I’m intentionally blogging about Black History toward the end of February….here’s why:
As schools immerse in Black History Month, it’s crucial to reflect on our roles as school counselors and how we can contribute to the celebration and education. Believe me, I understand the challenges we face with high caseloads, limited time, and often misconstrued perceptions of our roles. Getting into classrooms for lessons, especially at the middle and high school levels, can be quite a task. You might be thinking, “There’s just no TIME!” However, there are numerous ways you can incorporate Black history lessons into your school counseling programs. From pre-recording lessons reminiscent of the pandemic era (::shudder::) to impromptu classroom visits and even popping into study halls for informal chats, there are avenues we can explore to ensure that Black history is integrated into our students’ educational journey. And please, for the love of all things American, do not for one second think that you’re limited to February in this work.
While we may not be history teachers per se, we do have a responsibility to instill college and career readiness skills, and what better way to do so than by exploring the rich legacy of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs)!!
Black History Month serves as the perfect time to introduce students to the significance of HBCUs. If time constraints hinder classroom visits, consider creating informational bulletin boards or distributing pamphlets about HBCUs. For those with the bandwidth, organizing school counseling lessons about HBCUs can be an enriching way to engage with students during Black History Month celebrations. And let’s not forget, educating about Black history and HBCUs isn’t confined to February – it’s a year-round commitment.
This endeavor isn’t exclusive to high school counselors either. College and career readiness does not start in 9th grade. As a former elementary school counselor and current middle school counselor, I’ve witnessed firsthand the enthusiasm students have for learning about HBCUs. From a student who eagerly shares random facts about Morehouse College to sparking interest in Tuskegee University among those passionate about veterinary medicine or band competitions, these interactions have not only been rewarding but also relatively simple to incorporate into my daily routines. In fact, I have one student who for the entirety of his elementary time with me, and now in middle school, shouts out random facts about Morehouse College when he sees me in the hallway. Ironically, I have a child who attends Morehouse College. My student knows this, and so my little “Morehouse Fact Finder” knows he needs to come correct with his fact!
Taking the time to talk with a child who expresses an interest in veterinary medicine by saying, “Tell me what you know about HBCU’s” and then going on to intentionally spark an interest in Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is sort of….our responsibility. Consider this too: Do you have students who are extremely committed to band or dance? It will take less than 5 minutes of your time to talk to them about any of the 100+ highly notable, distinguished, and accomplished HBCU bands.
Remember, as school counselors, we are change agents. Our work can significantly impact a child’s college and career readiness. If you haven’t yet considered teaching about HBCUs, now is the time. To make it easier for you, I’ve curated a resource that includes a lesson resource, PowerPoint presentation, HBCU research templates, and more. Designed for upper elementary and middle school students, this resource aims to sow the seeds of appreciation for Black history, HBCUs, and an inclusive environment. Click here to get your copy.
And if you’re craving more resources or interactive experiences, head over to my Instagram page, where you’ll find my annual “virtual HBCU tour.” Scroll back to 2022 to catch the inaugural tour or simply join me for this year’s exploration. With your new or refreshed knowledge, YOU, school counselor, can change the trajectory of a child’s life by cultivating a deeper understanding and appreciation for Black history and HBCUs.
With Love,
Laura