How Can I Help My Child Learn About Black History at Home?
By Julie Diamond, OCT
As parents, you play a crucial role in shaping our children’s understanding of history, culture, and diversity. While schools may cover Black history, learning at home allows children to engage with it in a more meaningful and personal way.
Teaching children about Black history is an essential part of helping them understand the diverse and rich narratives that shape Canada. Whether your family is Black, white, or of another racial background, fostering an inclusive understanding of history benefits all children by promoting awareness, empathy, and social responsibility. Black history is not just for February - it is Canadian history and should be explored year-round.
Here are some thoughtful and racially sensitive ways to help your child engage with Black history at home:
1. Start with Your Own Learning
Before guiding your child, take time to educate yourself about Black history in Canada. Understanding the contributions, struggles, and resilience of Black Canadians will equip you to have meaningful conversations. Read books, watch documentaries, and follow Black historians, educators, and activists to gain insights beyond what is commonly taught in school curriculums.
2. Diversify Your Bookshelf
Introduce your child to books that feature Black historical figures, authors, and stories. Look for books written by Black Canadian authors that highlight both the struggles and achievements of Black communities. Some great options include:
Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged! by Jody Nyasha Warner
Trailblazers: The Black Pioneers Who Have Shaped Canada by Tiyahna Ridley-Padmore
Africville by Shauntay Grant
Oscar Lives Next Door by Bonnie Farmer
For older children, books like Policing Black Lives by Robyn Maynard or The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole provide deeper insights into systemic racism and the Black experience in Canada.
Reading stories by and about Black individuals helps children see history from multiple perspectives and fosters appreciation for diverse experiences.
Check out one of our tutors, Angeline, who is a teacher and spotlights diverse on her Instagram page ‘Simply Angeline.’ She also does Lives with special guests and reads aloud each week!
3. Have Open and Honest Conversations
It’s important to talk about race and history in ways that are age-appropriate and truthful. Encourage your child to ask questions and be honest when discussing difficult topics like slavery, segregation, and racism. Acknowledge past injustices while also celebrating Black excellence, innovation, and leadership.
For white parents, it’s important to recognize privilege and use these conversations as opportunities to teach about equity, fairness, and allyship. Discuss how systemic racism has shaped history and how everyone has a role to play in making society more just.
4. Explore Local Black History
Many people don’t realize that Black communities have been part of Canada’s history for centuries. Research the history of Black Canadians in your province, such as the Black Loyalists in Nova Scotia, the Underground Railroad, or the contributions of Black Albertans in building their communities. Visit museums, cultural centers, or virtual exhibits that highlight Black Canadian history.
5. Incorporate Black Voices in Everyday Learning
Make learning about Black history a natural part of your child’s education. Watch documentaries or movies that portray Black Canadian experiences, listen to music by Black artists, or follow Black content creators who share educational and cultural insights. Consider:
The documentary Journey to Justice (National Film Board of Canada)
The series Black Life: Untold Stories (CBC)
Music from Black Canadian artists such as Jully Black, Drake, and Maestro Fresh Wes
6. Attend Cultural Events and Support Black Businesses
Engage with Black culture by attending local festivals, visiting Black-owned stores, or supporting Black artists. Experiencing different cultural traditions firsthand helps children appreciate diversity and recognize the richness of Black contributions to Canadian society.
7. Encourage Critical Thinking About Representation
Help your child analyze media, textbooks, and online content to recognize whose stories are being told and whose are missing. Discuss how history is often presented from a Eurocentric perspective and encourage curiosity about the untold or lesser-known stories of Black Canadians.
8. Be an Active Ally
Allyship is about taking action. Encourage your child to stand up against discrimination, ask questions about inclusivity in their school curriculum, and celebrate diversity in their friendships and community. As a family, look for ways to support policies and initiatives that promote racial equity and justice.
Teaching Black history should not be limited to one month a year—it is an ongoing learning process. By incorporating Black voices, stories, and perspectives into everyday learning, parents can help their children develop a deeper understanding of history and a greater commitment to inclusion and justice. No matter your racial background, being intentional about learning Black history fosters a more informed, compassionate, and equitable society for future generations.