In the wake of the widespread reckoning of racial injustice and inequity in the U.S. this past year, many have realized that the history we’ve always been taught during Black History Month is far from the full picture. Instead, what most school curriculums offer are the sanitized versions of slavery and the Civil Rights Movement from a white-centered perspective. With this awakening comes the realization that there is a lot to learn and unlearn about race and racism in America. As you continue to do the work of piecing together a more complete and accurate understanding of Black history, Be the Bridge is here to equip you with the educational content, resources and community to guide you on your anti-racist bridge-building journey.
From the transatlantic slave trade and Civil War to Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement, we’ve compiled a collection of resources to help fill in the gaps in our history textbooks and encourage you to reflect on the real history of Black History Month.
African History What was Africa really like before the transatlantic slave trade began? Africa Before Transatlantic Enslavement
Antebellum What was life in America like before the Civil War? What are the unheard stories and narratives about that time period? How do we combat false tropes about happy slaves or loving slave masters? 5 Myths About Slavery Slaves In Pittsburgh Uncivil History Podcast “I Freed Myself”
Reconstruction, the Great Migration, and Jim Crow What have we not been taught about the history of this time period? Reconstruction: America After the Civil War The Hairstons Part 1: Snakes on a Plantation
The Civil Rights Movement We know a lot of names of the Civil Rights Movement, but what ones don’t we know? What else was going on during this time? What led to the current movements for civil rights? 5 Unsung Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement Unsung Heroes of Civil Rights The Unknown Kenneth B. Clark Women in the Civil Rights Movement 9 Women Civil Rights Leaders to Celebrate this Black History Month How Youth Activists Impacted the Civil Rights Movement
For Educators & Families Black History Month Resource Guide for Educators & Families Black History Month: Teaching the Complete History Celebrating Black History Month with Young Kids Celebrating Black History Month with Older Kids
Be sure to follow AAA on social media as we spend the next few weeks sharing ways to celebrate and honor Black history – this month and every month.
If you're unfamiliar with Be the Bridge, here is an excerpt from the Values and what they stand for:
Truth-Telling
We begin by looking at truth straight in the face. No sugar-coating. We believe that the truth will set us free. You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31b-32)
Humility
We trade defensiveness and pride for a posture of humility. We listen and acknowledge mistakes. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
Respect
We treat each other like fellow image-bearers and children of God. Without exception.
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
Confession
We acknowledge and sorrow in our brokenness and mistakes, deciding to move forward toward healing. For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. (2 Corinthians 7:10)
Grace
We receive God’s grace. We give grace. We grow in grace. For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (John 1:16)
Justice
We center the voice of the marginalized and urge advocacy for racial justice across the legal, economic, political and social dimensions. He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
Reconciliation
Acknowledging our interconnectedness, we help repair bonds that have been broken. We make right the injustice and brokenness in ourselves, communities and society. …and he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. (2 Corinthians 5: 19b-20) To learn more, go to https://bethebridge.com/
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