{"id":13954,"date":"2023-02-01T07:00:43","date_gmt":"2023-02-01T07:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/devblog.foresters.com\/?p=13954"},"modified":"2023-02-02T01:05:23","modified_gmt":"2023-02-02T01:05:23","slug":"introducing-the-next-generations-to-black-history-through-book-donations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devblog.foresters.com\/en-gb\/community-en-gb\/introducing-the-next-generations-to-black-history-through-book-donations\/","title":{"rendered":"Introducing the next generations to Black history through book donations"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 1915, Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-trained historian, co-founded an association that focused on promoting the achievements of Black Americans.1 <\/sup>In 1926, this association began to spread its celebrations over a week in February.2<\/sup><\/p>\n

Over time this weeklong celebration evolved into a monthlong event in February across the US officially being recognised as Black Heritage Month in 1976. Black History Month became the official name for the celebration which takes place in October in the UK in 19873<\/sup> and in Canada in 1995.4<\/sup><\/p>\n

Foresters Financial is proud to spotlight the tremendous work a few of our members are doing to recognise and celebrate Black History Month within their communities.<\/p>\n

Our members in action during Black History Month<\/strong><\/p>\n

Emmanuel Lumanze \u2013 Arlington, Texas, US<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since becoming a Foresters member in 2007, Emmanuel has done a few Community Grants. One of his most recent giveback efforts centered around helping the next generation learn about Black history through book donations to a local school in his community.<\/p>\n

Reaching out to the school\u2019s headteacher first, Emmanuel was soon connected with the librarian at the school, who helped him identify what books were needed. \u201cThe principal connected us, and then it was a home run from there.\u201d Using his Foresters Care grant, Emmanuel purchased 13 Black history books to add to the library.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe couldn\u2019t just present the books with nothing. It\u2019s fine, but it would be better to add something.\u201d Emmanuel then combined his grant funds with his wife\u2019s to provide lunch for the 67 teachers at the school as a thank-you. A local deli kicked in some extra funds to help with the lunch. \u201cThey chipped in $200. So, basically, our funds doubled.\u201d<\/p>\n

While his goal was to educate youth about Black history, he wanted to ensure that the staff at the school were rewarded for their hard work. \u201cThe teachers are paying out of their own pockets to take care of our children. Why shouldn\u2019t we support them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marsha Hamilton-Otuka \u2013 Airdrie, AB, Canada<\/strong><\/p>\n

Marsha joined Foresters in 2018 and recently kicked off her granting experience by donating books about Canadian diversity and Black history to St. Veronica, a new school in her area.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have two daughters that attend the school. I\u2019m very cognizant that as a visible minority, I need to make sure that I\u2019m actively involved in the school and making an impact.\u201d<\/p>\n

While talking about the day she brought in the books, Marsha said, \u201cI was overjoyed. I felt a sense of pride, and as a mom and community member, I was so happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

After making her donations, Marsha felt inspired to go further. She partnered with the school and is starting new traditions every February for Black History Month.<\/p>\n

She\u2019s got big plans for this year. \u201cWe\u2019ll be doing an art demonstration, bringing in artefacts, clothing and instruments from different regions across Africa and the Caribbean that will be on display all month.\u201d<\/p>\n

When celebrating Black History Month at home, for Marsha and her family, it goes beyond just February, \u201cFor us, it\u2019s an everyday celebration. I want to imprint this feeling in my children\u2019s thoughts through me as their mom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sherisse Washington \u2013 Mason, Ohio, US<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sherisse carried out her first grant activity in January 2020. Since then, this busy teacher has become a member leader and regularly uses Foresters grants to give back to others, especially children.<\/p>\n

The Foresters Care grant has come in handy for Sherisse plenty of times because of the simplicity behind the benefit. \u201cForesters Care is easy peasy because it\u2019s $200, and you can just drop off your donations.\u201d<\/p>\n

More recently, Sherisse used her Foresters Care grant to purchase 28 books to donate to Kings Mills Elementary in her community. A majority of the books focused on the importance of Black history.<\/p>\n

By contributing the books, Sherisse also hoped to help lighten the financial burden on teachers. In another past donation to the same school, Sherisse noted, \u201cKings Mills Elementary teachers are all spending their own money, and it really racks up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Books to read with your children during Black History Month<\/strong><\/p>\n

Interested in learning more about the books our members donated to their local schools? We\u2019ve listed some of them below. Each book is a great way to introduce your children to Black history and stories about courage, determination and overcoming adversity.<\/p>\n