Black History Month is a great time of African-American and world history. It’s also a wonderful time to teach kids about the meaning of countless men and women’s accomplishments and achievements for our sake. While we often focus on the lessons we can learn as adults, it’s 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. There’s 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:
“Every 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 world”
– Harriet Tubman
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”
– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”
– Dr. Mae Jemison – First African-American female Astronaut
“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.”
– Langston Hughes
“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”
– Michael Jordan
“Laundry is the only thing that should be separated by color”
– Unknown
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do keep moving forward.”
– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”
– Rosa Parks
“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion; The potential for greatness lives within each of us.”
– Wilma Rudolph
“I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I cannot accept not trying.”
– 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). She’s also the author of Girl, Take Back Your Career: 7 Steps to Reclaiming Your Power at Work.
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