Curious, how many non black mothers honestly teach their black children about their Black history, including slavery, and how blacks were treated.

Charlene - posted on 06/14/2012

There is knowing history, then there is knowing you're family history. I think that both have a place and should be taught to children if at all possible. My children are young, so we really haven't gotten into either. I will however, through books and family do my best to teach both general history and family history (as much as I can). I will teach them about slavery and Canada's involvement in the slave trade, and the undergroud railway and such, but I will aslo teach them about Scotish history (which had it's own termoil as do all cultures in this world), as well as the other heritages that are in our background. I will also do my best to teach them the positive aspects of history, as all cultures have those as well. I'm not sure if why you are so hyped on this issue of black history, as if it's the most important part of someone's heritage. I for one was adopted, I do understand not knowing where one comes from, but knowing or not knowing does not define who one is, it is the character of a person who defines them. History is interesting, can be learned from, and does hold value, but you do not need to know it to be a whole person.

User - posted on 06/12/2012

Katie, I saw your daughter's picture honestly she looks just like a black girl. She doesn't look mixed. I believe when she is out in the Public outside of your home she will be considered black. Black is beautiful. You said that she is not black, she is black and she is white she is mixed. There is only one race and that is the Human Race. I don't know if you know this, but most blacks in America are mixed we just say we are black though, although we know we are mixed with white.

You said"
Where you come from doesn't define who you are.. I define myself by how I act and treat others. If everyone is equal... Then why teach heritage/race. life isn't about that. It's about our species. I don't want her focusing on color and thinking that color defines her, because it doesn't."

Where you come from does define who you are for many people. I came from a great family and I am proud of it. I was taught about my heritage and my race, and I am Proud my parents instilled that in me and my siblings. To Know your History is POwerful.

Katie - posted on 06/09/2012

Sorry... But I really don't see the point in teaching my child about slavery and all of that?? She'll learn it in school. I don't plan on teaching her any of her heritage to include the German, French, and English parts. I honestly don't see the point. And maybe some will call me ignorant to the fact.



Your heritage does not make you who you are. You make yourself who you are. Yes she will be taught to except both cultures. And that no one is better than anyone else. If the topic arrises, ,then yes I will educate her on what she wants to know but other than that I don't understand what exactly it is you want me to tell her?



And by the way. I am non black. But I'm not raising a black child. She's bi-racial. She has more than just a black heritage. She has multiple heritages... So if I were to teach her about one heritage, I'm going to teach them all to her.



But in all honesty... I was never taught my heritage, and I'm perfectly fine with that... I don't really care where I come from. Where you come from doesn't define who you are.. I define myself by how I act and treat others. If everyone is equal... Then why teach heritage/race. life isn't about that. It's about our species. I don't want her focusing on color and thinking that color defines her, because it doesn't.



This post isn't meant to offend anyone. Just my post on not understanding the reason behind it all.

Amy - posted on 06/03/2012

ps. Since I left out the whole reason for my post, Yes. I did teach my son about slavery, and all of the great things that black people have accomplished and invented. And , when he was in 8th grade, he had to do a report on heritage. He chose to write about his Swedish great grand parents. His teacher thought he was being funny and gave him an F. When I confronted her, she acted as if she had never known a bi racial child before. It was eye opening.

Amy - posted on 06/03/2012

I am white, and my husband (deceased) was black. Our son was only 1 when his dad passed. I feel very fortunate that his "black" relatives stayed in his life. I tried to make sure he always felt comfy in his own skin. When he was 6, and in first grade, he asked me "why am I so much lighter than the other black kids?". Not why am I so much darker than the white kids. I knew right then that he identified with his father's side. I have always nurtured that. Now he is 26 yrs old and has 2 kids of his own. His girlfriend is black. A friend of my 4 yr old grandaughter asked her "why is your Gramma white?" Erin answered "because she's not Black". And it really is as simple as that! We never stressed the race issue. We simply just were.

Carol - posted on 05/26/2012

Why would you jsut forget a part of American history, and world history? Something that helped determine our country and the world? Unless you live in Tenn., which they find it is okay nto to teach it for some reason, its important to teach our children history. Even if they hate it, as history repeats itself and we can learn from the past. Its important for them to know our greastest presidents owned slaves as well, something you never hear about.

Candace - posted on 05/21/2012

We use books from the library and she is very close with grandma (big momma) who tells her stories. I cant give an example or personal story myself. I teach her all about where her dad's side of the family come from, their lives, what they did and who they where. I named her Sofia from the movie The Color Purple and can't wait until she is old enough to watch it. We also do a lot a movies. The Secret Life Of Bee's is a great one! Just make sure your their to answer any questions the best way you know how. We have great support from my husband and his side of the family so that helps a bunch. They are shown the dark side of racism and how wonderful their culture is, was, and will always be.

Danielle - posted on 05/20/2012

Sarah - With the exception of super long & horrid plane rides it was an amazing trip that I hope to do again soon!

Sarah - posted on 05/20/2012

I agree. I also try to teach my daughter about people in history who have done great things, no matter their race. That must have been cool taking your kids to Ghana as a family.

Danielle - posted on 05/20/2012

My husband is from Ghana (West Africa) and they have a beautiful, rich culture that I take great pleasure in learning about with my children. We have also gone to visit Ghana as a family.
I believe that it is important to talk with my kids about history and try to base it age appropriately. I am always amazed at their capacity to understand and process what has happened in history. I think it is also important to emphasize the good parts of both of our histories as well.

Sarah - posted on 05/14/2012

I agree Autumn. I do that as well. Thanks BB.

Autumn - posted on 05/14/2012

i think it's important to also teach children that racism still goes on. Don't just tell them it's a nightmare out of the past, they need to know how it still goes on today and how the legacy of slavery/jim crow bleeds into the present. So they can be intellectually armed with the knowledge to challenge the institutional racism they will face.

User - posted on 05/14/2012

Sarah thats great, I was asking because sometimes kids don't know their background, and parents are sometimes not aware that the child needs this. They need both sides of history. I think your cool!

Sarah - posted on 05/14/2012

I have already taught my six year old daughter about slavery and have even taken her to a plantation home and shown her the old slave quarters, which were quite offensive. I have taught her about segregation times and had her talk to my dad (who is black although I'm white) who was in a segregated school back then. There are very few topics I do not discuss with her. I don't want her to be ignorant about race relations, as they do/will have an effect on her socialization in public/life.

User - posted on 05/14/2012

@autumn girl I already knew that! lol!!

Autumn - posted on 05/14/2012

i will teach my children everything about black history...as much as I know, I will teach and I will also share their father's culture with them...but I'm black.

User - posted on 05/14/2012

Good for you Jen

Jen - posted on 05/14/2012

I teach my children about all aspects of their history. It is a team effort between myself and their paternal family. African-American, German, Norwegian, Cherokee Indian, and Irish. We physically go to historical sites and experience the history. We watch movies, talk to history buffs, and read books. We have been to pow-wows and historical monuments, we try the foods, listen to the stories, and experience history first hand.

What is it that you do to teach your children about their heritage?

Charity - posted on 05/13/2012

my daughter is ony 8.5 months old now but i fully intend on teaching her about it.