black history month Archives - Mother 2 Mother Blog

African American Quotes By Famous People

February 5, 2021 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing empowerment tips on famous African American quotes. I have put together a roundup of quotes from various Black History contributors to honor Black History Month. Their words will inspire, encourage, and hopefully nudge you to take action to make your dreams come true.

I have quotes from Michael Jordan, Michelle Obama, Martin Luther King Jr. and more. Lets get inspired.

Photo courtesy of Oprah Magazine

Famous African American Quotes:

“You must never be fearful about what you’re doing when it’s right.” – Rosa Parks

“The more you know your history, the more liberated you are.” – Maya Angelou

“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And, that is why I succeed. – Michael Jordan

“In the end we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“Only a fool will let his enemy teach his children.” – Malcolm X

“Character Is Power.” – Booker T. Washington

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

“Our crowns have been bought and paid for. All we have to do is put them on our heads.” – James Baldwin

“Without education, you not going anywhere in this world.” – Malcolm X

“Challenges make your discover things about yourself that you never really knew.” – Cicely Tyson

“I never lose, I either win or learn.” – Nelson Mandela

“Intelligence plus character, that is the true goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“If you are afraid to use your voice, give up your seat at the table.” – Michelle Obama

“You have to learn to get up from the table when love is no longer being served.” – Nina Simone

“The soul that is within me no man can degrade.” – Frederick Douglas

“No person is your friend who demands your silence or denies your right to grow.” – Alice Walker

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” – Muhammad Ali

I hope you enjoy these Famous African American Quotes, and you will find inspiration in them throughout the year.

History of Chicken and Waffles – Black History

January 24, 2021 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on the history of chicken and waffles. This post contains Black History Month educational facts for kids. Historians researched this dish, and it first appeared on the menu of the Wells Supper Club in Harlem in 1938. Many people believed that chicken and waffles originated in the South, but no it was New York.

So, the Wells Supper Club was a popular late night stop for jazz musicians. Patrons found that it was too late to order dinner, but too early for breakfast from the menu. Fried chicken on a waffle was an acceptable dish for hungry musicians and other patrons. So it became a hit.

History of Chicken and Waffles:

People have asked what makes chicken and waffles so appealing? The perfectly seasoned chicken over a crispy waffle is the appeal. Topping it with lots of sweet syrup is a bonus. You can’t beat the salty chicken, crispy waffle and sweet syrup combination.

Fried chicken was only served to wealthy Whites. Prior to the Civil War, chicken and waffles were extravagant breakfast staples in plantation houses cooked by slaves.
Slaves could not eat any of the dishes created for White families.
West African slaves were experts in seasoning food. They introduced southern whites to spices and the technique of using seasoning and batter on food.
Palm oil was used to fry battered, seasoned chicken.
When fat was rendered into lard, it became the oil for frying chicken.
Chicken became a popular dish in Black homes after the emancipation of slaves. Freed slaves could raise their own chickens. They were cheap to feed, and had lots of meat on their bones.
Black women sold fried chicken, pies and biscuits to make money for their families once they were emancipated.
Once Black women became entrepreneurs, fried chicken became associated with Black people and poverty. Even though wealthy White people devoured fried chicken that slaves fixed in their kitchens for years, but they created the stereotype of Black people and fried chicken to make them feel inferior.

The Dutch introduced waffles to America. However, Thomas Jefferson made waffles popular in upper class homes and plantations. He purchased a waffle iron in France, and brought it back to the United States.

However, The Wells Supper Club combined the two and they served their famous chicken and waffles for 50 years. Sadly, the club closed in 1982. But, if you’re ever in the Los Angles area, stop by Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles. President Obama stopped by in 2011, he ordered the Country Boy, 3 wings and waffles.

I encourage you to whip up a batch at home. I use my Belgian waffle iron when I dish up chicken and waffles, I like the thickness. However, regular waffle irons will work to. Wings are my favorites with waffles, but chicken legs and thighs work too. Some people even use skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Whatever you do, drizzle lots of syrup over the dish. The salty and sweet combination will explode in your mouth.

You can download the Black History Month kids printables here. You may also like my Black History Facts on the Lone Ranger. Also, you may like Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: black history contributors, black history facts, black history month

Black History Facts – The Lone Ranger

January 22, 2021 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on educational activities on Black History Facts. Our feature today is Bass Reeves, the original Lone Ranger. Many people remember the Lone Ranger TV Show played by Clayton Moore. He had a Native American partner named Tonto. The Lone Ranger rode a white stallion and wore a black mask.

Black History Facts About the Lone Ranger:

However, the original Lone Ranger was Bass Reeves. Reeves was born a slave in Arkansas. Bass’s mother worked in the kitchen, and his father was a house servant. Young Reeves worked in the cotton fields as a water boy. Bass Washington was Bass Reeves’ grandfather and namesake. However, he took his slave master’s surname. Which, wasn’t unusual during slavery.

Bass fled to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) after getting into a fight with his slave master. He lived with Seminole, Cherokee, and Creek Indians learning their language, customs, and tracking skills. Furthermore, he became a skilled marksman.

He purchased land in Arkansas once he was emancipated after the Civil War, and became a successful farmer/rancher. Reeves married Nellie Jennie and fathered 10 children with her. They had five girls and five boys. He made a good living as a rancher and as a horse breeder, and served as a guide for the U.S. Deputy Marshals searching for outlaws.

Furthermore, Bass Reeves was ambidextrous and became an expert sharpshooter from both hands. Historians said he never missed a target. He armed himself with a colt on each hip, and wore them with the butts facing forward. He was also an expert shooter using the Winchester rifle.

His life as a rancher would be interrupted by the law. Not in a negative way, but in a positive way. U.S. Marshall James F. Fagan hired Bass as a U.S. Deputy Marshall. Fagan had heard of Reeves’ reputation as a marksman. He also knew Reeves spoke several Indian languages and was quite knowledgeable of the territory. As a result, Fagan knew that naming Reeves as Deputy Marshal was the right step. He was the first Black to hold the title.

Although taking the position was dangerous, Reeves was up for the job. He stood 6′, 2″ and weighed around 200 pounds. He stayed in the position for 30+ years. Furthermore, Reeves wore disguises to capture many of his targets, and he never missed a target if the capture ended in a shoot out. Reeves captured over 3,000 criminals during his career.

Bass Reeves lost his first wife, and married a second time to Winnie Sumter. They had one child together, making a total of 11 children for Reeves.

The history books have finally found a place for Bass Reeves. He was the first African-American inducted into the Great Westerners Hall of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. Furthermore, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2010. He also has a bridge named after him, the Bass Reeves Memorial Bridge. Last, he has a bronze statue depicting him riding on a horse in Fort Smith’s Pendergraft Park.

Reeves great-great-great-grandson is National Hockey League player Ryan Reaves.

I’ve included facts in a Bass Reeves printable. It’s perfect for Black History Month homeschooling units or teaching your children about Black History. So, print my Black History Month kids printables for your kids. I’ve also included a crossword, fact sheet, coloring page, and word search puzzle. You can download them here.

Filed Under: Education, Printables Tagged With: Bass Reeves, black history facts, black history month

Black History Books for Kids – Part II

February 15, 2018 by Rhonda Gales 1 Comment

Today, I’m sharing my recommendations on black history books for kids. This post continues my selection of books for little known contributors who have had a big impact on our country and around the world.

We hope that you will add a few of these picks to your homeschool curriculum or reading list for your child. Again, Black History isn’t really taught in our schools, however, that doesn’t mean that our children can’t learn about African American contributions at home.

Black History Books for Kids

Gordon Parks: Capturing Black and White America– First, Gordon Parks’ white teacher told her all-black class that they would be porters and waiters. However, Gordon Parks proved her wrong. He went to become a successful photographer and movie director. He is known for the photo, American Gothic. American Gothic is a portrait of a government cleaning woman named Ella Watson. Parks was also famous for shooting a collection of evening gowns for Vogue. He developed the style of photographing his models in motion rather than poised. He was also a Hollywood film director. Ages 4 – 8.

Preaching to the Chickens – Next, this book is about Civil Rights Leader and Congressman John Lewis. John wants to be a preacher when he grows up. The family puts John in charge of the flock of chicken on the farm. Instead of waiting until he grew up, he preached to the chickens. John Lewis went on the become a civil rights icon, marching with Martin Luther King Jr. Ages 7 – 10.

Hidden Figures – Next, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math. They were geniuses. These ladies provided calculations for NASA and America’s first journey into space. They were known as NASA computers. These ladies broke down barriers and became successful mathematicians at NASA and in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) career field. Ages 4 – 8.

A Dance Like Starlight: This book is about the first African-American prima ballerina, Janet Collins. Janet was born in Harlem in the 1950’s. She dreamed of becoming a ballerina doing pirouettes and grande jetes. She became the first African American prima ballerina and opened the door for African American girls across the country. Ages 6 – 9.

