Happy February! Many of you know, February is Black History Month. This past summer was a highly energized season of racial conflict in our country, and for me and my family, it spurred us to seek out what racial reconciliation means and how we as a white family can contribute to the solution. We have a few family values that define what it means to “be a Watson”. These include things like: We are kind. We show respect. We tell the truth. We love to laugh. We value people over things. So as we faced the decision on what is our role in the pursuit of racial reconciliation, we were drawn to a posture of education and awareness. There’s so much I could share on this blog about this journey, but I want to focus specifically on empowering you and your family to join us and there’s no better time to start than now.
My first challenge to you is to expand “Black History Month” to the entire year, not just the month of February. There’s just too much information to be gleaned about the excellent contributions and accomplishments of black people to squeeze into 28 days. To help you with this, we’ve come up with twelve ideas to expand your knowledge and awareness of black culture. Tackle one per month and you’ll be celebrating BHM all year long!
- Evening read with the kiddos: “What Color Is my World.”
- Mask up field trip to a Black Heritage tour near you. Locals, here are some Black Heritage tours in New Albany or visit Muhammed Ali Center.
- Word Search: Search, circle & educate. Free printables!
- Picture this: Picture book reading, “Henry’s Freedom Box.” (kid friendly)
- Movie Night: “The Color of Friendship” (kid friendly)
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Celebrate and Shop: Support Black owned businesses.
“That’s my Dog” and “Funky Waffle.” (Both located in Jeffersonville Indiana.) - Documentary for Adults: “More Than A Month.
- Watch the movie “Hidden Figures”. There are also books of the story too.
- Printable Coloring Pages: Color and educate
- Educate through social media: Follow “The Conscious Kid”
- Tune In: Listen and educate on black musicians.
- Read through “Honor Black History Month with Truth and Action” article from Be The Bridge
So excited to be learning and growing alongside each other! If you have any other ways you love to celebrate Black History, comment below and let us know.
Photo of Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, KY taken by Earth Trekkers.
7 comments
This is beautiful Jenny! This summer was hard, and it was just a fraction of the hard that Blacks in America experience. Thank you for acknowledging it and for allowing it to change you and how you raise your family. We need white allies like you who choose to speak up when silence would be much easier. Folks who choose to inspire other white folks around them to lean into the conversation to learn more and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans instead of withdraw from it and embrace the stereotypes of mass media. Appreciate you girl, THIS is the work God calls us to. Happy to be supporting your business!!
Wow! Totally wasn’t expecting to see this in your blog, but am so encouraged Jenny. As an American, who is black, you are using the platform God has given you and it’s great to see. This makes me so happy to support your business.
I would encourage your readers to look for the contributions of black Americans in missions.
Bless you Jenny!
As a 35 year old mother of two African American sons I was so touched by your post Jenny. To be African American is something that I will forever and always be proud of and I’m so in awe of the way you took time to put so much thought and love into this post. God knows we need more people like you in this world. My sons deserve to be equal in this world because that’s the way God created us to be. I love your products and I support your small business and in return I praise you for stepping up and refusing to remain silent in a time when so many “non blacks” turn the other cheek. May you forever be BLESSED!!!
I really love this. So mindful and heartfelt. I love the values that you are instilling in your young family. Praying that there are more people like you that will do the same so we can bring change to this country and to the world.
Thank you