Black History

Black History Month: Let’s Self-Reflect, Self-Educate

In that light, Black History Month 2021 is a perfect time for self-reflection. As a people, where have we been? Where are we are now? Where we are going?

Published

3 years ago

February 3, 2021

Kiki

A rebirth of social awareness, one that gave overdue voice to centuries of injustice and brutality via numerous social protests and social activists demanding change and reform in the treatment of people of color, exploded in the year 2020.

In that light, Black History Month 2021 is a perfect time for self-reflection. As a people, where have we been? Where are we are now? Where we are going?
Our history has served as a catalyst for several of our life decisions, many of them made as a result of lack of knowledge. Sadly, many have accepted ‘lack’ as normal and view success as the standard for whites.

Completing college boosted my career options, yet I never considered one as a scientist, oceanographer, senator, judge, microbiologist, corporate executive, banker, superintendent of schools, or owner of a newspaper. Even with an education, there was no roadmap, no guidance to pursue such careers. So I followed the well-trod path to familiar job choices.

By failing to provide our children even a glimpse of the past and present world, we rob them of the most vital part of being a kid: the ability to dream. And that’s unfair to their future.

So what can be done?

We must introduce our Black and Brown children to books that provide information and stories about the contributions and accomplishments of people who look like them. Stories within the pages can catapult their thoughts from ‘lack’ to dreams to success.

During the month of February, I will highlight various books that will enlighten many about the contributions and accomplishments of many Black Americans.
In “Changing the Equation,” author Tonya Bolden explores the lives of more than 50 Black women who changed Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in America.

The biographies include video game developers, aviators, pharmacists, and a founder of a nonprofit organization that encourages Black girls to learn coding. These are women who defied stereotypes and racial discrimination to shatter the glass ceiling and live their dreams.
The stories of more than 150 Blacks who worked in the presidential food service as chefs, personal cooks, and service for first families beginning with George and Martha Washington are spun into compelling stories by Adrian Miller in “The President’s Kitchen Cabinet.” The book opens with a list of Blacks who prepared food for presidents from George Washington’s family to the Obamas.

Many presidents, Miller said, “have realized that if they are likable by the American public, it helps advance their political agenda. So, I think President Obama is a great example because when he would travel, he would often do impromptu stops at burger joints, rib shacks. He loved drinking beer.”

Children ages 8–12 will enjoy traveling through history within the pages of “Black Heroes: A Black History Book for Kids.” They’ll travel to Egypt to meet rulers, spend time with trailblazers in Britain, and learn from scientists in ancient Africa, all before returning to the United States for more. Author Arlisha R. Norwood provides young readers with ideas to further explore through books, websites, and videos.

Kiki

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Activism

S.F. Black Leaders Rally to Protest, Discuss ‘Epidemic’ of Racial Slurs Against Black Students in SF Public School System

Parents at the meeting spoke of their children as no longer feeling safe in school because of bullying and discrimination. Parents also said that reported incidents such as racial slurs and intimidation are not dealt with to their satisfaction and feel ignored.

Published

5 days ago

May 4, 2024

Oakland Post

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church. Photo courtesy Third Baptist Church.

By Carla Thomas

San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church hosted a rally and meeting Sunday to discuss hatred toward African American students of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church, along with leadership from local civil rights groups, the city’s faith-based community and Black community leadership convened at the church.

“There has been an epidemic of racial slurs and mistreatment of Black children in our public schools in the city,” said Brown. “This will not be tolerated.”

According to civil rights advocate Mattie Scott, students from elementary to high school have reported an extraordinary amount of racial slurs directed at them.

“There is a surge of overt racism in the schools, and our children should not be subjected to this,” said Scott. “Students are in school to learn, develop, and grow, not be hated on,” said Scott. “The parents of the children feel they have not received the support necessary to protect their children.”

Attendees were briefed last Friday in a meeting with SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne.

SFUSD states that their policies protect children and they are not at liberty to publicly discuss the issues to protect the children’s privacy.

Some parents said they have removed their students from school while other parents and community leaders called on the removal of the SFUSD superintendent, the firing of certain school principals and the need for more supportive school board members.

Community advocates discussed boycotting the schools and creating Freedom Schools led by Black leaders and educators, reassuring parents that their child’s wellbeing and education are the highest priority and youth are not to be disrupted by racism or policies that don’t support them.

Virginia Marshall, chair of the San Francisco NAACP’s education committee, offered encouragement to the parents and students in attendance while also announcing an upcoming May 14 school board meeting to demand accountability over their mistreatment.

“I’m urging anyone that cares about our students to pack the May 14 school board meeting,” said Marshall.

This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.