Below are different types of resources that you can explore to increase your personal cultural awareness of this national observance/celebration and resources at both the elementary and secondary level.

Literacy as Resistance – Centering Black Joy

“Diverse stories about the Black experience serve as mirrors for readers, showing the numerous realities of our Black and African American communities. Black joy celebrates and centers on stories about positive aspects of the Black experience. Even though stories about negative experiences are useful and an important part of our history, they should not overshadow positive stories, which are very important in the following ways:

• Affirms our students
• Instills positive and cultural values
• Inspires hope in children
• Acts as a bridge between kids of different backgrounds
• Highlights strong communities
• Celebrates diverse family structures
• Authentic cultural representation

Articles to explore:

• Why Black Joy is Important According to 10 Young People – Gloria Oladipo
• What Black Joy Means – And Why It’s More Important Than Ever – Change Jospeh
• Three Artists Explain and Visualize What Black Joy Means to Them – ALCU
• Don’t Teach Black History Without Joy – Education Week

Black Lives Matters at School

Every first full week of February, during Black History month, educators and supporters participate in a Week of Action and center on the 13 guiding principles and 4 demands of Black Lives Matter at School, both in and outside of the classroom. From double dutch parties to rallies in front of the department of education, students, educators, families, unions, and communities organizations in over 35 cities across the United States participated in the 2023 Week of Action. This year’s theme is Collective Value. The Black Lives Matter at School guiding principle of Collective Values states, “We are guided by the fact that all Black lives, regardless of sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, economic status, ability, disability, education, location, age, immigration status, religious beliefs or disbeliefs, matter. None of us are free until we are all free.” For more information, CLICK HERE.

Community Events: