Black History Month serves as an important reminder to learn more about the history and contributions of Black communities throughout our daily lives and to celebrate and elevate BIPOC voices.  

I was recently reminded of this quote from Oprah Winfrey: 

I am where I am because of the bridges that I crossed. Sojourner Truth was a bridge. Harriet Tubman was a bridge. Madame C.J. Walker was a bridge. Fannie Lou Hamer was a bridge. 

To me, this is the essence of Black History. During this time, when we reflect on those who have been bridges for us, we also have the opportunity to think forward. How are we bridges for those who will follow us? How are we charting a course for our paths and theirs? For me, my mother was a bridge. My grandmother was a bridge. And my great aunts were bridges. None of these women were famous, and none were educated beyond high school. But all of them lived lives governed by wisdom that helped to chart my course. In honor of their memories and deep sacrifice, I challenge myself and all of us to celebrate Black history and the part that we each play in supporting Black futures. By the world’s standards we may not have notable names or pedigrees but being a bridge will cause your influence to span generations.  

In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, we at Children’s Place Association are excited to share some of the ways in which we are building bridges with the kids and families we serve. Check out the highlights below. 

Warm regards,   

Cinaiya Stubbs
President & CEO
Children’s Place Association  

Celebrating Black History Month at Children’s Place

Our Child and Family Services team sent residents a packet of fun and educational activities to complete prior to the upcoming Family Night tomorrow evening, February 10th. The pictures will be displayed and discussed that night. The evening will also feature more trivia, games, and the option to make their own dashikis. 

Our Early Learning kids will make an African Flag and learn what each color means as well as read a story about Jackie Robinson and learn about his life and the life of other African Americans in baseball.  

Additionally, our parenting curriculum, Parents as Teachers, will focus on the developmental benefits of reading aloud to your child. The parents will be offered copies of three books: The ABCS of Black History, Dream Big Little One, and My First Heroes: Black History to read at home. 

If you are looking for ways to celebrate and honor Black History Month, here are some resources our team has gathered: 

Children’s Place Association’s community is comprised primarily of Black and Latinx families – the majority of whom survive on incomes of $10,000 or less and struggle with chronic illness, violence, and racial disparities. Through our work, we strive to build a more secure and hopeful today for a community suffering from the effects of structural racism by supporting hundreds of children and youth in accessing the educational, health, and environmental resources they need to thrive and succeed.