The best way to start learning about Black history is to become familiar with the histories of prominent African and African American figures in politics, literature, science, and the arts. Pick up a book or two on the history of African Americans, and read up on some of the most influential figures, such as Martin Luther King Jr.
, Malcolm X, Ida B. Wells, and Harriet Tubman. Through this, you can begin to better understand the history of the African American experience, which will help to contextualize the important stories and movements of the past that have shaped our present.
In addition, take the time to reflect on modern-day Black culture. Consider the art, literature, music, and film created by African Americans throughout history, as well as the contemporary African American figures and stories that are still making an impact today.
Learning about the figures and moments of Black history can be incredibly rewarding, and it’s important to remember that for every influential person there are hundreds more who have also made a major contribution to the shaping of the African American experience.
Supporting and celebrating Black voices is an incredible way to learn about and honor the history of African Americans, so seeking out the works of Black authors, filmmakers, and other artiists can also be a great way to start.
Additionally, engaging with your local Black community can help to provide better insight into the stories and experiences of various African Americans both past and present.
There are also many digital resources that can be used to learn Black history, such as the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and the African American History Education page.
Taking the time to explore these resources, in addition to reading stories and reflecting on your own observations, is an essential part of learning Black history and honoring those who have shaped it.
Where can I learn African American history?
There are a variety of ways to learn about African American history, both online and in person.
Online, there are a plethora of resources available such as websites, articles, and even virtual classrooms. Some great websites to explore are Black Past, a comprehensive knowledge base of African American history, and PBS’s “Undefeated” page, which explores the history and stories of African Americans.
There are also YouTube channels dedicated to African American history, such as “The Hidden Histories Project”, which produce compelling and educational videos.
For more in-depth exploration of African American history, there are several books available, both in print and available for digital download. Notable books include “African American History: The Essential Reader” by Paul Finkelman and “A People’s History of the United States” by Howard Zinn.
For a truly interactive experience, attending workshops, taking courses through schools or universities, or even visiting museums are highly encouraged. Many museums, such as The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, offer free or low-cost workshops.
Additionally, there are numerous courses taught at universities and colleges across the country, such as African American History at Harvard, that delve deep into African American history.
Is there a national curriculum for Black history?
Yes, there is a national curriculum for Black history. In October 2020, the government announced that all primary school children in England would learn about the history of British people from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
This was the first time such a national curriculum had been implemented. It is designed to ensure that pupils across the country receive a consistent, balanced and inclusive education on Black history.
Schools will now be expected to teach a range of topics including the legacy of colonialism, the role of African-Caribbean people in the Second World War and historical events such as the 1932 Beveridge Report, which was largely inspired by the campaigning of Claudia Jones.
The new curriculum also covers Black culture, activism and rights. It has been designed to ensure that schools provide an unbiased version of history, helping to address the lack of representation of BAME individuals in the teaching of history across the UK.
What should I do for Black History Month?
There are lots of ways to celebrate Black History Month. One great way to start is to learn more about the history of African Americans. Doing your own research and reading stories of leaders and people who contributed to the African American community is beneficial.
You can also reach out to your local Black history organizations to find out ways to support their endeavors and get involved.
Additionally, consider volunteering in your community to help address issues related to the African American population. You can also start an open dialogue with family, friends, and anyone in your life to discuss issues impacting the African American community and ways to help.
There are events that can help bring awareness to the issues that still linger today. Consider attending or organizing an event to help bring visibility and support to those in need.
You can also attend or create virtual events to celebrate Black History Month and further educate yourself, your family, and friends. Watching documentaries and films related to Black history is also a great way to learn and connect.
Finally, support Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs; buying from them helps support their dreams and goals.
What percentage of Black history is taught in schools?
The exact percentage of Black history taught in schools varies widely across states, districts, and curriculums. However, on average, it is estimated that between 3-5% of the content covered in schools is on Black history.
This is despite the fact that Black Americans make up 13. 4% of the total population of the United States and have played an integral part in the country’s history.
In recent years, numerous initiatives have been taken to increase the amount of Black history taught in schools. For example, the new National African American History and Culture curriculum was created to promote the inclusion of African American history across elementary and secondary education programs throughout the United States.
There are also a number of states, such as New Jersey, that have adopted standards that emphasize the teaching and learning of African American history.
Although progress is being made, there is still much more to do. In order to ensure that students learn and appreciate the full history of their nation, it is integral that more resources be devoted to the teaching and learning of African American history in schools.
To truly reflect the importance and impact of the African American experience on the United States, the percentage of Black history covered in schools needs to be much higher and more equitable to the population size.
What are the seven core fields of Black Studies?
