James makes sure to show historical figures alongside others to “extend the story”. Adding that: “Sometimes with children, especially kindergarten children, they somehow have this disconnection, thinking that people live in their own moment.” For example, she shares images from Rosa Parks with Mamie Till-MobleyActivist and mother of Emmett Till. This approach helps students understand that these figures did not live in isolation; They were part of broader and interconnected historical movements.
2. Develop beyond your study program
When James taught in Missouri, the only black person mentioned in standards was Martin Luther King Jr. This often led teachers to believe that they could not go beyond the required program. However, James introduced less known personalities in his class and encouraged educators to do the same.
A book that James recommended to help teachers develop beyond the people they usually include in their study program is “ABCs black History“” By Rio Cortez, which includes several examples of black historical figures on a variety of subjects. “This is my text in the ultimate favorite black history. If you are a teacher and you ask me with which picture book starts, I will tell you this one, “said James. For example, while George Washington Carver is well known, the book also presents other black scientists such as Charles Henry Turnerwho studied spiders and bees and is rarely discussed in classrooms.
James recommends creating “sets of powerful people”, which brings together three or more figures that share a common theme. For example, when teaching science, a set can include George Washington Carver, Astronaut of NASA Mae JEMISON And the zoologist Charles Henry Turner. This strategy pushes teachers to explore new figures. Pictures On historical characters like “Burning of questions: the curious spirit of Charles Henry Turner“” By Janice N. Harrington can give life to their stories.
3. Teach the truth
James learned a different story on the Black panthers At school that what her uncle, who had first -hand experience, shared with her. While his textbooks described them as militant, his uncle underlined their community contributions. This has taught James the importance of teaching the whole truth and “not leaving a false story or a single story enters our classrooms,” she said.
To teach Black Panthers, she uses “Change recipes“” By Michael Platt, which includes 12 dishes inspired by the history of blacks, including the recipe for black panthers crackers. The book also highlights the community work of the panthers. James presents to students members of the Black Panther group as Angela Davis And Ericka Hugginswhich are still alive and active today.
Likewise, when students learn the American West, they can only see white cowboys. In reality, 1 cowboys out of 4 was black. James said to present a people taking place with cowboys such as famous Cow-Boys from Rodéo George Fletcher And Bill Pickett as well as Mary Fields (Also known as Stagecoach Mary), the first black woman to be a post-wife star route, could fight the erasure of history.
James encourages teachers not to reinvent the wheel but to rely on existing practices. Educators can start by thinking about the historical figures they already teach and find other people with contributions or similar interests. Teachers are likely to discover surprising information that hires students and boosting them on black history subjects all year round.
