February is nationally recognized as Black History Month, a celebration of the substantial contributions Black Americans have made to our nation and each of our communities. It's not only a time for celebration, but also an opportunity for all of us to reflect, educate ourselves, educate our children, and continue the work of racial justice. Here are few ideas on how to do just that:

• Expose your children to literature about Black Americans. Use literature to teach them about racism and social injustice. Teach them about our history, e.g., slavery, Jim Crow, the American Prison Industrial Complex, and other underlying systemic issues that continue today. Teach them about Black Americans who have changed the trajectory of our country and have had a profound impact on so many lives.
  • Click the image below for Read-Alouds by black authors:

• • Other book recommendations:
    • KCLS' recommended books about Black lives, history, and culture
    • Brian Story's Newsletter - January 1, 2022 (recommended reading included)
    • Mr. Marino's February 2021 Bell Library Newsletter (recommended reading included)
    • A few more favorites: I am Rosa Parks, I am Harriet Tubman, I am Jackie Robinson, and I am Martin Luther King, Jr. (all by Brad Meltzer)
      
      

• Expose your children to Black artists (e.g., musicians, painters, film makers, authors, etc.). During remote learning, Michelle Lustgarten put together two wonderful art projects for Black History Month. One is inspired by the artist Jospeh Amedokpo and the other by Faith Ringgold. We have also included this wonderful video of Faith Ringgold read her own book Tar Beach. Check out our Art With Mrs. Lustgarten page for the lessons.
  
  
• Talk to your students about racism. Watch the PBS “Kids talk about” episode on Race and Racism that Mr. Story sent out earlier this week to help facilitate the discussion.
  
  
• Continue the work of social justice.
  • Talk to your students about the 13 principles of the Black Lives Matter movement
  • Get involved in advocacy work. There are a number of bills in the legislature right now that will have a direct impact on social justice. 

We hope each of your families will celebrate, reflect, educate, and continue the work of social justice, not just during this month, but always.