What is Black History Month? How did it come to be? Why February?
What can we learn through integration?
February is the birthday month of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. It is celebrated every February, to honor and recognize the contribution and achievement of Black people. It also highlights the Impact of African people on the country in various fields such as Art, Science, and Engineering. People can learn about African culture and have a better understanding of our shared humanity. – Kim
National Black History Month has its origins in 1915, when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This organization is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Through this organization, Dr. Woodson initiated the first Negro History Week in February 1926. Dr. Woodson selected the week in February that included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two key figures in the history of Black Americans. – Mauricio
Black History months began as Negro History week in 1926, created by historian Carter G.Woodson to recognize black achievements. It became a month-long celebration in 1976 and is observed every February in the United States. Forty years after President Gerald Ford formally recognized Black History Month, it was President Barack Obama, the nation’s first Black president, who delivered a message of his own from the White House, a place built by slaves. – Zahara
We learned that jazz music was a way of bringing young blacks together. We saw that Ernest Green was the leader of a Jazz band at Horace Mann High School and that he gave that up to attend Central High School. Music and sport have a way of building bridges of understanding. As people appreciate the contributions of musicians and athletes they see these individuals with value and respect. This is why the first areas of society to integrate were areas of shared culture through entertainment. School is a necessary place of education because a quality education creates the ability to make progress through dialogue.
The Social Studies classroom is a place of human connection. We recognize that all things in life are affected by human relationships. Real learning takes place when we can understand our story in light of the collective stories of others. We do not stand alone. In our celebration of Black History Month students connected their daily literacy skills of applying “the word of the day” to understand the progression of civil rights within our Federal Democratic Republic. Government students know that our U.S. The Constitution begins and ends with “We the People”. The Preamble is the introduction of the purposes of our government. It sets forth the ideals that give us direction.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Written by Gouverneur Morris, Pennsylvania delegate, 1787 Constitutional Convention
As we study Black History month in Government class we need to know;
What do the “Civil War Amendments” say?
What are the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments?
When were they ratified and what do they say?
Why did it take so long to enforce these amendments?
The 13th amendment was an amendment that abolished slavery. It was passed on January 13th, 1865. “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duty convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” It took long to pass because of the argument that slavery was beneficial and because of racism even in congress. I connected the word “Free” from the February Word of the Month to the 13th amendment because this amendment granted freedom for the enslaved people back then. – Madeline
The Fourteenth Amendment (Amendment XIV) to the United States Constitution was adopted on July 9, 1868, as one of the Reconstruction Amendments. Usually considered one of the most consequential amendments, it addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law and was proposed in response to issues related to formerly enslaved Americans following the American Civil War. The amendment was bitterly contested, particularly by the states of the defeated Confederacy, which were required to ratify it in order to regain representation in Congress. The amendment, particularly its first section, is one of the most litigated parts of the Constitution, forming the basis for landmark Supreme Court decisions such as Brown v. Board of Education (1954) regarding racial segregation, Loving v. The amendment limits the actions of all state and local officials, and also those acting on behalf of such officials. – Mauricio
The fifteen amendments to the United States constitution, ratified on February 3, 1870. It gave the Black men the right to vote, banning discrimination based on race, color or former of slavery. – Kim
Four years before Ernest Green graduated as the first black student at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, the U.S. Supreme Court declared unanimously that there is no place for segregation in public schools. They overturned the precedent set by Plessy vs. Ferguson saying that “separate is inherently unequal.”
https://mtviewmirror.com/living-courageously-in-hope-the-story-of-ernest-green/
What TRIALS did Ernest Green and the Little Rock Nine face?
Ernest Green and the Little Rock Nine faced harassment, violence and resistance when integrating Little Rock central High school in 1957. They endured verbal and physical attacks from white students, blocking their entry, and even opposition from Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus, who sent the National guard to prevent their enrollment. President Eisenhower later sent federal troops to enforce integration and protect them. Despite these challenges, Ernest Green became the first Black graduate of the school in 1958. – Zahara
What does the story of Ernest Green teach us?
