Celebrating Black History with Good Reason Houston
Dear Houston,
This week marks the launch of our Black History Month series, a dedicated space to hear, honor, and explore Black experiences with, and contributions to, the American education system. Serving as a bridge between historical narratives and contemporary issues, our series aims to provide insights into our education system through the lens of Black people. By delving into the challenges and triumphs of Black Americans in education, both past and present, we hope to inspire meaningful conversations and actions towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
We firmly believe that acknowledging and celebrating Black history goes beyond a month-long observance; it is an ongoing commitment to understanding, appreciating, and honoring the rich tapestry of Black narratives around us. Black history is not a separate entity but an integral part of the collective story we tell. Black History is American history.
This month, we extend an invitation to you to join us in exploring the intersectionality of Black history and its impact on the contemporary experiences of Black individuals in our educational systems today.
Engage and learn with us as we:
- Publish a blog every week at GoodReasonHouston.org/blog
- Share book, movie, and documentary recommendations on our Facebook and Instagram
Thank you for joining us on this journey of reflection, learning, and celebration.
_______
For more insightful perspectives, here are some GOOD follows:
Blair Imani:
Blair Imani, an award-winning educator and creator of the web series “Smarter in Seconds,” encourages questioning and independent learning. Her series delves into Black history, fostering thoughtful reflections. Additionally, she is planning a new series focusing on libraries and literacy.
Rachel Cargle:
Author, anti-racist activist, and culture curator, Rachel Cargle presents “Discovering Our Glory,” a Black history learning series for Black History Month. Through daily posts, she shares pieces of Black history, providing prompts for individual research, reflection, and independent learning.
Ibram X Kendi:
Ibram X. Kendi, an acclaimed scholar and award-winning author, is recognized for groundbreaking work on race and anti-racism. Serving as the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University and the founding director of the Center for Antiracist Research, Kendi’s influential books, including “Stamped from the Beginning” and “How to Be an Antiracist,” continue to contribute to discussions on racial equity.
Note: Ibram X Kendi’s Black History reads mentioned are from 2021 but remain relevant and respected.
Kehinde Wiley:
Kehinde Wiley, a trailblazing American artist, challenges traditional representations through his innovative approach to portraiture. Notably, he made history as the first African American artist commissioned to paint an official U.S. Presidential portrait, portraying Barack Obama. Wiley’s vibrant paintings spark conversations about race, identity, and power in modern society. Kehinde offers us a different beautiful imagery with which to view and explore the Black experience.
