our history...frozen by fear

Today (yesterday by the time you read this) marks the beginning of Black History Month in the United States. 

While Black history is central and inseparable from United States history (and world history, for that matter), we still grapple with debates in our social discourse over when, if, and how this should be taught.  

Having a separate month to honor it also reminds us and holds us accountable to the difficulties of facing what cannot be changed in service of addressing what we can, and need to, change.

Arguments against teaching this history holistically seem to center around the perceived shame, guilt, and general emotional discomfort of learning the reality.  (Implication - it will make white people, specifically children - or perhaps their parents - feel bad about being white).  

There are many concerns with this - just a sampling including:

A) What about the children of every other color who are expected to deal with the uncomfortable emotions on a daily basis of having people with their skin color removed from history, from library books, and from recognition of achievement (not to mention the numerous other forms of physical and emotional degradation)?  

B)  Learning to deal with the full range of human emotions is a healthy part of development.  "Protecting" children from their emotions is a disservice to them.  It is normal and appropriate to feel sad, angry, disgust, and fear at the human capacity for harm. 

When (not if) they feel these emotions - whether in reference to learning about historical or modern day atrocities - we can help to celebrate their humanity, their compassion, and help them to process healthy ways to express and cope with these feelings.  Denying them is no healthier related to the painful parts of history than it is when a child is sad from feeling left out on the playground, angry about not getting their way, or fearful about being in trouble.  

C) History, by its nature, can include successes and advances, and the celebration of people of different identities.  There is an opportunity here to honor the achievements and sacrifice of people throughout history - and to see powerful examples of someone who looked like them so they can aspire to be one of the changemakers, regardless of skin color. 

D) If we profess, as a nation or community, a family or a world, to value each human life and want more peace, harmony, and collaboration, we need to understand ways we, as people, have thwarted that in the past and strive to change how we contribute to it now.

E).  To circle back to a quick child-friendly reference point, courtesy of Frozen, "fear will only make it worse."  Elsa learned that despite having great power, the more afraid she was, the worse it became.  Her fear caused her to hurt the very ones she loved most. 

Similarly, when we spend our energy fearing the "what ifs," and going to all lengths to avoid hurt, we, too, become frozen - locked alone in our internal cages - unable to connect, let alone comprehend.  

While it's true that we cannot change the past, Frozen also encourages us that "the head can be persuaded" and that "true love can thaw a frozen heart."  

Many people around us are living in a state of intense and ongoing fear - frozen in their capacity to even accurately perceive safety.  Perhaps you are, too.  

We need to teach our children to live differently - to recognize the value of their emotions and how they guide us toward deeper compassion and connection...and to do this for our young generations, we must rededicate ourselves, again and again, to doing this ourselves.

For a little background on the foundation of a Black History month, you can check out this link. Additionally, I found many great, timeless interviews and conversations with James Baldwin on YouTube. Rather than picking one for you, I humbly encourage you to peruse them and pick a few - notice how current and relevant they are today.

You matter.  You can make a difference.  I'm so thankful you're here.