Take a Picture of Me James Van Der Zee – So, James Van Der Zee decided to save his money to buy a camera. He took pictures of his family, classmates and anyone who would allow him to take their pictures. By the fifth grade, James became the school photographer and unofficial town photographer. He eventually moved to New York City where there were more opportunities. However, his boss told him that nobody would want a photo taken by a black photographer. James proved him wrong. He opened his own studio. He became famous by taking photos of politicians such as Marcus Garvey, performers including Florence Mills, Bill -Bojangles- Robinson, and Mamie Smith. Ages 7 – 11.

My Story, My Dance – Last, Robert Battle, artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Robert wore braces on his legs when he was a child. With support from his family and teachers, Robert exceled in martial arts and ballet. He was motivated by Alvin Ally’s dance – Revelations. In 2011, Robert Battle became the Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. They have performed in seventy-one countries on six continents. Ages 7 – 10.

Finally, we hope that you will expose your child to a few of these facts. Furthermore, we hope that you add a few black history books for kids to their reading list or homeschool curriculum. Additionally, you may also like: Black History Books for Kids – Part I.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: black history books, black history facts, black history month

Unique Black History Books for Kids – Part I

February 9, 2018 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on black history books for kids. Unfortunately, many of our schools limit black history to Martin Luther King, George Washington Carver and Frederick Douglass. However, there are so many more African Americans who have contributed to our great country. But, we know little or nothing of them.

This post focuses on little known contributors who have had a big impact on our country and around the world. Pick out a few books and add them to your homeschool curriculum or reading list for your child. Because Black History isn’t really taught in our schools, however, that doesn’t mean that our children can’t learn about contributions at home.

Black History Books for Kids:

The Youngest Marcher – Additionally, black history books for kids should include the story of 9 year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks. Audrey was the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963. The book explains how Audrey Hendricks stood up to segregation, and how she marched with thousands of fellow students. It demonstrates that you’re never to young to speak up. Appropriate for ages 5 – 10.

Ellen’s Broom – This book tells the history of Jumping the Broom. Slaves were not allowed to marry until slavery was abolished. As a result, couples jumped over a broom together into marriage. After slaves became free, they were able to go to the court house and register the marriage that took place in their heart.

Ella is the star in the book. She heads to the court house with her parents, and brings the broom that had hung over the fireplace that symbolized their marriage. They were free, and could legally register as husband and wife. Ella wanted to hang on to the tradition, so her parents jumps the broom again. Appropriate for ages 5 – 8.

Between the Lines – Ernie Barnes was a child in the segregated South. Ernie loved art; however, football was his ticket to college. Ernie was 6-foot-3-inch frame in high school, so a college football coach took steps to recruit him. Ernie visited museums for the first time when he was in college. But, he noticed that none of the museums represented black artists.

Although Ernie was successful playing professional football, his true love remained art. So, after his football career came to an end he approached the American Football League/National Football League about becoming their official artist. Ernie went on to become a renowned artist. The television show Good Times showed many of Ernie Barnes paintings as J.J.’s. Additionally, his paintings were shown on Columbo, The Hughley’s, The Wayans Bros., Wife Swap, and Soul Food. They were also used in the movies Drumline and Boyz N The Hood. Appropriate for ages 8 and up.

We’ve all heard of Mozart, right? Than Before There Was Mozart is a must read. This inspiring story tells how Joseph Boulogne—a black man, the only child of a black slave and her white master, becomes “the most accomplished man in Europe.” He was a master of the violin and went on to write his own operas. He played first violin with a Paris orchestra and eventually became the conductor. By 30, he rose to star level , and was the first musician of color to play for royalty and a renowned composer. Appropriate for ages 6 – 8.

Fancy Party Gowns – Finally, another book that should be added to black history books for kids is the picture book about designer Ann Cole Lowe. Ann Cole Lowe was a little-known African-American fashion designer. Although she encountered personal and social problems pursuing her passion, she went on to make beautiful gowns and became one of society’s top designers. Eventually she designed for the elite. She created the dress worn by Academy Award winner Olivia de Havilland in 1947 and Jacqueline Bouvier’s wedding to John F. Kennedy in 1953. Appropriate for ages 4 – 8.

We hope that you will expose your child to a few of these facts and add a few black history books for kids to their reading list or homeschool curriculum. You may also like: African American Inventions Word Search.