Celebrate Black History Month
Coincidently in 2026 this nation will celebrate the 250th year of the founding of America and the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month. The 2026 Black History Month theme, designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is "A Century of Black History Commemorations".
Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in 1926 as a way to guide the community in shaping identity, fostering pride, and advancing equality and equity, while also honoring the struggles, and most importantly, the triumphs and contributions of African Americans. In 1976, the length of the recognition period was extended and ASALH expanded its goals to highlight research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about Black life, history, and culture to the global community.
Several years ago, Amanda, a student at a tuition-free public charter school, echoed contemporary thinking about African American history when she wrote: “Black History is more than a month – it’s a lifelong commitment to learning (and re-learning) the overlooked contributions of the past and the present. It’s a call to action.”
Sadly the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reports that more and more, America’s history centering African Americans is being challenged and even erased in the United States. This is being done in schools through tactics like curriculum restrictions and book bans. New federal directives and executive orders that target museums, parks, and monuments are contributing to intentional erasure of America's true history.
As Montessorians, we are the storytellers of the truth. Dr. Montessori advised ". . . let us give [the child] a vision of the whole universe. The universe is an imposing reality, and an answer to all questions . . . all things are part of the universe and are connected to each other to form one whole unity." This ideal is relevant beyond how we approach cosmic education.
Embedding African American history in the Montessori curriculum…or any curriculum does not have to be in all caps! The prepared adult can organically align historical information with the concepts of most lessons.
For example, if a guide focused on Black history and achievements that occurred only through the lens of Chicago, the birthplace of Black History Month, the first truth that could be shared with students is that the city was founded by an explorer and entrepreneur of African descent. Further study of almost every subject…geography, military science, mathematics, language, all of the arts, religion, aviation, journalism, sports, science, the civil rights movements, and even the campaign and election of the 44th president of the United States, could center the contributions of African Americans that hailed from Chicago.
Should guides strive to include all of these lessons and discussions during February? Absolutely not. When we decide to discuss the concept of migration in April, we can choose to highlight the movement of people from Europe to Ellis Island and the Great Migration…the movement of Black people from USA southern states to USA northern states. In May, when offering lessons and stories about women’s involvement in early aviation we can decide to center Amelia Earhart and Bessie Coleman.
African Americans in the United States are not the sum of our suffering. We have cause to celebrate the ingenuity, artistry, and the powerful impact that we had, and continue to have, on American culture. Our history is a testimony that uplifts our resilience, physical, emotional, and psychological strength, unwavering hope and faith, the belief that joy is inevitable, and the power of knowing and acting upon the thousands of ways we have fought for equity and equality. All the children we teach, and others that are in our lives, will benefit from this knowledge. A simple classroom story once led a parent to share this heartfelt note with a teacher. It is an example of the outcomes that Montessorians seek when we “educate for peace”.
Books and stories can make history readily accessible. I offer you 30 ways to celebrate Black History Month. You will find the first 29 ways here. The thirtieth is a beautiful and simple way to honor the Montessori justice centered roots. Becoming a member of the Black Montessori Education Fund organization and donating to the fund would be a wonderful tribute. Both actions support efforts to remove financial and institutional barriers to Montessori access by providing funding, community, professional development opportunities, and a strong network of support for Black educators, children, families, and pioneers in Montessori.
Let’s continue to educate for peace and teach the historical truth--- every month.
Sampling of Resources
Asim, J. (2018) A Child’s Introduction to African American History (1st ed.) Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers Hatchette Book Group
Harriott, M. (2023) Black AF History: The Un-Washed Story of America (1st ed.) HarperCollins Publishers
Steeds, W., Westhorp, C. and Horton, J.O. (Eds.). (1995) The History of African American People, Salamander Books Ltd
Goodkin, Doug (2023) Jazz, Joy, and Justice: The Stories Every American Should Know (1st ed) Austin Macauley Publishers
MapleandHen. Black History Valentines Day Cards Etsy.
Child-size Masterpieces: Black Images, Parent-Child Press
