Episode 44: Pause to Ponder - Do We Need Black History Month?

Welcome to the Counter Narrative Podcast, a show designed to change the way we talk, and think, about education. By sharing stories of successes and triumphs, we aim to challenge the dominant narrative that often negatively portrays our disenfranchised populations.

I’m your host, Charles Williams. An educator for 15 years, a current school principal in Chicago, and an educational consultant.

Let’s get started.

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This episode is a pause to ponder segment. These biweekly sessions will allow me to share with you my personal thoughts and reflections on a wide spectrum of topics as they relate to education. It is my hope that you will be able to take something from these segments and apply it in a meaningful way as you continue to do amazing work. Remember, while we all have different roles, we all have a single job, educating our students.

Black History Month may seem like a decades old celebration that is deeply rooted in our past but the reality is that it has only existed formally for less than 40 years. That may be surprising considering the extensive struggles that African-Americans have had in this country. As we become more aware of that troubling history, however, more and more people are beginning to question whether or not we need a Black History Month or if its presence does little more that contribute the marginalization of black history. 

During this episode, I explore the history behind Black History Month and question its role in our educational system today. I acknowledge the pushback by those who stress the need to move beyond a singular month and offer a suggestion for expanding our teaching of black history throughout the year. And I conclude with my hopes for how Black History Month may in fact evolve into something greater. 

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