Does Black History Become a Thing of the Past After February 28th?
New Resource Guide Shows Anyone How To Make Black History Month All Year
(PRWEB) February 3, 2005 -- Many parents, counselors, and teachers know that
once Black History Month is over, the ongoing contributions and achievements of
African-Americans become forgotten or ignored until February comes again next
year. Until then, books by African-American authors are returned to bookshelves,
posters that celebrate black history are removed from classrooms or work
environments, and cultural speakers’ business cards are placed to the back of
the rolodex.
In schools, most educators understand that learning about
the heritage and role of African-Americans enriches students’ lives. It’s
ironic, however, that there’s an ongoing debate as to whether black history
should be "segregated" to one month or taught all year as a part of the regular
curriculum. One single month dedicated to recognizing black achievement is
simply not enough for a country made prosperous by the contributions of this
multi-racial and ethnic group.
To help parents
and instructors make black history a year long affair, NetNia Publishing has
released a new resource guide, “How to Make Black History Month Last All Year”.
It is full of simple everyday activities, important facts, and useful tips to
keep alive the history and traditions of the African-American experience.
"Ninety percent of what we read in magazines or school books, watch on
television or movies, see on billboards, or play on video games is all about
white America’s lifestyle and culture.”, says author Jeffery Bradley. "Since we
seldom see or read about the positive side of African-American life in various
aspects of the media, we must create a balance by making sure families,
especially children, get exposed to black history and culture as much as
possible all year long!"
The author believes there’s something in
everybody’s environment that has been affected in some form or fashion by
African-Americans. Take potato chips for instance. Nearly every grocery list has
a bag of potato chips on it. Did you know potato chips were as invented in 1853
by George Crum, an African American chef at the Moon Lake Lodge resort in
Saratoga Springs, New York? So the next time you are enjoying a chips and
sandwich lunch with your children, tell them this neat little fact and watch
their eyes light up with interest.
Another example is the traffic light
invention by African-American inventor Garrett Augustus Morgan in 1923. When
driving on your next family outing, ask everyone in the car who they think
invented the traffic light. Your answer could lead to a good “on the road”
conversation about other black history facts.
Here are 5 simple things
you can do to make Black History Month last all year:
1. Visit and
support African-American bookstores once a month. If there are none in your
community, get on the Internet and visit one of the many online African-American
bookstores.
2. Make it a habit of going to the public library once a
month. The public library is free and should be used as often as possible. Ask
the librarian for a list of books by African- Americans and check out as many
books as possible.
3. Add African-American art to your surroundings.
Visits to African-American art galleries can help children and adults reaffirm
their existence by seeing black history and culture come alive through paintings
and sculptures.
4. Wear it proud. Seek out stores and shops that sell
clothing that proudly display positive images of black history and
culture.
5. Make your home a resource center with cultural books, music,
DVD's, and video tapes. Dedicate one night a month for family gathering that
include watching a cultural movie, discussing a good book by an African-American
author, or playing a game such as black history quiz.
The resource
guide, "How to Make Black History Month Last All Year”, is available as an ebook
and paperback. You can receive a year's supply of Black History facts by logging
on to the internet and visiting http://www.myblackhistory365.com/pr . Or write NetNia
Publishing, 7311 Caillet, Dallas, TX 75209, send an email at e-mail protected
from spam bots
NetNia Publishing is an African American publishing
company located in Dallas, Texas. In addition to "How To Make Black History
Month Last All Year", they also publish "Positive African American Plays For
Children". For more company information visit http://www.netnia.com or send email to e-mail protected from
spam bots.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/2/prweb204334.htm