The seven core fields of Black Studies are: literature, geography, history, sociology, political science, psychology and economics. In each field, scholars employ a Black Studies lens to facilitate an understanding of the African Diasporic experience and to identify and analyze the historical and contemporary structures, systems, and social processes that have both helped and hindered progress within these communities.
This means taking into consideration the unique ways in which racism and inequity have played out for differently positioned bodies.
Literature is reflected in works written by Black authors, cultural texts, classic literature from Africa and the African Diaspora. It often centers around the themes of identity and belonging, exploring the story of one’s own experience and understanding how those experiences are connected to their families and the broader community.
Geography looks at the physical and political landscapes of the African Diaspora and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, as well as the formation of Black communities across the globe. It also recognizes the challenges of being placed in different locales and the creative and adaptable ways that African and African American cultures have been developed.
History examines the experiences of African-descended people in the United States and abroad through a range of topics such as slavery, freedom, civil rights, and post-colonialism. It explores the economic and political contributions of Black peoples to the rise of nations and highlights the complicated relationship between race and power.
Sociology looks at the various types of institutions, systems, and social processes affecting African and African American peoples, for instance, the criminal justice system or the education system or healthcare systems are studied to see how effectively they provide resources to people of color.
Political Science looks at the relationship between politics and power, race, and policy in the U. S. and other parts of the world. It looks at intersections of racism, inequality and injustice, and studies how these manifest in voting rights, housing and employment practices, and civil and human rights protections.
Psychology looks at issues of identity and the stigmatization of certain communities and how they affect psychological well-being and mental health. It also explores how social and structural factors embedded in the classroom, workplace, and neighbourhood influence and shape adjustment, identity, and self-esteem.
Finally, Economics studies how labor markets are segmented based on race and how transfers of resources such as inheritance, education, and income shape the life chances of Black people. It also looks at the impact of discrimination and poverty on the economic success in societies, including the resulting effects on international markets.
Is Black history on the UK curriculum?
Yes, Black history is on the UK curriculum. It has been mandatory since 2019 that all secondary schools must put a focus on Black history and ethnicity. The curriculum includes topics such as: the history of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade; the struggles of the Caribbean Windrush Generation; African-Caribbean contributions to British society; and the history of resistance and achievements of Black people in the UK.
This includes studying figures like civil rights activist Claudia Jones and Windrush Generation activist Olive Morris. It also includes the history of Black-led organisations, including civil rights group the British Black Panthers and anti-racism organisation the Campaign Against Racism.
Education is seen as a great way to counter ignorance, raise awareness and provide knowledge to young people of the lived experiences of Black people in the UK – past and present.
What subjects does the national curriculum cover?
The National Curriculum provides guidance to educational institutions in England and Wales on what should be taught in all state schools. It covers key stages 1 to 4, and includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science.
It also includes foundation subjects such as Design & Technology, History, Geography, Art & Design, Computing, Music and Physical Education. Additionally, the National Curriculum also covers Religious Education, Relationships & Sex Education and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education.
Each year the National Curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated, to ensure that it remains up to date, relevant and meets the needs of students.
Do UK schools teach Black history?
Yes, UK schools do teach Black history. Starting in 2020, the UK government began taking steps to make Black history a mandatory subject in England’s schools. In June 2020, it added an updated version of the National Curriculum in England to include a focus on the histories and contributions to Britain of the African diaspora and other communities of colour.
The new curriculum focuses heavily on Black people and their histories, particularly the role of Black people in British society since the 16th century. It covers topics such as the history and contributions of the Windrush generation, the historic struggles and triumphs of Black people across the world, and the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality.
In addition, some school districts have also begun to incorporate Black history into their local curriculum. This can take the form of specific classes or discussions, or through incorporating Black history into content areas such as literature and the arts.
Who is the greatest Black leader of all time?
This is a difficult question to answer, as there have been so many incredible Black leaders throughout history with a wide variety of backgrounds and accomplishments. A few potential contenders for the title of the greatest Black leader of all time include civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.
, former president Barack Obama, Sojourner Truth, and Fannie Lou Hamer.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a seminal figure in the struggle for civil rights, advocating for non-violent change and ultimately helping to pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act. His use of peaceful protest and moving speeches inspired generations to come and his legacy is still present today.
Barack Obama became the first Black president of the United States in 2008, and his two terms in office were marked by the passage of the Affordable Care Act and a renewed focus on progressive policies.
His time in office was also marked by a return to diplomacy that helped to defuse dangerous tensions around the world.
Sojourner Truth was a former slave who went on to become one of the foremost advocates for African American rights in the 19th century. She gave powerful speeches about the mistreatment of slaves and women, and was a key figure in the anti-slavery movement.
