Black History Month is in full swing with celebrity moms teaching their kids about African Americans who have greatly contributed to United States’ history. From Lisa Leslie to Sherri Shepherd, African American moms everywhere are sharing the good news of their heritage in America. Check out how these mothers teach their children about Black History Month.
Sherri Shepherd
“We teach Jeffrey through books specifically dealing with African-American figures in our history. We point out the historical contributions they have had on society.
Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas
“For me, teaching my son Tron about his history is just like I teach him about everything else. Everything starts with conversations so that it doesn’t seem so much like teaching; it’s just having a conversation about how things were and how they are now. I think if kids see people they can know that are doing great things and see people in their family that are successful, that’s what leaves the biggest impression on them. I make sure Tron is introduced to successful people of all backgrounds and jobs so that he sees that people who look like him can and have been able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. I think seeing Barack Obama in office while he is a teenager has left a big impression on him and many other children and taught them to be proud of their heritage.”
Trina Braxton
“My two boys, Eric and Caleb, are biracial (Black and Puerto Rican), so I have taught them how to comfortably be proud of both races and let them know that no matter their heritage, you’re still a child of God — and that is what matters more than the color of your skin. When they were younger, we would go through our home and point out certain items such as the carbon filament in the lightbulb, and I would let them know that Lewis Latimer invented this product. I feel it important for my sons to know that out ancestors were botanists, scientists, and prominent musicians, and now President is added to the roster.”
Lisa Leslie
“My husband and I let our daughter Lauren (pictured) know that there are many influential Black people in addition to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. However, Dr. King was one of the greatest leaders who ever lived. He was a peacemaker who worked towards getting brown faces, white faces and yellow faces equal rights and opportunities. We also taught our 5-year-old a Dr. King quote: ‘One should not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
Check out what other moms had to say at ESSENCE.com!
