Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month: Why We Celebrate—and Why It Can’t End in February

As a former elementary principal, kindergarten teacher, author of Educate the Heart, and mom of two young adults—one 16 and one 20—I’ve had the privilege of watching how children grow into their understanding of the world. I’ve also seen what happens when we only offer them pieces of the story instead of the whole truth.

Black History Month matters because it corrects absence. It honors brilliance that was intentionally overlooked. It reminds us—and our children—that history is not neutral and learning is never complete.

But it was never meant to be contained to 28 days.

Why Black History Month Matters

Black History Month exists because Black history was excluded from textbooks, erased from curriculum maps, and reduced to footnotes when it should have been foundational. Celebrating it is not about separating history—it’s about finally telling it honestly.

In my years as a principal, I watched students light up when they saw themselves reflected in what they were learning. I also watched other students grow in empathy, curiosity, and understanding when they were exposed to stories different from their own. Representation isn’t a “nice extra.” It’s how children learn whose lives matter.

As a mom, I’ve seen these lessons echo beyond the classroom. The conversations my children had in elementary school shaped the questions they ask today as young adults navigating a complex world. What we normalize early becomes what they carry forward.

Why It Can’t End in February

When Black history is limited to February, we unintentionally send the message that it is separate from American history rather than essential to it. That it is a unit, not a lens.

Black history is science and art. It’s innovation and resistance. It’s joy, community, struggle, leadership, and love. It shows up in every month, every subject, and every grade level.

If we truly want to educate the heart, then equity cannot be seasonal.

What This Looks Like in the Classroom

Even in kindergarten, this work is both possible and powerful. It doesn’t require abandoning standards—it deepens them.

Through Literature
Books are often a child’s first window into someone else’s life and a mirror into their own.

Some classroom favorites include:

• The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
• Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry  
• Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
• Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes  
• Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race by Megan Madison  

These stories invite meaningful conversations about identity, perseverance, pride, and belonging—without fear-based language or adult agendas. They open the door gently and honestly.

One of my favorite moments as a principal was overhearing a classroom teacher say,
“Let’s notice how this character used courage. What does courage look like for you?”

That’s how hearts are shaped.

Through Art
Art allows children to process ideas before they have the words.

Some meaningful projects include:

• Self-portrait studies using diverse skin-tone palettes while discussing uniqueness and beauty
• Community murals inspired by artists like Faith Ringgold, where each child contributes their story
• Pattern and quilt projects connected to storytelling and heritage
• Name art exploring the meaning, sound, and pride behind each child’s name

Art makes history tangible. It tells children: You belong in the story.

How We Move Beyond February

Celebrating Black history year-round doesn’t mean doing more—it means being more intentional.

• Rotate inclusive books into everyday read-alouds
• Highlight Black scientists, artists, authors, and leaders naturally within units
• Ask whose voices are missing when planning lessons
• Model curiosity instead of perfection

As educators, we don’t need to have all the answers. We need to be willing to learn out loud.

Educating the Heart

Black History Month is not about checking a box. It’s about building a foundation of truth, empathy, and respect that children will carry long after the posters come down.

When we teach children the full story—when we celebrate humanity in all its forms—we aren’t just educating minds.

We are educating the heart.

And that work is never confined to a single month.