Teaching Black History — Beyond Slavery
Teaching Black History Beyond Slavery: A Strength-Based Approach for Young Children
Be Grounded in Reality.
Black history did not begin with slavery. It’s a story of innovation, and resilience. Yet, too often, children’s first introduction to Black history is through pain and oppression. Let’s stop doing that.
While it is essential to acknowledge struggles, it’s imperative that we first uplift Black children (and ground children of all races) with reality, with stories of greatness— stories that affirm the brilliance of Black people, cultivate pride and empathy, and instill a deep rooted sense of identity, and understanding.
A strength based approach to teaching history, empowers Black children to see themselves as part of a lineage of kings, queens, inventors, scholars, pioneers, and changemakers rather than defining their identity solely through a lens of struggle and oppression. This approach also empowers those around them (non-Black peers) to recognize and honor that legacy.
Teaching history through this lens isn’t just for Black parents. It’s for everyone. It’s the foundation for raising of anti-racist children💡
Ways to Teach Black History
🌍 Start with Ancient African Civilizations
Long before colonization and slavery, Africa was home to thriving civilizations that shaped the world. Teach children about these powerful societies to expand their understanding of the depth of Black history. Here are some good places to start:
Kemet (Ancient Egypt) – masters of engineering, medicine, and philosophy. Pioneers of written language, architecture, and advanced mathematics. The people of Kemet created one of the earliest writing systems, and built architectural wonders still standing today. They laid the foundation for many aspects of modern civilization.
The Mali Empire – home to the legendary Mansa Musa, the richest man in history, and the great Sankore University of Timbuktu - one of the most renowned centers of learning in the world during the 14th to 16th centuries. It housed thousands of manuscripts on subjects like astronomy, medicine, law, mathematics, and philosophy, preserving and advancing global knowledge. The legacy of Sankore University challenges the misconception that Africa lacked formal education before colonization.
The Kingdom of Ghana – A powerful empire known for its wealth in gold and advanced trade networks.
Center stories like these to help children understand that Black history is one of innovation, and power. Not inferiority.
📚Book Recommendations
For Young Children (Ages 3-8)
Our Story Starts in Africa – Patrice Lawrence
The ABCs of Black History – Rio Cortez
I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything! – Alissa Holder & Zulekha Holder-Young
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History – Vashti Harrison
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History – Vashti Harrison
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters – John Steptoe (African folklore)
For Older Children (Ages 8-12)
African Beginnings - James Haskins & Kathleen Benson
African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History – Tracey Baptiste
The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay – Patricia & Fredrick McKissack
The Story of Kwanzaa – Donna L. Washington
Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library – Carole Boston Weatherford
For Parents & Educators
Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America – Lerone Bennett Jr.
They Came Before Columbus – Ivan Van Sertima
Black Star: The African Presence in Early Europe – Runoko Rashidi
Teaching for Black Lives – Dyan Watson, Jesse Hagopian & Wayne Au
⚡ Highlight Black Inventors & Leaders
Black American pioneers have shaped every aspect of modern life, yet their contributions are often overlooked. Introduce children to these innovators and discuss their impact:
Dr. Charles Drew, who revolutionized blood transfusions.
Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made Black woman millionaire.
George Washington Carver, whose agricultural discoveries transformed farming.
Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space.
Exposure to these figures teaches children that Black excellence is a legacy.
📚Book Recommendations
For Young Children (Ages 3-8)
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History"– Vashti Harrison (Includes Madam C.J. Walker & Mae Jemison)
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History – Vashti Harrison (Includes George Washington Carver)
Mae Among the Stars – Roda Ahmed (Mae Jemison’s journey to space)
The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath – Julia Finley Mosca (A Black woman medical pioneer)
For Older Children (Ages 8-12)
Who Was George Washington Carver? – Jim Gigliotti
Madam C.J. Walker Builds a Business – Rebel Girls Series
Mae Jemison: A Kid’s Book About Reaching Your Dreams – Mary Nhin
Timelines from Black History: Leaders, Legends & Legacies – DK Books
For Parents & Educators
The Black Inventors Who Changed the World – Kathy Trusty
Black Stars: African American Inventors – Otha Richard Sullivan
Hidden Figures (Young Readers’ Edition) – Margot Lee Shetterly
Great Black Heroes: Five Brilliant Scientists – Lynda Jones
❤️Make It Personal
History isn’t just about famous figures— it’s also about family and community. Encourage children to explore personal and local connections to Black history. Personalizing the lesson can make them more impactful.
Research local Black leaders and activists who have shaped their communities.
Learn about family stories, traditions, and cultural roots.
For non-Black children, explore the Black history woven into your community— any local pioneers? Look them up. Learn about local Black leaders, cultural contributions, and historical events that shaped the world around you. Just as Black children connect with their own family stories and traditions, non-Black children can reflect on how their own histories intersect with Black history. This fosters a more inclusive understanding of the past, and helps all children appreciate the richness of Black contributions to society.
Visit Black cultural museums or historical sites.
Children who see history reflected in their own lives and communities, experience it as something they can take pride in, rather than something distant and abstract.
Black history is world history. When we teach it in a way that highlights strength, innovation, and perseverance, we nurture a generation that not only appreciates Black contributions, but also values justice, truth, and shared humanity.
How will you celebrate Black excellence with your child today? Will you read a story about a Black trailblazer? Explore a cultural tradition? Visit a local Black-owned bookstore?
I hope so.
