Publication–

As previously shared, I enjoy writing, and I write–from time to time–on Medium. I have been included on Educate before, a publication on Medium, and about a year ago I wrote this piece, and it was featured in Educate. I am always humbled when my work is recognized and included in this space.

Now, with my current discussions for Women’s History Month in full-swing, and Florida in the news once again, the legislation and this article popped up in my head, and it occurred to me that I hadn’t shared this publication here. This article remains relevant–a year later.

While it is a bit outdated in the sense that the bill has passed, and is currently expected to expand, it remains relevant as a discussion point for what is intended and what is the actual outcome–for students, staff, and our collective future; I hope you like it.

Monthly Advice–February

I have stated this previously: Black History is the history of the world, it is a global history.

And I have previously recommended a variety of books, and recommended a variety of platforms, but all my recommendations have been focused on classroom use and teacher-centered professional development. The history–while trying to be as inclusive and global as possible–has remained academic in nature. And it has remained, generally, about the past.

Now, my 7th and 8th grade history teacher taught me that history is the past, present, and future. If we want to know about tomorrow, we can look at our present. If we want to know about today, we can look at our past.

Time, and history, is interwoven. Bound to one another.

This lesson, and their teaching overall, ignited a passion for history; indeed, one of my majors in my undergraduate studies was history–and this passion is alive and well.

I see that history is more than numbers or facts, that history is hardly stagnant or irrelevant. History is stories and emotions, mind-blowing and saucy–yes, I said saucy.

But I am guilty of not bringing in every aspect of entertainment and joy to my history lessons. And I realized recently: I have never discussed what to do outside the classroom.

So this month — this Black History Month — I ask:

How are you, personally, committed to Black History Month?

Remember: Black History is the past, present, and future.

Remember: Black History is fun too! It doesn’t have to be facts, dry, or focused on rote learning. It can just be learning for learning’s sake. It can simply mean diversifying the content that makes you smile and laugh.

So, what beyond the classroom, do you do to celebrate Black History?

Again–remember: Black History is the past, present, and future; and, Black History is fun!

Need inspiration? Examples? No worries–I got you covered.

Author: Beverly Jenkins — saucy! (romance novels)

Instagram: @redactedhistory_ — mind-blowing (short stories/reels)

Podcast: Black History Year — stories and emotions (short & long episodes full of emotion)

I don’t know where you are on your DEI journey. I don’t know the limits, or limitless nature, of instruction and learning as it pertains to Black History Month–and any other group, or month long celebration.

But what I do know is:

DEI work is a lifelong personal and professional commitment,
Black History Month is every month,
Every month is an opportunity to provide every group, and ourselves, a mirror and window to the world

And with all of that — I ask again: How are you, personally, committed to Black History Month? What do you do outside the classroom to make sure you know and celebrate every story and emotion of Black History–past, present, and future.

Education Platforms

I do not have all the answers. Despite all the research, the on-the-ground work, the constant reading, I’m still learning. I’m discovering new tools, new methods, new concepts, new ideas. That is both the curse and the beauty of education–it is in a constant state of change and evolution; the work and learning is never done.

Now, sometimes I have enough time and energy to read 10 books on a topic. I have enough time to discuss and debate with colleagues for hours, days. Other times, I want to learn but only have enough time and energy for a single thought, a single bit of reflection, or a single dose of inspiration.

When time is limited, I go to social media, blogs, and websites.

My favorite forums, ones that I highly recommend are:

Each of these speakers, experts, and platforms are incredible inspiration for me. If you click on any of them, or all of them, you will notice that they are equity-driven, equity-focused, resources.

Equity and access, mirrors and windows, providing the most welcoming inclusive education for students is the core of my work. So, I seek out material and places where I can work through short exercises, read about new concepts, or learn a new bit of information–and I seek it out daily.

If I have enough time to read a book, that’s good. If I only have enough time for an Instagram post, that’s still good, still worth recognition. Why? Because if it is the core of my work, if it drives me, if I am committed to it, then every moment–big and small–is an opportunity to increase my capacity. And with that in mind, if you only have a few moments, or if you need a daily dose of inspiration and reflection, I recommend checking out Dr. Courtney Rose, Love.Tanesha, Teach and Transform, Teaching Tolerance, The Conscious Kid, and the Zinn Education Project . . . and if you find other equally amazing platforms, definitely let me know!

cytonn-photography-l3MMvRYdPhc-unsplash — Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash

Monthly Advice–March

So, in late January, I decided to get prepared and stock up on literature to make Black History Month as inclusive as possible.

I made deliberate choices for my own development too–I read new books, I read about new and unknown history, I read literature by new authors. It’s been a great experience and I’m thrilled that I stuck to my goal.

March is Women’s History Month. I am on the same path and journey to expand, broaden, and ensure a successful Women’s History Month.

This month, on my own time, I will read stories by women only. Each woman though, will have to have a different background–meaning, if I read a book by a woman from Japan, next book needs to be a woman from another place in the world. This way, I continue to expand my perspective, my lens, and my readership.

For my students, I will do my best to do the same. As an American, in the United States, I will probably have more titles and stories about notable American women; however, in this case, each American woman will need to hail from a different part of the States, illustrate a different time period or component of history, and/or represent a different community (i.e. Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Black, Asian, Native, etc.). Again, the purpose is celebrating the vastness of women’s contributions.

At times, this can be a daunting goal, but once it’s started it comes naturally–and it’s enjoyable. So, I’m off to the library 📚 and my Amazon account 😉, wish me luck!

Black History Month & Gallery

Black History Month — these titles represent the depth desired for my instruction and learning.

These are good reads for me and good reads for my students. These books cross a range of topics, genres, and history. These books can be used in the classroom. These books can be utilized for personal reading.

I do my best to make deliberate choices to ensure a wide range of titles, authors, stories, and voices are heard/seen. Finally, I am specifically showcasing these books because I can recommend them; I have read them all and I can attest they have plenty to provide any student, any teacher, any reader.