“I’ve learned to deal with the ignorance of people,” she said.

While Valdez’s phenotype may have been commonplace in her ancestral home, she had to grapple with what her identity meant in America.

“As an Afro-Latina, noticing my Blackness—growing up, especially here in the States—it’s very difficult to find the middle ground of your Afro-Latina-ness, unfortunately.”

She looked to other Black communities across the diaspora for guidance.

“I learned it from Black Americans and Caribbean people like Jamaicans and Haitians. That’s how you learn about your culture.”

From there, Valdez dove into the history of Black people in different corners of the world. What she discovered helped establish not only a place for herself in the world—but pride as well.

That pride has lasted beyond her own childhood. It lives today through her advocacy work with Afro Latina World, a group comprised of Afro-descendant and Afro-Indigenous people. The organization was created to celebrate the heritage, resilience, and unity of Afro-Latinas, while simultaneously recognizing and calling out the systems of social discrimination that have actively suppressed the community.

Launched in 2017, Valdez and the group host several cultural events in Miami, teaching the next generation of Afro-Latinas to embrace their roots.

“We teach children how to dance,” Valdez explained. “It could be Rumba, Salsa, or Merengue. We also provide classes for adults—anyone who’s interested in learning African history, the history of Black people in South America, Central America. We provide those classes.”

Valdez says it’s important to instill this type of cultural pride from a young age.

“When people learn their history—and everybody’s history in general—I think it helps bring about a better generation where people are more informed and understand more of humanity itself.”

As the mother of four boys, Valdez makes sure they are present with her as she does this work.

“Teaching them about the culture is extremely important,” she said. “We went to the Miami Calle Ocho Festival and brought Afro-Latino representation—and I brought my children with me. Last year, we went to Cuba for a week. We brought hygiene products for women and food to give to the community. I try to bring my children to these great events so they can absorb and learn from the culture.”

In just one generation, Valdez has helped her children find the sense of belonging she lacked as a child.

“Education is the key,” she said. “That’s how I was able to get to the conclusion that I got to. Unfortunately, schools here in the States don’t teach you. They lump everybody together—‘We all come from slavery.’ But we all come from the same place, which is Africa. We just got dispersed. That division we have among us has to stop. We need to unite.”

Valdez is adamant that for confidence and pride to truly take root, the education must begin early.

“If you teach your kids right, I think it makes a better world for all of us,” she said.

Growing up in New Jersey in the ’80s as a first-generation Cuban-American, Sara Valdez didn’t always feel understood. The most popular representation of a Cuban was Desi Arnaz, aka Ricky Ricardo. Images of Black Cubans were virtually non-existent. So much so that when people heard Valdez speaking Spanish as a child, they asked her how she learned.

“I’ve learned to deal with the ignorance of people,” she said.

While Valdez’s phenotype may have been commonplace in her ancestral home, she had to grapple with what her identity meant in America.

“As an Afro-Latina, noticing my Blackness—growing up, especially here in the States—it’s very difficult to find the middle ground of your Afro-Latina-ness, unfortunately.”

She looked to other Black communities across the diaspora for guidance.

“I learned it from Black Americans and Caribbean people like Jamaicans and Haitians. That’s how you learn about your culture.”

From there, Valdez dove into the history of Black people in different corners of the world. What she discovered helped establish not only a place for herself in the world—but pride as well.

That pride has lasted beyond her own childhood. It lives today through her advocacy work with Afro Latina World, a group comprised of Afro-descendant and Afro-Indigenous people. The organization was created to celebrate the heritage, resilience, and unity of Afro-Latinas, while simultaneously recognizing and calling out the systems of social discrimination that have actively suppressed the community.

Launched in 2017, Valdez and the group host several cultural events in Miami, teaching the next generation of Afro-Latinas to embrace their roots.

“We teach children how to dance,” Valdez explained. “It could be Rumba, Salsa, or Merengue. We also provide classes for adults—anyone who’s interested in learning African history, the history of Black people in South America, Central America. We provide those classes.”

