Our History- A 3rd grade Perspective

How do you know when something has really changed? When can you truly say, "Well that was in the past."

I think of all of these questions as we enter into Black History Month 2010. I think I have a nice perspective on Black History Month just because of who I am (24 year old single black woman, daughter of 2 segregation era parents, grandaughter to hard working, stereotype breaking grandparents)
However, it is my kids (22 3rd graders) who have a fresh, almost untainted view!

Being curious is not a sin. Some people shy away from asking questions for a variety of reasons. Not so for a child. They will just barrel on in with a mind full of questions. When they don't understand something they ask. It's that simple. It's that difficult.

No lesson plan on Earth will prepare you to answer,
"Well, were did slavery come from?"
Or
"Why didn't the President just come down and stop segregation?"
*It's a good exercise to ask yourself, what would your answer be?*

I love my job. It forces me to never forget things we take for granted. As the saying goes, "Our freedom is not free." Adults mess it up SO much. We hate, and lie, and fight, and covet, and forget our numerous blessings. Then in a cycle of devastating tragedy we teach our ways to our kids. (PS- If you come in contact with them on a regular basis they are partly your kids.)
Kids question, and care, and laugh freely, and love with 100% of their hearts.

This February I will live my example, not really for any one in my generation, but for the kids. The kids who are always watching, always listening, always learning about life from me and from you. May we all take our responsibility a little more seriously and find teachable moments everyday.

PS- A moment reading the I Have a Dream Speech is a moment well spent!