The story Ernest Green teaches us that standing up against inequality and persevering through changes can lead to significant positive change. He courageously faced violence and discrimination, becoming the first black graduate of Little Rock central high school, playing a key role in the Civil Rights Movement. This story shows that education and equality are fundamental rights for all, and with effort and unity,obstacles can be overcome. -Zahara
Global Goals and School Integration; What message of Brown vs Board of Education resonates in the UN Global Goals today?
The key message of Brown v. The Board of Education that resonates with the UN Global Goals today is the fight for equal access to quality education(Goal 4 : Quality Education) and reducing inequalities (Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities). The case ended racial segregation in the U.S. schools, reinforcing the idea that education should be fair and inclusive for all, a principle still promoted globally today.
Four years before Ernest Green graduated as the first black student at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, the U.S. Supreme Court declared unanimously that there is no place for segregation in public schools. They overturned the precedent set by Plessy vs. Ferguson saying that “separate is inherently unequal.” As you watch and learn about “The Story of Ernest Green” and the Little Rock Nine what are some specific examples of segregation and Integration? How does the story demonstrate the wisdom of Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s philosophy of creative nonviolence?
Look at the list of “Words of the Day” for FEBRUARY, Choose at least one word and apply it to the story of Ernest Green or to the themes we celebrate in Black History Month.
Ernest Green never gives up, at times he feels frustrated but he keeps going again and again against the delay of integration through racism. He advised his friends and he really likes to study. If I was a faithful friend of theirs, I would like to ask them why they never gave up?? I think it was a good decision to stay to show others that they are not weak. The decision that Ernest Green made, I feel like it was the best one. He offered true justice for himself and all others who followed him. He was a leader for justice. – Rosie
Offer: to present for acceptance or rejection : tender to make available : afford
propose, suggest; to declare one’s readiness or willingness
What do we offer others from day to day?
There is sacrifice in love
Are you ready to accept the return on your investment?
Every action offered has a consequence
The offer means to provide an opportunity or possibility. In the story Ernest Green and the other members of Little Rock Nine were offered the chance to study at a formerly all White school, which was a step toward racial equality. Additionally, Ernest Green offered an example of courage and perseverance, showing that the fight for justice can lead to change.
The word offer can be connected to the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendment because these amendments offered opportunities and fundamental rights to African Americans. There was a great delay of 90 years in the enforcement of those rights at all state and local levels of government.
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery and offered freedom to former enslaved people.
The 14th Amendment offered equal right and legal protection to all citizens, including African Americans.
The 15th Amendment offered the right to vote to Black men.
Just as the Little Rock Nine were offered the opportunity to attend a formally all white school, these amendments offered African Americans the chance for equal participation in society.
The chart below gives specific examples of the FRAGMENTED language of racism and the INTEGRATED language of human understanding.
FRAGMENTATION |
An Account Over Time; the Wait of the Little Rock Nine |
INTEGRATION |
| The Governor of Arkansas orders the military to surround the school.
The majority ideas of racism in Arkansas |
September Week 1-3 1957 | The Mayor and the School Board of Little Rock make a plan.
The students learn to apply the Creative Nonviolence of MLK and Gandhi |
| Riots prevent students from staying in class.
