Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend and speak at the 3rd Annual Teaching Black History Conference. Due to the pandemic, the conference had to change from in-person to virtual. Regardless of the change of scenery, educators from all over the country had the opportunity to attend the conference and participate in great learning and discussion.
The conference took place last Friday and Saturday. On Friday, I was able to enjoy really cool sessions and on Saturday, I spoke on a panel and presented with my three newest professional, now personal, friends.
During the panel, I spoke on the importance of not leaving Black Women out of the narrative when it comes to the history of the United States. How there is NO WAY you can teach about World War I, World War II, the Great Depression, migration, national symbols, contributions of people to U.S. history, the movement of people to the United States, or any other Social Studies topic without recognizing the Black Women who were there.
I then went on to present with a phenomenal group of women to talk to elementary educators, administrators and specialists about building a Black History program and how important it is. We shared resources, questions, concerns, laughs and realizations as we discussed how to build Black History programs in classrooms and schools. During our Q&A, we learned that there are so many teachers that want to implement our ideas and aspects of our presentation into their classroom. They want to continue the conversation, and they want the resources to not only talk about Black History in their classrooms, but to integrate these histories into their curriculum.
My main goal when I present information to other educators is to inspire, encourage, support and help them take what I've done in my classroom or school, and make it adaptable for them. I always hope that someone will take at least one thing I say and try it in their classroom or share it with a colleague. I want to promote change in the way we represent and teach Black Histories in schools. I want Black Histories to be integrated and not saved for February.
No matter what your students look like, they deserve to know these Black Histories, and they deserve to know the truth. No matter how uncomfortable you feel about it, it must be done.
I want to leave you with this song I've had on repeat for days!
We don't go out.
Can't wish us away.
Be sure to check out A Black Women's History of the United States by the greats, Dr. Berry and Dr. Gross.
Want some teacher goodies? Click on the image of my Bitmoji Classroom and enjoy!
Be Kind- The Queendom Teacher
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