February

To Celebrate Black History in America is to be Informed About Black History in America

There is much to celebrate each February as we acknowledge Black History Month. The contributions of African Americans reside in abundance in our daily life. Inventions simplify our existence, so relied upon that we may not realize. As we drive our cars, traffic is regulated by a three-light traffic light (Garrett Morgan), the contribution to our lunch of a peanut butter sandwich (George Washington Carver) and chips (George Crum), and the air conditioning that keeps homes and offices cool on hot days (Frederick M. Jones). The list is exhaustive and heavily relied upon for safety and comfort. To review and appreciate African American contributions in American history is to acknowledge that though America has not always reciprocated with inclusion, African Americans persist towards parity.

For all the achievements, the “firsts”, that positively support all Americans, African Americans continue to reside at the top of a broad range of disparity lists. In child welfare, African American’s encounter disparities in every stage of the decision-making process. Per 1,000 children nationally, African American children are 13.2 times more likely to be impacted by the child welfare system, one that acknowledges that neglect is the most common type of maltreatment. Elements fueling traumatic child protection services entanglement holds bias. Racial stereotyping where families historically impacted by slavery and Jim Crow laws continue to navigate systems in our country that was not built with equity in mind. One that we are reminded of daily is African American men are constantly and tragically murdered and African American women as well. Individuals whose health and welfare are essential in the development and maintenance of healthy African American children and families.

As America continues to engage in and struggle with its original sin racism. Here at the Sauer Family Foundation, embedded in our institutional belief and values we continue to stand firm and assert that, “We believe in racial equity; we achieve this when race no longer determines a child’s life outcomes”.

We understand that knowledge reduces barriers to understanding. That as we increase our intellect, social – emotional learning ensues. We invite you to seek to increase knowledge and understanding by acknowledging racism in all its forms and to commit to anti-racism. We also invite you to review this resource list. Perhaps you will find a new source of information or inspiration.

Happy Black History Month!

Books:

  • Why are all the Black kids sitting together in the cafeteria- Beverly Daniel Tatum
  • Breaking the Chains of Psychological Slavery- Na’im Akbar
  • Citizen- Claudia Rankine
  • Just Mercy- Brian Stevenson
  • Between the World and Me- Ta Nahisi Coates 
  • Lies My Teacher Told Me- Jim Loewen
  • The New Jim Crow- Michelle Alexander
  • The Fire Next Time- James Baldwin
  • The Souls of Black Folk- W.E.B Du Bois

Video/Movie:

Black Joy Additions:

– Sheri