Mr. Loomis The Physics Teacher Charlene; Racist White Girl “she can’t be trusted, she lies like a rug.” |
September Week 4 1957 | Students enter the school under the protection of President Eisenhower’s Executive Order to enforce the Supreme Court decision of Brown vs Board of Education Topeka Kansas 1953
White Student Mentors |
| Name calling and prejudice
Who is the baboon? Fear when the Federal Troops withdraw The memory of Emmet Till |
October 1957 | The love and wisdom of the grandfather |
| Ernest studying and 3 white boys approach and pull out a knife in the face of racist words
MinnieJean has a boy speaking crudely in her ear at lunch and she throws Chile on him. Expulsion is threatened. She then walks out and faces Charlene. “Leave me alone you white trash!”. One Down 8 to go! Note left in Ernest Green’s locker 2 boys push Elizabeth down the stairs. “Did any teacher see it” You were right Marcus…you told me not to transfer Fear..marcus said he was afraid to do it himself Trouble with Physics because Im a Negro? Doubts |
November 1957
December/ January 1958 February1958 |
“Creative Nonviolence”
Ernest shows his knife and the boys leave without a fight MinnieJean gets a scholarship to a school in New York. “I think you all are crazy for staying here and taking this agitation.” Integration does not take the same path for all. Ernest chases them down and gets called into the office Passive Resistance “Im gonna let this pass” “Its OK Ernie I’m staying.” Valentine’s Day invite Ernest plays the sax Music integrates Stick with it Resillience The Yearbook signing |
The Little Rock Nine demonstrated the value of waiting together when they returned together to Daisy Bates’ house. Ernest said, “ we are not going to school, but we are definitely getting an education.”
THURSDAY 2/27
the act of postponing, hindering, or causing something to occur more slowly than normal : the state of being delayed
to stop, detain, or hinder for a time; to move or act slowly
Delay not the offering of your present action.
The time is now to enter into life.
Be present in full flavor.
Light the fire.
Students enter the school under the protection of President Eisenhower’s Executive Order to enforce the Supreme Court decision of Brown vs Board of Education Topeka Kansas 1953
FRIDAY 2/28/25
another time : once more : anew
to a previous position or place
—used to introduce a statement that repeats and stresses something previously said
Again
Look Again
Learn with a faithful friend.
Get back to where we once belonged.
The Human Foundation is Natural Law; Natural Rights;
Natural Responsibility
How do Human Rights remind us of what is true?
We cannot learn the law alone.
Get up! stand up! Stand up again and again for your rights.
MARCH 4 2025
to present for acceptance or rejection : tender
to make available : afford
propose, suggest; to declare one’s readiness or willingness
What do we offer others from day to day?
There is sacrifice in love
Are you ready to accept the return on your investment?
Every action offered has a consequence
FRIDAY 2/7/25
a person who has commanding authority or influence
guide, conductor; one who directs another’s conduct or course of life
a material capable of transmitting another form of energy
Remember your LEADERS
Who leads true among you?
Consider the outcome of their way and follow with courage.
For a previous publication on Ernest Green: https://mtviewmirror.com/living-courageously-in-hope-the-story-of-ernest-green/
Study: Ernest gave his best to be able to graduate, despite the obstacles he had in his way such as racism towards him and his classmates, the lack of help and the teachers’ lack of understanding towards him. It was difficult but the achievement was based on his discipline to not get carried away by his emotions and he was able to graduate due to his great effort and arduous study.
STUDY the United Nations Global Goals and School Integration; What message of Brown vs Board of Education resonates in the UN Global Goals today?
Mauricio: Ernest had an education in which he was limited to learning under pressure and if he missed one of his classes he would not be able to understand the topics because his teachers at Central High did not help him or take importance from him due to racism and harassment. Ernest was studying autochthonously. Still, he had to deal with the idea that he and his other black classmates were not wanted at that school. Despite all this, Ernest continued looking for resources outside the campus and studying hard and managed to graduate. Although he did not receive a quality education, he created it based on responsibility and the desire to improve himself.
SDG 10 Jonathan: Too much of the world’s wealth is held by a very small group of people.This often leads
to financial and social discrimination. In order for nations to flourish, equality and prosperity must be available to everyone – regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs or economic status. When every individual is self-sufficient, the entire world prospers. Attending public schools, you see different nationalities. I learned that about the Little Rock Nine how back then they had to integrate schools so no more colored kids can go to school together. In modern times, people are trying to integrate education into other countries. Students should be able to come to the US to learn. That also goes with kids in the US should be able to go to these countries to learn there too.
SDG 16: Peace Justice and Strong Institutions
