About This Guide

As a famous songwriter once pinned, "Ah, yes, I remember it well." We entered into this season of our lives with all the enthusiasm and anxieties of first-time homeschooling parents. Though homeschooling was not as foreign a concept as it had been ten or twenty years ago, we were still taking a bold and uncertain path in deciding to educate our children by ourselves. Not only did we experience the gamut of all possible reactions from family and friends, ranging from "Can you homeschool my kids, too?" to "What made you decide to do that?" We were also being 'transformed by the renewing of our minds' into the belief that we could succeed as a primarily one-income family amidst modern-day materialistic attitudes, without the prestige of the private school environment where our children were previously enrolled. Probably the most controversial aspect of homeschooling for us was our decision to "turn our backs", so to speak, on an educational system that, not too long ago, our people fought mightily to be a part of. To say the least, we began with a level of angst when weighing our decision against societal expectations, but with confidence that our direction was God-inspired. We were determined to acknowledge Him in all our ways and know that He would direct our paths.

I began to research curriculum choices. Specifically, I was looking for an early American history option which would instill in our elementary-aged, African-American children a sense of who they are both spiritually and historically. Upon careful study, I concluded my search disappointed. Significant portions, if not all, of African-American history were missing from most Christian and/or literature-based curricula. The dark era of slavery of the African-American was completely missing from several curricula, which focused instead on Abraham Lincoln and moved immediately into the post -Civil War era. At best, there may have been a cursory mention of more prominent characters like Harriet Tubman and perhaps Frederick Douglass. Moreover, not only was the African-American experience ignored, but also the same was largely true of all people of color. Too often the tragedy and triumph of the Native American, as an example, was overshadowed by the overabundance of literature on the life of the Pilgrim. I reflected on this reality in light of the fact that African-American homeschooling families accounted for approximately one percent of home-schooled students in 1997. Just five years later, that figure is closer to 5 percent--and rising exponentially. A seed was planted in me to write this guide.

As a way of maximizing the use of this outline, let me first say that the lessons are presented with the intention of using a Charlotte Mason-like approach. Short passages of literature are suggested to present ideas. The parent should then allow the child space to reflect and document his/her thoughts on what has been read. In our home, ideas were expressed through daily journaling and timeline development. In fact, all the illustrations presented throughout the book are my daughter's handiwork as she artistically captured each day's lesson.

This guide is intended to enhance the child's learning through a variety of activities that cater to more than one learning style. Again, though the primary activity is to listen to a passage and capture what has been read, additional suggestions are listed to enrich the experience. The auditory learner can benefit from hearing the story and the discussion questions; the visual learner will enjoy the books, selected in part for their exquisite illustrations. Finally, for the kinesthetic learner, there are hands-on exercises that either compliment the timeline development, or allow the child to complete a project that is entirely separate.

Finally, I felt very strongly about selecting books that go beyond the readers that are common historical fiction found in most primary-aged history curricula. Instead, I searched for literature that was uplifting and accurate in capturing the emotions of people of color (not just African-Americans). I wanted books that were able to move the mind and heart, not just present facts. It was, and is, important to me that the child who benefits from this outline not only can place people and events, but also gain an awareness of what a given experience felt like for the people involved. In consideration of the financial plight of many homeschooling families I also worked to minimize out-of-pocket costs for purchase of books used. Most, if not all, of the books listed as needed resources are available in public libraries.

It is my prayer that each one who uses this guide will be enlightened and inspired by the stories told. Most of all, regardless of the struggles that our people and all people encountered in building this great nation, we should be clear that, as Romans 8:28 exhorts us, 'All things work together for good for them that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose'. May God bless you richly.