Multiculturalism

When we went to the library on Tuesday, Andrew checked out the audio book version of Wagon Wheels by Barbara Brenner. I was surprised to find out the book was based on the true story of black pioneers who settled in Kansas after the Civil War. It was a captivating story that even I wanted to hear again.

For all the talk about multiculturalism, it seems that the study of black history when I was in school was limited to slavery, George Washington Carver, Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr. I will admit that, for me, even those discussions were uncomfortable. I was put off by the remarks that it wasn't all that bad and embarrassed by the expressions of pity.

I want to teach my children about black history from a position of triumph. I want them to know that, with Christ, they too can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. I want my children to study black art, music, and literature. I want them to learn about black pioneers, cowboys, inventors, war heroes and activists.

More importantly, I want to walk with my children as they study difficult subjects. I want to be the one to answer their questions and dispel myths they encounter. I don't believe that desire is limited to those in African-American home schools.

With homeschooling, we as parents choose what to teach our children, and how and when we will teach it. That's just one of many benefits of homeschooling.