Dr. Jeff Hutchinson, Center for Adolescent Health
This month we will focus on Black History Month.
Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
February 2021 suggested media:
READ
Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow
This is a challenging read that highlights the disparity in the criminal justice system. It will make you angry and cause disbelief in where we are today.
After reading this book consider the following questions:
- What are the reasons we have very different applications of the law?
- What are the things that we can do as individuals to address this disparity?
Isabel Wilkerson has two incredible books: The Warmth of Other Suns and Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. The first describes the largest migration in the US when 6 million African Americans fled the south.The second compares the Caste system in India to the unofficial caste system in the US.
- Why did you choose to read this book?
- What are the lingering effects of the migration or the caste system?
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim
This collection of essays by Black women will provide a unique perspective
- Which essay was the most meaningful to you?
- How is the storytelling different from other storytelling?
LISTEN
The 1619 Podcast This 5 part series explores the legacy of slavery.
- What fact surprised you the most
- Why would people oppose teaching this information?
WATCH
Take a virtual tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in DC
- Share with someone a part of history that you learned
- What is different between a virtual visit and a visit in person?
Keep your eyes open for other ways to engage in Black History Month.