Up To Date

How To Teach Black History Better Year-Round

Published March 4, 2021 at 3:32 AM CST

Ways To Subscribe

Four Black girls seated on a bench, each reading a book — Black History Month is every February, but some students and educators are questioning why more isn't being done to incorporate the story of Black people in America throughout the school year.

A University of Missouri professor makes the case for how schools can better integrate Black history into courses throughout the academic year.

Focusing on Black history every February is fine, but to what degree are educators including the role of African Americans in shaping this country the rest of the year?

LaGarrett King, professor and founding director of Carter Center for K-12 Black History Education at the University of Missouri
Lauryn Donovan, senior at Ladue High School in St. Louis, Missouri

Tags

Up To Date African Americans Black History school education Podcast Missouri State Board of Education

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9 a.m., my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. My email is steve@kcur.org.

See stories by Steve Kraske

Mackenzie Martin

Whether it’s something happening right now or something that happened 100 years ago, some stories don’t fit in the short few minutes of a newscast. As a podcast producer at KCUR, I help investigate questions and local curiosities in a way that brings listeners along for adventures with plot twists and thought-provoking ideas. Sometimes there isn’t an easy answer in the end – but my hope is that we all leave with a greater understanding of the city we live in. Reach me at mackenzie@kcur.org or find me on Twitter @_macmartin.

See stories by Mackenzie Martin

Reginald David

Reginald David is an assistant producer with Up To Date. You can reach him at reginalddavid@kcur.org.

See stories by Reginald David

Zach Wilson

As Up To Date’s associate producer, I construct daily conversations that give our listeners context to the issues of our time. I strive to provide a platform that holds those in power accountable, while also spotlighting the voices of Kansas City’s creatives and visionaries that may otherwise go unheard. Email me at zach@kcur.org.

See stories by Zach Wilson