Valdez says it’s important to instill this type of cultural pride from a young age.

“When people learn their history—and everybody’s history in general—I think it helps bring about a better generation where people are more informed and understand more of humanity itself.”

As the mother of four boys, Valdez makes sure they are present with her as she does this work.

“Teaching them about the culture is extremely important,” she said. “We went to the Miami Calle Ocho Festival and brought Afro-Latino representation—and I brought my children with me. Last year, we went to Cuba for a week. We brought hygiene products for women and food to give to the community. I try to bring my children to these great events so they can absorb and learn from the culture.”

In just one generation, Valdez has helped her children find the sense of belonging she lacked as a child.

“Education is the key,” she said. “That’s how I was able to get to the conclusion that I got to. Unfortunately, schools here in the States don’t teach you. They lump everybody together—‘We all come from slavery.’ But we all come from the same place, which is Africa. We just got dispersed. That division we have among us has to stop. We need to unite.”

Valdez is adamant that for confidence and pride to truly take root, the education must begin early.

“If you teach your kids right, I think it makes a better world for all of us,” she said.

Nothing says summer like a gathering of Black folk congregating outside. There’s thick, flavored smoke rising from the meat on the grill. Screaming, laughing kids are weaving in and out of circles of adults talking. Drinks are swimming in a bucket of ice. There’s a lively card game going on and all the people are wearing matching shirts. Cue The O’Jays: A Family Reunion. The gathering of kinfolk is sacred. It’s rooted in our ancestors’ desire to connect with their loved ones that had been strewn and scattered as a result of chattel slavery in the United States. 

The family reunion may have been a part of our past but I fear too many of us are losing recipes. Gone are the days when entire branches of families live within hundreds of miles of one another. These days we’re spread out across the country and world. And whether it was COVID, busy work schedules or the other demands and distractions of life, I’ve noticed that the family reunion is falling lower and lower on the priority list. But now more than ever, it’s important to maintain our communities and the first community is the family. If you’re fortunate enough to belong to a group of people who are safe and loving, here are some reasons you should take your children and yourself to the family reunion. 

The family reunion may have been a part of our past but I fear too many of us are losing recipes. Gone are the days when entire branches of families live within hundreds of miles of one another. These days we’re spread out across the country and world. And whether it was COVID, busy work schedules or the other demands and distractions of life, I’ve noticed that the family reunion is falling lower and lower on the priority list. But now more than ever, it’s important to maintain our communities and the first community is the family. If you’re fortunate enough to belong to a group of people who are safe and loving, here are some reasons you should take your children and yourself to the family reunion. 

Family Lore

Family Lore

There’s no tea like family tea. As a child who yearned to be in all the adult conversations, I’m happy to now be privy to all of the scandalous details of my family history that I couldn’t always hear back in the day. But more than drama and salaciousness, the stories of our people are important. At a time when the government is actively dealing in erasure, it’s important to preserve our own legacy.

There’s no tea like family tea. As a child who yearned to be in all the adult conversations, I’m happy to now be privy to all of the scandalous details of my family history that I couldn’t always hear back in the day. But more than drama and salaciousness, the stories of our people are important. At a time when the government is actively dealing in erasure, it’s important to preserve our own legacy.

Connection to the Past

Connection to the Past

It’s one thing to read about Black history in the inadequate ways it’s depicted in school. It’s an entirely different thing to sit at the table with a relative as they regale you with stories about the segregated South, fighting in foreign wars, navigating racism in educational institutions. History comes alive when you get to talk to the people who lived it. If you’re hearing it from family, there’s a greater chance that you’re going to get the real and not some whitewashed version. 

It’s one thing to read about Black history in the inadequate ways it’s depicted in school. It’s an entirely different thing to sit at the table with a relative as they regale you with stories about the segregated South, fighting in foreign wars, navigating racism in educational institutions. History comes alive when you get to talk to the people who lived it. If you’re hearing it from family, there’s a greater chance that you’re going to get the real and not some whitewashed version. 

