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Black History Month: How To Explain It To Your Little Ones

Black History Month is here! But what exactly is this month and how do you explain it to your kids? Thanks to Carter G. Woodson Black History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate African-American people. We put together a few tips for you to keep in mind while teaching your young ones about the importance of this month.

Start with the idea of fairness

All children understand the idea of unfairness, which makes it a great place to start when explaining the difficult parts of history. You can explain how African-Americans were treated unfairly for hundreds of years and fought for over a century to be treated like everyone else. As your children get older, you can explain to them the history in more detail.

Talk about the positives!

Remember–Black History is more than just hardship! Talk about the amazing contributions they have made to society as a whole. A great place to start is to teach your kids about the impact of Black music, Black scientists and inventors, activists, and any other important cultural contributions. There are a ton!

black lives matter protest

  Don’t forget to mention the present

 Remind your kids that the fight is not yet over and that inequality still exists. History is still being made every day, and by learning about Black History they are contributing to the fight for freedom and equality for all!

It’s never too young to teach your kid to celebrate differences and to have respect for different backgrounds. And it’s also never too late to teach yourself more. After all,  Black History is American History and is something we should all know and appreciate.

Black History Month is Over–What’s Next for Allies?

February is ending and so is Black History Month. But we should celebrate the Black community’s journey and accomplishments beyond February. In fact, here are a few ways you can be a good ally for the rest of the year and beyond.

MLK speech

Pay attention

History is made every day. Pay attention to events that Black People inside and outside of the US. Watch the news and stay up-to-date on what’s happening around the world and in your country.

Advocate in real life 

While sharing information on social media is good, never forget about the power of support in real life. Stand up if you see someone being discriminated against or treated unfairly.  Speak up if you hear something harmful said against Black people. Use your voice to call for the respect of all people, regardless of what they look like.

Donate to good causes

Monetary donations to the right places can be life-changing and sometimes even lifesaving. Communities who struggle with poverty and lack of resources are often best supported by financial donations. However it is important to make sure the person or organization receiving these donations is legitimate. 

black people sitting at computerVolunteer where you can

Your time is equally as valuable as your money. You can help to create safe spaces by volunteering at an underfunded school or community center. For young black children who may need more safe spaces and mentors, these places are extremely impactful.

Be aware of your own thoughts, beliefs, and actions

Lastly, one of the best things you can do as an ally is check yourself! Ask yourself if you are treat people fairly, if your beliefs align with your words, and if you are make space for those who need it. After all, change starts with each of us everyday, not just during Black History Month.

We Are Still Fighting For Women’s Rights

three different womenIt’s 2022 and women around the globe are still fighting for equality. There have been huge strides made towards equality, but there are still many areas to improve. As we settle into Women’s History Month, we must remember women’s rights still need protection.

 

1. Wage inequality

In 2021, the gender pay gap between men and women was 1 dollar to 82 cents. It widens further depending on race and occupation. This gap also hasn’t budged for 15 years. 

 

2. Safety 

Currently, 1 in 3 women globally experiences violence at least once in their lives. Because of these alarming numbers, over 52 countries put measures in place last year to protect women alongside their COVID actions.

 

3. Household duties

Although it is normal for both parents to work these days, it turns out women still do most of the domestic work at home. This is while they work full-time positions. While things have become slightly more fair in the workplace, they’ve stayed relatively the same at home.


4. Business opportunities

As of 2021, women fill only 8.2% of S&P 500 CEO positions, which is sadly an improvement from 6.2% in 2019. Additionally, female entrepreneurs, especially Latina and Black, receive far less in investments even though businesses owned by minority women have nearly doubled since 2014.

 

There are many other reasons why it’s important to honor the long journey of women’s rights, and these are just a few. So when you see a woman doing something remarkable, remember all the challenges she has had to face, and give her credit when it’s due.

Women Need Allies Like You

Allies for women, it’s your time. Although Women’s History Month is ending, women’s rights are always important. After all, women need allies year-round. Thankfully there are several ways you can step up to the plate. If you don’t know the best way to be an ally, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.

business man and woman standing next to eachother

What does it mean to be an ally?

An ally supports and defends someone who is less privileged than themself. There are many ways to support someone else, and at times it may be a little uncomfortable to speak up for someone. But thats just what the world needs. 

We need men to be allies for women

Most men listen to other men more than they listen to women. When a woman speaks up about the inequalities she faces, it is less likely for her claims to be taken seriously unless she has men as allies supporting her issues. This is why it is so important that men who are willing to be allies amplify the voices of women and their experiences. 

Good intentions are not enough t shirt
Listen Actively

You must hear what someone is saying before you can amplify their issues. As an ally one of the best things to do is listen. Actively listen to what the women in your life say their experiences are and take their words seriously. 

Accept Differences In Experiences

Pay attention to the conversations of women you are close with, but also understand that not all experiences will be the same. You can also expand your viewpoints by doing independent reading and research. When you have a better understanding of gender issues, you can be a better.

We really aren’t that differenta group of peoples hands coming together

While there have been endless books written on the differences between men and women, there is actually a lot more in common than we like to acknowledge. Everyone wants respect, fair treatment, and to be heard. By making the decision to be an ally to women, you are helping the world become more equitable and safer for all.

 
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