Black History Month is a great time of African-American and world history. Itās also a wonderful time to teach kids about the meaning of countless men and womenās accomplishments and achievements for our sake. While we often focus on the lessons we can learn as adults, itās important to remember that our kids are the most fertile ground in which to plant the seeds of history.
I remember my baby daughter asking about Black History Month, and what it really meant. While I was able to explain to her the history behind it, I noticed the biggest impact came from sharing with her some powerful quotes and their meaning. Thereās something about the imagery behind quotes filled with meaning that transcends any language or understanding, especially with kids.
Here are my 10 favorite Black History Month quotes to teach kids all year long:
āEvery great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the worldā
ā Harriet Tubman
āOnly in the darkness can you see the stars.ā
ā Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
āNever be limited by other peopleās limited imaginations.ā
ā Dr. Mae Jemison ā First African-American female Astronaut
āHold fast to dreams, for if dreams die life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.ā
ā Langston Hughes
āObstacles donāt have to stop you. Ā If you run into a wall, donāt turn around and give up. Ā Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.ā Ā
ā Michael Jordan
āLaundry is the only thing that should be separated by colorā
ā Unknown
āIf you canāt fly then run, if you canāt run then walk, if you canāt walk then crawl, but whatever you do keep moving forward.ā
ā Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
āI have learned over the years that when oneās mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.ā
ā Rosa Parks
āNever underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. Ā We are all the same in this notion; The potential for greatness lives within each of us.ā
ā Wilma Rudolph
āI can accept failure. Ā Everyone fails at something. But I cannot accept not trying.ā
ā Michael Jordan
What are your favorite Black History Month quotes to teach your kids?
Bio: Solange Lopes is an author, blogger and CPA. She writes about career and lifestyle topics for women at work in her blog The Corporate Sister (www.thecorporatesister.com). Sheās also the author of Girl, Take Back Your Career: 7 Steps to Reclaiming Your Power at Work.
Isaree Gaston Patterson says
Very powerful quotations; inspiring, brilliant and engaging.
Shannon S Colclough says
Thanks for sharing! It’s always nice to share Black History month everyday of the year.