That’s why I put together some of my very favorite diversity and inclusion blogs that I’ve written in the past. So you’ll have some great resources at the tips of your fingers this month if you want to read, learn, and discuss these topics with your family or friends.
Whether you decide to add some new books to your home library from my diversity and inclusion collection. Or if one of my blogs spark a conversation over dinner, I hope you find these topics helpful and insightful. And as always, feel free to message me on Instagram if you have any questions. I would love to hear from you and hear your thoughts on Black History Month and also race and diversity in general.
Looking for some thought-provoking blogs to check out this Month? Take a look at my collection below!
Note: these are not all-encompassing blogs about Black history. But a look back at some of the experiences I’ve shared in this space as a Black woman raising children in America.
Here are My Most Eye-Opening Posts About Race and Racism
Yes, I'm Black and No, You're Not Colorblind (and That's OK!)
While I hope that my race isn’t the only thing you notice about me (or my family), I want you to know that it’s OK to notice.
It’s who we are, and we’re proud of it! here's how I respond when someone tells me "I don't see color."
Do Little White Girls Ever Wish They Were Brown?
I distinctly remember in kindergarten was when I started to “wake up” to what other girls saw as pretty. And it wasn’t me. Some even went as far to call my skin ugly.
A conversation with my daughter that left me asking this question.
Why Rooting for the First Black Bachelorette Was Important to Me
“This is our shot!!” I told my sister. Rooting for Rachel was like rooting for the Chicago Cubs pre-2016.
Black girls just don’t make it far on this show. They’re the underdog on this bizarre reality show that we just can’t turn away from. In the 20-something seasons of this show they’ve never had a black lead. Hello! Black women want to find love too! (Let’s ignore the terrible marriage success rate of the show for the sake of this post).
The time my biracial daughter asked about my brown skin
Tonight, my daughter dropped a bomb on me: ‘Mom, why are you brown and I’m not?’”
How I responded to a question I’d been dreading for years…
Your fear is killing my family: Why are you supporting my white cop and not my black son?
Yes, it's possible. You can support BOTH police officers and Black lives.
Why I Stopped Straightening My Hair
There is nothing wrong with getting a haircut, or new do that makes you feel beautiful, but I’ve realized it’s so important to feel comfortable in your own skin before you try to change yourself. At least, that’s how I’ve grown to feel now that I have a daughter with beautiful curly locks of her own.
It’s my job to build her up, tell her how beautiful she is and help build her up. This fall she starts school, and I want her to be well-armed with confidence.
16 Best Diversity And Inclusion books for Kids
They have main characters that my children can identify with. They’re developed heroes rather than side characters. When I read to my kids before bed, they feel represented.
Here are 16 favorite books that teach my kids to feel proud of who they are…
The Must-Watch List of Black History Month Movies for All Ages
A breakdown of historical movies to watch as a family during Black History Month and Beyond. From The Great Debaters to Hidden Figures and The Help. There are a lot of hidden gems.
Why I Want My Kids to Have Toys that Look Like Them
The ‘pretty dolls’ I was gifted looked nothing like me. Therefore, was I not pretty?
As an adult, connecting all the dots, and becoming a mother to a little girl, I knew I was going to do things differently…
How my 4-year-old Biracial Daughter Self-Identifies (For Now)
“Mommy, I’m a little pink like daddy,” while pointing to the palms of her hands, and parts of her forearm. “And brown like you!”
Why I Let My Kids Watch Dumbo Even Though it’s Pretty Racist
“‘Mom why are they all black?’ My oldest daughter said with a confused and concerned tone. ‘Not brown like us but just all black, and no faces?’”
People always ask me how we, as a Disney family, can either watch these old movies with racist undertones or how I discuss them with my kids. Well here’s the answer to both…
Love & Marbles: A Story From My Black History
A conversation with my Great-Grandfather that lead me to think about what legacy and message I'm leaving behind for my family.
Ariel is Black and People are MAD but Here's Why We are Here for it!
I’ll admit I didn’t recognize the name when I opened the email but as soon as I saw her picture I gasped. I turned to my husband who was laying next to me and said ‘Look who they cast as Ariel!’
If you want the same pale skin, red-headed mermaid from our childhood you can watch the 1989 version. Here’s why I’m ready for something new…
20 Must-Read Children's Books for Black History Month
People frequently ask me what books we read to our kids about Black History, specifically slavery and Civil Rights.
Here are 20 books we love that tackle that very topic…
30 Movies to Watch on Disney+ Beyond Black History Month
I’ll never forget the excitement on my daughter’s face when she saw a Disney Princess that looked just like her. The realization that representation matters continues to hit me time and time again.
Read my Disney Black History Month & Beyond Checklist now updated for 2021 to include new favorites like Soul…
50 Years Ago Interracial Marriage Became Legal: Here’s How We Celebrate Loving Day
Our little family is sprightly, loves adventure and is sometimes obnoxious. But we are a family. Legally. And a little more than 50 years ago that would not have been the case.
In 2017 it’s hard to imagine our family being seen as anything but normal. But less than 50 years ago, our marriage would have been illegal in 16 states. Not just frowned upon, not just shunned… ILLEGAL.
Learning to Be Comfortable in My Own Skin
Whether I’m teaching my children to love themselves for who they are, I want to make sure I’m doing what I can to ensure we feel comfortable, confident and beautiful in our own skin.
20 of the best Moments from Black History Month 2020
A look back at some of my favorite moments from Black History Month 2020
Our Favorite Diverse Children's Books
It's so important that our children see the world as the beautiful diverse place that it is. Having a wide selection of diverse children's books to read over and over again is one way we do that. These are our absolute favorites that I recommend.
Tags: black history, black history month, diversity, diversity and inclusion, inclusion
![A couple of days ago Jayda and I went to our first book tour event to see Rick Riordan, the author of our beloved Percy Jackson series on stage in Austin. We got to hear a little bit more about the Disney+ TV series coming in December, plus an announcement about two new Percy Jackson books. Which I know, know… I’ve been raving about these books for YEARS and yall are probably sick of it, but they’ve been so monumental in raising Jayda and we are over the moon excited to see an adaptation that in the words of Uncle Rick, “is [actually] good.” Jayda decided to channel her @leahsavajeffries (playing Annabeth Chase) and wear her hair in giant puff pigtails and she looked so adorable. Such a great night surrounded by so many people who share a love for the same story. It’s been inspiring to watch this story grow in popularity through the years and I have a feeling it’s about to reach a whole other level.
PS: I know I’m only a few months into being a parent of a teen, but so far? 👌🏾
#thelighteningthief #percyjackson #percyjacksonandtheolympians #chaliceofthegods #percyjacksonseries #demigods #annabethchase](https://cherish365.com/wp-content/uploads/sb-instagram-feed-images/385174086_1319393025378088_7785771384085790794_nlow.jpg)
I’ve been doing this learning series this month: https://www.28daysofblackhistory.com/
Growing up with a very whitewashed view of history wasn’t as obvious to me until I heard about the Tulsa Massacre, at which point it really clicked that there was likely a lot of similar history that we probably never heard about as kids, when our history education was at its most intense. That’s what scared me about Trump’s “patriotic” curriculum that he was trying to push through–that what little black history we did get would be downplayed even more since slavery and civil rights battles don’t cast the country in a very favorable light.
Thank goodness for the internet filling in some of the blanks since my formal education ended, but it’s definitely a process. This 28-day series has been really interesting and eye-opening. If you subscribe you’ll get the link to the archives of the days we’ve already passed.
Thank you so much for sharing this!! I love finding new resources and hopefully it helps others too.