Fannie Lou Hamer was also a civil rights activist and leader in the struggle for voter rights, working to remove discriminatory voting practices in the southern United States. She was a brilliant orator and her work helped to open the door for voting rights for all.
Ultimately, the title of the greatest Black leader of all time is subjective, and it is impossible to conclusively name just one leader. However, all of the individuals mentioned above have made huge contributions to the fight for equality and civil rights, and they have all played an instrumental role in the progress we have made as a society.
Who is the most famous Black leader?
The most famous Black leader is undoubtedly Martin Luther King, Jr. , the leader of the American civil rights movement who, in the 1950s and 1960s, sought to end racial segregation, secure voting rights for Black Americans, and gain equal employment and housing opportunities for marginalized peoples of color.
King’s leadership and charisma drew thousands of supporters to his cause and his 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech is among the most widely quoted in history, making him an icon of the civil rights movement.
In 1964 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize followed by the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. King’s message of non-violent resistance and interracial understanding continues to inspire people to this day.
Who is an important person in Black history?
An incredibly important person in Black history is Rosa Parks, who is often referred to as the “mother of the civil rights movement. ” Her actions and courage in Montgomery, AL, in 1955 sparked the civil rights movement of the United States and propelled the African-American community forward in the struggle for racial and social justice.
On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus, which led to her arrest and the eventual overturning of the “separate but equal” doctrine laws. After her arrest, Rosa Parks became an icon of the civil rights movement, inspiring the Montgomery Bus Boycott which lasted 381 days until the buses were desegregated.
Rosa Parks was also a Freedom Rider and was the first woman to lay in state in the Capitol rotunda in 2005 honored for her contributions to civil rights. Her activism and courage continue to serve as an inspiration for people all across the world.
Who is the most powerful black man in America?
The most powerful black man in America is a difficult question to answer, as there are many individuals who have achieved success and are exercising powerful influence in the United States. However, some names that come to mind in terms of the most powerful black man in America include the following prominent figures:
1. Jeff Bezos (CEO and Founder of Amazon) – Jeff Bezos is the wealthiest individual in the world, with a staggering estimated net worth of $182 billion. Bezos is also the first black man to appear on the Forbes 100 list of wealthiest individuals and is the most powerful black man in America according to the magazine.
2. LeBron James (Professional Basketball Player/Entrepreneur) – LeBron James is one of the most recognizable and influential athletes in the world. In addition to being an NBA superstar, he is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor who has built a brand that has pushed him to be the most powerful black man in the country.
3. Michael Jordan (Former NBA Player/ Chair and CEO of Jordan Brand) – Michael Jordan is the first billionaire athlete and the most decorated former basketball player of all time. He has made millions through his endorsements and owns the iconic Jordan Brand.
He is recognized by many as the most powerful black man in America due to his influence and success.
4. Barack Obama (Former President of the United States) – Barack Obama is the former President of the United States, the first African-American President, and a Nobel Prize Winner. He is also the most respected former leader of the free world, and many consider him to be the most powerful black man in America.
5. Oprah Winfrey (Media Mogul) – Oprah Winfrey is one of the most influential media figures in the world and America’s richest self-made woman. She is a powerful voice who is a role model to millions of people around the world, and many believe that she is the most powerful black woman (or even overall) in America.
These are just a few examples of the most powerful black men in America. There are many other accomplished figures who have made significant contributions that make them worthy of consideration as one of the most powerful black men in America.
Who are the top 10 African American?
The top 10 African Americans would depend on what criteria they are being judged on. Depending on this criteria, the individuals could range from renowned authors, musicians, politicians, athletes and more.
Some potential contenders who have made significant contributions to the world include:
1. Barack Obama – Former President of the United States
2. Martin Luther King Jr. – Activist and minister
3. Sojourner Truth – Abolitionist and Women’s Rights Activist
4. Oprah Winfrey – Media Mogul and philanthropist
5. Jackie Robinson – Baseball star and civil rights activist
6. Maya Angelou – Poet and Actress
7. Nelson Mandela – Former President of South Africa
8. Frederick Douglass – Social reformer, humanitarian and suffragist
9. Beyoncé – Singer, Songwriter, Producer and Actress
10. Jesse Jackson – Activist, minister and politician
What are three black history facts?
1. Henry “Box” Brown was an African-American born in 1800 who escaped slavery by arranging for himself to be mailed in a wooden crate to abolitionists in Philadelphia in 1849.
2. The world’s first prominent black female preacher, Jarena Lee, first preached in 1819, and then published her autobiography, The Life and Religious Experience of Jarena Lee, A Soul Freed from Psychic Cages, in 1836.
3. 1940 marked the first Black History Month, which was initiated by renowned historian Carter G. Woodson as a way of celebrating African-American achievements and contributions throughout history.