Black History Month Lesson

Norah's school had a Black History Month program last Tuesday. I reminded her about it that morning and asked whether they had been talking in class about the fact that it is Black History Month. 

She said yes, paused, then looked at me quizzically and asked, "But Mommy, where would you go?" 

"What do you mean?"

"I mean your skin isn't brown, but it isn't really white either. So where would you go?"

Let's break this down: 

1. Well aren't you sweet. This shirt must be a good color for me since you don't think my skin is white. 

2. Clearly you are talking about segregation in class. 

3. Thank you for creating a perfect opportunity for us to discuss how there are all kinds of visible differences among people, like skin tone, hair color, and height, and how none of that really matters. 

That evening Norah proudly stood on stage with other Kindergarteners and sang "Sing about Martin." 

Here is a link to a video: http://youtu.be/xeUKEvyXAyY.