A Chance to Engage with the Elders

A Chance to Engage with the Elders

Even with the best intentions, it’s hard to keep in touch with all of our loved ones. Life gets hectic. We put things off and then before you know it, it’s too late. Instead of promising to call, make the investment of traveling to sit with your elders, speak with them face to face. Hear their stories, opinions etc. This is also a great time to record them either visually or auditorily to make sure those memories are archived. 

Even with the best intentions, it’s hard to keep in touch with all of our loved ones. Life gets hectic. We put things off and then before you know it, it’s too late. Instead of promising to call, make the investment of traveling to sit with your elders, speak with them face to face. Hear their stories, opinions etc. This is also a great time to record them either visually or auditorily to make sure those memories are archived. 

Cousin Time 

Cousin Time 

Some of my fondest childhood memories include some of the shenanigans I got into with my cousins. Whether it was the inappropriate conversations, the gossip, the pranks, the games we created or putting together a dance routine, that time was beautiful and pure. I have forty first cousins. And while that won’t be my children’s story, I pray that they build similar bonds with the people in their generation as well. The right type of cousins can be like siblings. It’s important to foster those bonds.

Some of my fondest childhood memories include some of the shenanigans I got into with my cousins. Whether it was the inappropriate conversations, the gossip, the pranks, the games we created or putting together a dance routine, that time was beautiful and pure. I have forty first cousins. And while that won’t be my children’s story, I pray that they build similar bonds with the people in their generation as well. The right type of cousins can be like siblings. It’s important to foster those bonds.

A Deeper Understanding of Yourself 

A Deeper Understanding of Yourself 

DNA is complex. We like to think that our characteristics came from one of our two parents. But our identities are layered. Being around extended family members can point to some of the characteristics you inherited from an aunt, great grandmother, cousin. Being around family shines a light on yourself in ways you might not have imagined.

DNA is complex. We like to think that our characteristics came from one of our two parents. But our identities are layered. Being around extended family members can point to some of the characteristics you inherited from an aunt, great grandmother, cousin. Being around family shines a light on yourself in ways you might not have imagined.

Juneteenth has gone mainstream. What was once a mostly regional tradition, upheld and celebrated solely by Black folk, has been turned into a federal holiday. There are pros and cons. On the upside, many more people know about the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Black folks learned the news of their emancipation in Galveston, Texas. But on the other hand, corporations that have proven they don’t care about the Black community profit off of the day with cheaply branded merchandise that does little to elevate Black people. If we’re not careful the depth and breadth of this historical moment will be out of reach for our children. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Juneteenth with your children and also do something for the community at the same time, here are a few suggestions. 

Rock a Commemorative Juneteenth Tee from Black Market Vintage Tee

Rock a Commemorative Juneteenth Tee from Black Market Vintage Tee

If you go into a major retailer, you’re likely to see mass produced, Juneteenth paraphernalia. There are tees, hats, socks and even paper plates. Some of the items might even be cute. But you know that money is lining the pockets of the already rich. If you want to rock a Juneteenth shirt that comes from Black creators, check out Black Market Vintage’s annual, commemorative tee. Like always, the design is created by a different Black artist. This year features work from artist and painter, Nina Chanel Abney, who has worked with the Jordan Brand, MoMA and more. 

If you go into a major retailer, you’re likely to see mass produced, Juneteenth paraphernalia. There are tees, hats, socks and even paper plates. Some of the items might even be cute. But you know that money is lining the pockets of the already rich. If you want to rock a Juneteenth shirt that comes from Black creators, check out Black Market Vintage’s annual, commemorative tee. Like always, the design is created by a different Black artist. This year features work from artist and painter, Nina Chanel Abney, who has worked with the Jordan Brand, MoMA and more. 

