How Are You Celebrating Black History Month in NWA?

By Terri Walker

 

“I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.” President Barack Obama

The above quote from Barack Obama was taken from his proclamation of February 2013 as National African American History Month. View the entire Proclamation here, which was released by the White House on January 31, 2013.

 

Having lived in NWA for the past four years, I must admit that I am feeling the absence of the NWA Black History Showcase this month! How are you celebrating? I have noticed ads in the local e-newsletters for a few Black History Month celebrations. (You can get on the listservs for NWA Black by sending an email to nwablack@gmail.com, and the University of Arkansas African American Resource Group Community Calender by by sending an email to dlw11@uark.edu.) Before we  (NWA Ebony Kids) decided to present an event for this month, I did my own search for celebrations specifically for kids and it came up sparse. I did find that Crystal Bridges is hosting an art-based weekly celebration, which is great. However, their program takes place during the school day which limits its participants to homeschoolers. If you're out there homeschoolers, I have placed the details below.

NWA Black History Month Celebrations for Kids

Bentonville Public Library on February 23^rd  12-3pm

"Black History Month Celebration"

NWA Ebony Kids is pleased to help present the Create-A-Craft segment of the program at 1pm!!
Check the Bentonville Public Library's website for more details.

Bentonville Public Library

 

Crystal Bridges Museum

Fridays, February 8, 15, 22, 2 to 3:30 pm
"Homeschool Friday Fun/Celebrate Black History Month"
Two age groups are offered: 5 to 9 and 10 to 13.
For more information, visit their website.

 

**Email or comment if you know of any other localBlack History Month celebrations for kids.

 

A BRIEF HISTORY ON BLACK HISTORY MONTH

• Black History Month was originally “Negro History Week”, celebrated during the second week of February because that week marks the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
• It was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson along with the Association for the Study of Negro Life in 1926.
• In 1976, the federal government acknowledged the transition from Negro History Week to Black History Month.
• Black History Month is also federally recognized and celebrated in Canada since 1995 (in the month of February), and in the UK since 1987 (in the month of October).

 

Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson 1875-1950

 

Cool iPhone Apps for African American Children

By Terri Walker

All three of my kids (ages 3, 5, and 7) can maneuver through an iPhone or iPad like nobody’s business. Is it an innate ability with this younger generation? They require almost no instruction on these gadgets, just give it to them!  Well, if you’re like me, you have plenty of apps downloaded specifically for your kids– to keep them preoccupied, when necessary.  Although some of my apps are educational, most are not.  Because of this, I went on a quest to find apps that are not just fun and educational, but are cultural, as well. In the spirit of Black History Month, I wanted to share some of the cool apps for kids that I discovered which celebrate our culture AND help to build a positive self-image.

Black Inventors Match Game with Myles and Ayesha

Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, $0.99

This app specifically targets kids in teaching a portion of African American History by celebrating African American inventors. The match game consists of pictures of the inventions. If you tap the “read more” button on the detailed screen of each invention, you will see descriptions and actual patent drawings for each invention, signed by the inventor. Also, I discovered that the publisher of the app, Uplift, is a nonprofit organization founded and headed by an African American woman.

 

A Song for Miles

Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch $4.99

Written by Dr. Tiffany Simpkins Russell, A Song for Miles is the first African American digital storybook in the App Store that is written, illustrated, scored, narrated, and developed by African Americans.  With colorful illustrations, interactive musical instruments, and optional background music, this can be an enjoyment for children.  As you read the story from a parent’s point-of-view, you will discover that there are valuable lessons being taught, such as perseverance, confidence, and respect- to name a few.  The real treat to me is the fact that the beautiful dialogue takes place between a young African American  boy and his father.

 

Ashti Meets Birdman Al

Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch $0.99

I am truly glad I found this app, which is actually an e-book. Written by Carmen Rubin, a singer, author, and speaker, this book was inspired by Al Jarreau– the Grammy award winning jazz singer. Similar to A Song for Miles, this book has great illustrations and interactive animation, although a little bit more sophisticated in this book. There’s also a game to play while reading the book, in which the child is challenged to find 22 peppermints hidden throughout the book. You’re sure to fall in love with Ashti, and her mother as well, who by the way has a graceful and ethnic style with her clothing and hair. Kids and parents not only get a lesson on giving back, but also learn about famous musicians, singers, and instruments.

 

Black History Facts

Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch $0.99

This app contains over 500 quick facts about people of color from all over the world. Mainly for older kids and adults, this app encourages you to dig a little bit deeper into our history.  I guarantee you’ll discover something you didn’t know from our history, and you’ll be amazed. You can save facts as a “favorite,” or you can share facts via social networking or email.

 

Have you discovered any other great cultural apps for kids?