Homeschool Resources for Black Catholic History Month
In 1990, the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States chose to designate November as Black Catholic History Month. Therefore, November marks a time when the Church prays for all saints and souls in loving remembrance. It is a time to recall the saints and souls of Africa and the African Diaspora. In light of this, we will review some course options with Homeschool Connections that deal with African American history.
Civil Rights in America, 1863-1968: Setbacks, Struggles, and Shockwaves with Dr. Christopher Martin
American Civil Rights have developed very slowly since the nation’s inception, with no more controversial aspect than the fight to treat blacks with equity. This online course uses black civil rights as a case study in American history. Dr. Martin begins by briefly tracing the background of black slavery and racism in America, leading up to the first great national Civil Rights movements and their victories in the Civil War and early post-Civil War Eras. Next, the course dwells long and hard upon the period of Jim Crow, where Southern states essentially rolled back the hard-won victories of the Reconstruction. Finally, the course explains the motivations and consequences of the great era of the Civil Rights movement. Then, it is followed with a brief epilogue about what the Civil Rights movement looks like in the modern age.
Duration: 14 classes
Grade Level: High school, with accommodations available for Middle Schoolers
To Learn More: https://caravel.homeschoolconnections.com/catalog/1381328599
The American Civil War: The Conflict That Made a Nation with Dr. Christopher Martin
The American Civil War, in many ways, finished the work of the American Revolution, settling the nation’s future course for years to come. The struggle of this conflict is one of the most American and epic stories in recorded history. This course briefly examines the causes and consequences of the Civil War but focuses primarily on the politics, personalities, and military events that forged America into a unified country. While the emphasis of the course is on the conflict itself, there is ample discussion about slavery and debates over the rights of African Americans, as these issues were central to the Civil War era.
Duration: 14 classes
Grade Level: High school, with accommodations available for Middle Schoolers
To Learn More: https://caravel.homeschoolconnections.com/catalog/1749834683
The Civil War Years: The Divided States of America with Alison Stanley
Conversely, if you’re looking for an exclusively middle school course that addresses these issues, Professor Stanley’s course on the Civil War is ideal. This course explores the political, economic, and legal issues that existed during the Civil War years, including federalism, slavery, the Dred Scott decision, the suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Gettysburg Address. Additionally, it covers pertinent Catholic statements on the war. Key figures and major battles are discussed, and life as a soldier is investigated. Moreover, there is a study of the Reconstruction period and its relevance to African American history.
Duration: 10 classes
Grade Level: Middle School
To Learn More: https://caravel.homeschoolconnections.com/catalog/611210479
Phillip Campbell’s History Videos
While Mr. Campbell does not offer a current course dedicated to the subject of African Americans, the civil rights movement, or the Civil War as such, he has two YouTube videos pertinent to African American history and/or Catholicism:
The Catholic Church and Slavery
“The Catholic Church and Slavery” is a 15-minute lecture wherein Mr. Campbell discusses the historical position of the Catholic Church on slavery and how the popes addressed African chattel slavery throughout the slave period. It forms part of his series of lectures on the Age of Exploration.
Origin of Jim Crow
Mr. Campbell’s video on Jim Crow is a 20-minute lecture on the origin and growth of Jim Crow segregation in the South in the years after the Civil War. He explains Jim Crow and details how it spread at the turn of the 20th century. Additionally, there is a discussion of the impeachment of Andrew Johnson and the Lost Cause narrative. This is part of his lectures on Modern American History.
Honoring Black Catholic History Through Education and Awareness
In recognizing Black Catholic History Month, Homeschool Connections brings valuable learning opportunities that deepen students’ understanding of African American history, civil rights, and the role of Catholicism in these historical contexts. From comprehensive courses on the Civil Rights Movement and the Civil War to discussions on Catholic perspectives on slavery, these offerings foster critical insights into the struggles and achievements of African Americans and the Church’s involvement.
As we remember the saints and souls of African heritage this November, courses like these provide a foundation for students to appreciate the profound contributions of Black Catholics and the ongoing journey toward justice and equality.
To learn more about this subject, check out other blog articles and book reviews here: Black Catholic History.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Join me and other homeschooling parents at our Homeschool Connections Community or our Facebook group to continue the discussion!