Visit a Black Owned Bookstore

Visit a Black Owned Bookstore

Black owned bookstores have long been sites of learning and liberation for our people. Sadly, many of them are at risk of closing their doors. It’s always a good time to shop at these stores but especially important on this holiday. While you’re in the store, ask if they have Anne Wynter’s new book So Many Years which uses poetic prose to teach children the historical significance of Juneteenth while also reminding them of the beauty and resilience of Black people. 

Black owned bookstores have long been sites of learning and liberation for our people. Sadly, many of them are at risk of closing their doors. It’s always a good time to shop at these stores but especially important on this holiday. While you’re in the store, ask if they have Anne Wynter’s new book So Many Years which uses poetic prose to teach children the historical significance of Juneteenth while also reminding them of the beauty and resilience of Black people. 

Eat Red 

Eat Red 

If you want to ensure that you pass down specific Juneteenth traditions to your children, make sure you incorporate red foods into your meal this day. The color red is a symbol for the blood of the people who have sacrificed their freedom and their lives, tolling in this country so that we might enjoy a better life. Red shows up in a lot of Black culinary traditions including barbecue, hibiscus juice and of course red velvet cake. You can find these items in your local Black owned restaurants. But if you can’t, you can always buy a pint of Red Velvet Cheesecake flavor from Creamalicious, an ice cream brand created and owned by Executive Chef Liz Rogers, a Black woman.

If you want to ensure that you pass down specific Juneteenth traditions to your children, make sure you incorporate red foods into your meal this day. The color red is a symbol for the blood of the people who have sacrificed their freedom and their lives, tolling in this country so that we might enjoy a better life. Red shows up in a lot of Black culinary traditions including barbecue, hibiscus juice and of course red velvet cake. You can find these items in your local Black owned restaurants. But if you can’t, you can always buy a pint of Red Velvet Cheesecake flavor from Creamalicious, an ice cream brand created and owned by Executive Chef Liz Rogers, a Black woman.

Hit the Streets

Hit the Streets

Juneteenth parades used to be relegated to Texas, where the holiday has been recognized by the government since 1980. But now that it’s federal, several cities are beginning their own traditions to honor the day. Check out your local library for information about parades, gatherings, and other events that are both educational and entertaining for the whole family. 

Juneteenth parades used to be relegated to Texas, where the holiday has been recognized by the government since 1980. But now that it’s federal, several cities are beginning their own traditions to honor the day. Check out your local library for information about parades, gatherings, and other events that are both educational and entertaining for the whole family. 

Make Some Art

Make Some Art

If you want to engage your little artists, Pink Picasso’s paint by numbers kits are a great way to get your creative juices flowing. This Black owned company offers the perfect vehicle to create something beautiful while also having a conversation about Black entrepreneurship in their Watermelon kit. As you work to bring the picture to life, you can talk to your kids about how newly freed Black folk began selling watermelon to begin earning money for themselves for the first time in this country. While our connection to watermelon has been denigrated, it is a symbol of our freedom. 

If you want to engage your little artists, Pink Picasso’s paint by numbers kits are a great way to get your creative juices flowing. This Black owned company offers the perfect vehicle to create something beautiful while also having a conversation about Black entrepreneurship in their Watermelon kit. As you work to bring the picture to life, you can talk to your kids about how newly freed Black folk began selling watermelon to begin earning money for themselves for the first time in this country. While our connection to watermelon has been denigrated, it is a symbol of our freedom. 

Who says learning history can’t be fun? A good family trip promotes moments for bonding while creating long lasting memories. And it is perfect learning experience for your inquisitive children. If you’re looking for a location rich in Black culture, Michigan is an ideal place for you.

Did you know that a Baptist church located at 441 Monroe, in Greektown, was a major stop along the underground railroad? What about the small town Idlewild that was an escape for Black people during the Jim Crow era? The Great Lakes state is steeped in Black history as the birthplace of many influential moments that have helped shape the world. It is also the birthplace of notable names like Stevie Wonder and Della Reese. Michigan is more than a picturesque escape, it is a landmark for Black music, art, and history.

