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Talking to Your Child About Our History 2012
By: Litesa Wallace, ABD, M.S
[email protected]
Red Tails is making a huge box office impact telling the heroic
tale of the esteemed TuskeegeeAirmen who simultaneously fought for
the U.S. abroad while fighting the U.S. for equality and
equity. As such, Id like to share my thoughts about teaching
your child about their history. I amwriting this entry from the
perspective of parent and professional.
Research shows that racial socialization has a positive effect
on a persons racial identity. Sowhat are race socialization and
racial identity? Racial socialization is the practice of
marginalized parents teaching their children about their unique
cultural and historical
experiences in the hopes of helping the child develop a positive
sense of self, despite some other
agents of socialization transmitting negative messages to them.
Racial identity is how oneconnects with and views himself from a
racial perspective. Racial socialization is a key
component of child-rearing for African Americans and the
development of a positive racialidentity is the goal of this
process. So, with that said, here are some tips and activities that
can beused to effectively discuss race with your child(ren):
1. Know your Roots: Start with your family history. Remember
that big ol Bible grandma(or other family elder) has tucked away?
Or that scrapbook one of your Aunts or Uncles has?
Well, its time to take those items out and share with your
child(ren) your unique family history.Emphasis your ancestors'
triumphs and accomplishments; place them in historical context
for
your child(ren) and try to hear firsthand accounts of some of
the dynamic tales of the elders. Forexample, my Grandmother Emma
migrated from Somesville, TN to Chicago around 1940 at the
age of 16; this was at the height of the Great Migration. Some
of the best moments of my early
childhood were spent hearing stories of her childhood in the
south.
2. Whos in the Village?Youve heard the adage it takes a village
to raise a child, Ichallenge you to learn more about that village.
Whether individuals are playing an active role in
your childs life or not, they may still serve as sources of
inspiration or role models in your
childs life. You may look to your local genealogical society
(you may find some here:
http://www.aahgs.org/chapters.htm ) , research current elected
officials, community leaders, or
clergy members. What are their stories? How might they show your
child that s/he can alsoachieve his/her goals?
3. Remember, it aint all roses.Be honest about the good and the
bad. Dont start with the
subjugation many cultures in the U.S. have faced (or continue)
to face. Acknowledge there isprejudice, discrimination and racism
but thats NOT the beginning. For example, West African
Cultures had long, rich histories complete with governmental
structures and viable economies.
They also had vast knowledge of agriculture, holistic medicine,
and traditional religions (just toname a few things). Beginning a
discussion about African American history with Jamestown and
ignoring the facts above may actually have more of a negative
impact. Sadly, this is often where
schools start the discussion about African American history.
Share a more holistic picture with
your child.
http://www.aahgs.org/chapters.htmhttp://www.aahgs.org/chapters.htmhttp://www.aahgs.org/chapters.htm
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Talking to Your Child About Our History 2012
4. Go Back to the Motherland. Travel around the world,
virtually. Visit websites with
current information about the richness of the countries that
share your familys cultural, ethnic,
and racial background (This will help you with tip number 3).
The following link shows theroutes of the Transatlantic slave
trade
http://www.slaveryinamerica.org/geography/slave_trade.htm
.Research some of the cultures ofAfricas west coast and the impact
those who survived the MAAFA had on the countries theirdescendants
now live.
5. Believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see.
Use movies and television
sparingly in your discussion. Also, if and when you do, make
sure your use books, articles, and
family histories to make these entertaining and sometimes
fictionalized accounts as real and as
relevant as possible. The local library is your best resource
for non-fictional material for all agesas well as special programs
that may bring history to life. Remember, as my colleague
Brandi
Brown notes movies are made to entertain as such, they should
not be your primary source foreducating your child about his/her
unique history. There are great documentaries (check yourlocal
library) and PBS specials that you can use to capture the
imagination if live action is what
you seek.
I hope you find these tips and the links helpful.
http://www.slaveryinamerica.org/geography/slave_trade.htmhttp://www.slaveryinamerica.org/geography/slave_trade.htmhttp://www.slaveryinamerica.org/geography/slave_trade.htm
