It’s often said that a teacher’s two greatest loves are the love of learning and the love of learners. Looking through this lens, it should be of little surprise then that it was a one-time teacher who created what we now call Black History Month.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson devoted his life to education, serving throughout his career in the roles of teacher, principal, textbook author, college professor, dean of Howard University’s school of liberal arts, and head of the college’s graduate faculty.
Often called the Father of Black History, Woodson created the organization now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in 1915, and a decade later was responsible for introducing the first National Negro History Week — the celebration that would later be turned into a full month of recognizing the important impacts Black Americans have had on our society over the past several centuries.
Although it’s now celebrated widely by kids and adults alike, Jarvis R. Givens, assistant professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and author of Fugitive Pedagogy: Carter G. Woodson and the Art of Black Teaching, has said Woodson first saw Negro History Week as an “expansion of a set of practices that Black teachers had already been doing even before 1926.”
Sixty years later, when President Ronald Reagan signed the proclamation officially designating February as Black History Month, he spoke directly to the importance of incorporating Woodson’s dream into American schools.
“The American experience and character can never be fully grasped until the knowledge of Black history assumes its rightful place in our schools and our scholarship.” — President Ronald Reagan
In honor of Dr. Woodson and the educational roots of Black History Month, we took time this month to ask some of the tutor educators on the Ignite Reading team to share how their identities as Black Americans have impacted their approach to education.
Here’s what they had to say.
“My identity as a Black woman and educator profoundly influences how I connect with my students and approach teaching. I am deeply aware of the disparities in underserved populations, where reading levels are often lower due to systemic inequities.
Literacy is a human right, and I am passionate about helping children unlock this essential skill because reading serves as the foundation for success in every area of life.”
— Jara Clark
“My identity as a Black educator influences my approach to teaching by letting me know that all students are capable of learning.
I treat all students as individuals because not all students learn the same way or at the same pace.”
— Trinita Champagne-Holts
“Being Black, I try to understand the different backgrounds of students.
I try to relate to students and encourage students to be unapologetically themselves.”
— Tailyn Hogan
“As an Afro-Latina educator, being Black and Puerto Rican, my lived experiences shape how I approach teaching and connecting with my students. I bring kindness, sensitivity, and thoughtfulness into my work, understanding how meaningful it can be for students to see these qualities in an educator who might share some aspects of their identity.
Representation is important, and I know for many students, seeing someone who looks like them in a teaching role can expand their sense of what is possible. I work with students of all racial and cultural backgrounds, and I approach them with the same dedication and care.
My presence in a virtual learning environment serves as a reminder that they, too, can pursue any goals or paths they envision, whether in education or any other field.”
— Briana Rosario
“As a Black educator, my experiences have given me a deep awareness of the challenges I’ve faced and the resilience our community has shown in overcoming adversity.
My identity fills me with strength and confidence, knowing I can overcome anything. I bring that same mindset to my teaching, inspiring my students to be strong, brave, and persistent.
I want them to know that no challenge is too great and that with determination, they can master anything—including the protocols—no matter what obstacles come their way.”
— Shakena Spellmon
“Education is something that African Americans have had to fight for for decades. I was blessed to not have to fight, but as a child I watched footage of so many people who put their lives at stake for my future. Reading is the foundation to all learning, comprehension and communication, so I take it very seriously.
Children of color have always been unseen and under-appreciated so I not only teach literacy, but I do my best to give them the self-confidence they need as well.
African Americans have been the backbone and foundation of this country, so continuing to help build up inventors, scientists, engineers, teachers, doctor, lawyers, etc. of color is my contribution to the health of this nation.”
— Joye Allen
“The majority of students will only have so many Black tutors/teachers in their lives. It’s good to see someone who looks like you. You feel a bond/understanding through your shared culture.
I wish to be remembered how I remember my 5th grade teacher, Ms. Glasper. She was a tough lady, but she cared deeply about us. She taught us and prepared us for life.
I remember one time I was struggling with math, she stopped her lesson, sat next to me, and said, “I’m going to sit right here with you. I’m going to help you master this!” She taught me that day what it means to truly see someone and to say, “I care.” She gave us opportunities to experience topics and lessons well outside the standard curriculum.
I want to continue doing the same by showing Black excellence in all that I do, by being a Ms. Glasper to my students!
— Ashley Massey
“Knowing that African Americans were punished for learning to read or actually reading has influenced me tremendously in my teaching style. This part of history has made me a literacy advocate since I was a child.
I believe in equality and for all gender and races to have the same opportunity. I put forth extreme effort to all of my students on how reading is a privilege and is a very fundamental skill to have.
I am also grateful to have minority students, and I feel that my actions, class, and emotional intelligence will reflect to them as a great African American role model.
— Crystal Newton
“Being an African American woman has taught me resilience.
As an educator, I teach my students to be resilient as well. No matter the challenges that they are faced with, I want them to know that the power to overcome them lies within. All they have to do is keep fighting and never give up.
As long as they have me as a teacher, I will fight for them as well. Together, we will push through any challenges and succeed.”
— Brittney Turner
More Black History Month Education Resources
Want to learn more about Black educators and teaching Black history? Give these resources a try!
- The Black History Bulletin — Produced by ASALH, The Black History Bulletin is “dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning in the areas of history” and includes information for teacher preparation, lesson plans, and more.
- The Center for Black Educator Development — Dedicated to increasing the number of Black educators in the U.S., the Center for Black Educator Development offers professional learning and support for Black educators, as well as programs and resources for Black Americans who want to become educators.
- The Center for K-12 Black History and Racial Literacy Education — Focused on answering the question “What is Black history education?” through research, the Center for K–12 Black History and Racial Literacy Education is a research and professional development center housed within the Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo.