Did you know that a Baptist church located at 441 Monroe, in Greektown, was a major stop along the underground railroad? What about the small town Idlewild that was an escape for Black people during the Jim Crow era? The Great Lakes state is steeped in Black history as the birthplace of many influential moments that have helped shape the world. It is also the birthplace of notable names like Stevie Wonder and Della Reese. Michigan is more than a picturesque escape, it is a landmark for Black music, art, and history.

Second Baptist Church – A Stop Along The Underground Railroad

Second Baptist Church – A Stop Along The Underground Railroad

From 1836 to 1865, Second Baptist Church served as a “Safe Haven”  for the enslaved seeking freedom in Canada. It was one of the last stops on the Underground Railroad. As a hub, it helped free 5,000 enslaved people. 

From 1836 to 1865, Second Baptist Church served as a “Safe Haven”  for the enslaved seeking freedom in Canada. It was one of the last stops on the Underground Railroad. As a hub, it helped free 5,000 enslaved people. 

Second Baptist Church still has Sunday service to this day. Visitors are encouraged to take a tour of the sacred grounds, guided by the Detroit Underground Historical Railroad Society. Trace the steps of your ancestors while learning about the “Freedom Fighters” who put their lives on the line to break the shackles for their brethren. 

Second Baptist Church still has Sunday service to this day. Visitors are encouraged to take a tour of the sacred grounds, guided by the Detroit Underground Historical Railroad Society. Trace the steps of your ancestors while learning about the “Freedom Fighters” who put their lives on the line to break the shackles for their brethren. 

Idlewild

Idlewild

Nestled in the woods of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, was a small resort town dubbed the “Black Eden of Michigan.” The land, which was surrounded by lakes, provided a getaway for Black people in 1912 at the height of the Jim Crow era. 25,000 tourists from various places like Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit would travel to Idlewild, every year, to experience the hidden gem that boasted two-night clubs. Iconic entertainers like the Black Bottom-born Della Reese, B.B. King, Louis Armstrong and Aretha Franklin performed at the historic Paradise and Flamingo Clubs. 

Nestled in the woods of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, was a small resort town dubbed the “Black Eden of Michigan.” The land, which was surrounded by lakes, provided a getaway for Black people in 1912 at the height of the Jim Crow era. 25,000 tourists from various places like Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit would travel to Idlewild, every year, to experience the hidden gem that boasted two-night clubs. Iconic entertainers like the Black Bottom-born Della Reese, B.B. King, Louis Armstrong and Aretha Franklin performed at the historic Paradise and Flamingo Clubs. 

Sojourner Truth’s Monument

Sojourner Truth’s Monument

Abolitionist and women’s right activist Sojourner Truth’s legacy can be felt throughout Battle Creek, Michigan where she lived until she died in 1883. A 12-foot monument, designed by artist Tina Allen, was resurrected in her honor in Monument Park in 1999. It is a main attraction for visitors. Sojourner Truth is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. 

Abolitionist and women’s right activist Sojourner Truth’s legacy can be felt throughout Battle Creek, Michigan where she lived until she died in 1883. A 12-foot monument, designed by artist Tina Allen, was resurrected in her honor in Monument Park in 1999. It is a main attraction for visitors. Sojourner Truth is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. 

James Jackson Museum of African American History

James Jackson Museum of African American History

The James Jackson Museum of African American History can be found in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. This small but mighty time capsule is filled with history about the Black experience with a spotlight on local heroes and figures who’ve impacted American history. 

The James Jackson Museum of African American History can be found in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. This small but mighty time capsule is filled with history about the Black experience with a spotlight on local heroes and figures who’ve impacted American history. 

Black history month is an opportune time to bond with your child over our history. From civil rights leaders who helped shape the world as we know it, to inventors and groundbreaking politicians, February is dedicated to shining a spotlight on our heroes. With thousands of children’s history books on the market, reading about Black history can be a fun experience that promotes parent-children bonding, education and pride.

The benefits of reading with your children are endless. But for school age children, reading is essential to their cognitive growth. It feeds their imagination, enhances their vocabulary and teaches them empathy. Reading to your child for even a few minutes fosters a learning environment at home, which is the foundation to being a successful student at school. 

The benefits of reading with your children are endless. But for school age children, reading is essential to their cognitive growth. It feeds their imagination, enhances their vocabulary and teaches them empathy. Reading to your child for even a few minutes fosters a learning environment at home, which is the foundation to being a successful student at school. 

According to the Child Mind Institute, “Reading to young children is an important way to help them build language skills. It exposes them to new words and ways of using language. It also helps them learn general information about the world, which makes it easier for them to learn about new subjects once they get to school.”

According to the Child Mind Institute, “Reading to young children is an important way to help them build language skills. It exposes them to new words and ways of using language. It also helps them learn general information about the world, which makes it easier for them to learn about new subjects once they get to school.”

As the mom of a special needs daughter, who is nonverbal, reading is one of our favorite pastimes. She has a vast bookshelf with tons of literature that helps her explore her emotions and some of that is from the simple sound of my voice.

As the mom of a special needs daughter, who is nonverbal, reading is one of our favorite pastimes. She has a vast bookshelf with tons of literature that helps her explore her emotions and some of that is from the simple sound of my voice.

“Even a few minutes of reading together gives you and your child a chance to slow down and connect with each other. And the sensory experience of sitting with you and hearing your voice also engages their brain in a way that makes learning easier.”

“Even a few minutes of reading together gives you and your child a chance to slow down and connect with each other. And the sensory experience of sitting with you and hearing your voice also engages their brain in a way that makes learning easier.”

Keep scrolling for our favorite history books to read during Black History Month and all-year round. 

Keep scrolling for our favorite history books to read during Black History Month and all-year round. 

Black History Books For Children

Black History Books For Children

The ABCs of Black History

The ABCs of Black History

X is for Malcolm X and P is for Power — the alphabet takes on new meaning in this colorful text with vibrant illustrations. This New York Times bestseller explores affirming words and historical events in a pleasant rhyming scheme your child will enjoy.

X is for Malcolm X and P is for Power — the alphabet takes on new meaning in this colorful text with vibrant illustrations. This New York Times bestseller explores affirming words and historical events in a pleasant rhyming scheme your child will enjoy.

Order The ABCs of Black History, by Rio Cortez and illustrated Lauren Semmer, here.

Order The ABCs of Black History, by Rio Cortez and illustrated Lauren Semmer, here.

Order, Little Leaders: Bold Women In Black History

Order, Little Leaders: Bold Women In Black History

With eye-catching illustrations by Vashti Harrison, Dream Big Little One is a vivid and fun read highlighting Black women who’ve made herstory. Showcasing 18 trailblazing Black women, Dream Big Little One will inspire your child to reach for the stars like Mae Jeminson, the first Black women to go to space. 

With eye-catching illustrations by Vashti Harrison, Dream Big Little One is a vivid and fun read highlighting Black women who’ve made herstory. Showcasing 18 trailblazing Black women, Dream Big Little One will inspire your child to reach for the stars like Mae Jeminson, the first Black women to go to space. 

Order, Dream Big Little One: Bold Women In Black History, here.

Order, Dream Big Little One: Bold Women In Black History, here.

ABC Black History & Me

ABC Black History & Me

From Rosa Parks to Amanda Gourman, this modern book covers all the Black history bases. With fast facts and endearing illustrations spanning 170 years of Black history, your little one will learn about the prominent Black moments in time in the cadence of their ABCs.

From Rosa Parks to Amanda Gourman, this modern book covers all the Black history bases. With fast facts and endearing illustrations spanning 170 years of Black history, your little one will learn about the prominent Black moments in time in the cadence of their ABCs.

Order ABC Black History & Me, here.

Order ABC Black History & Me, here.

Happy reading!

Happy reading!