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Back to School & Black Business Month
- Cristal Tejeda
- Aug 9
- 4 min read
August –
"Dear Lord, as our children return to school, we ask for wisdom, strength, and guidance in their educational journeys. Bless the educators and parents who nurture them, and may they know that education is the key to unlocking their full potential. Amen."
Letter to the People/Supporters
Dear Young Scholars and Gardinas, It’s back-to-school time, and what better way to start the year than by supporting Black-owned businesses and brands that foster academic success? Let’s set our kids up for a year of growth, success, and empowerment by building a solid foundation with tools that uplift them and celebrate their Blackness.
Preparing Our Kids for a Powerful School Year
Tips on mental preparedness, goal setting, and fostering self-confidence in children as they embark on a new academic year.
As the school year begins, it's important to focus on mental preparedness. Here are some tips to help your child thrive this year:
Goal Setting: Encourage your child to set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Whether it’s improving reading skills, joining a new extracurricular activity, or making a new friend, setting goals will help them stay focused and motivated.
Studies show that students who set goals are 50% more likely to stay on track and achieve their academic targets (Source: American Educational Research Association).
Building Resilience: Teach children that failure is not the end but part of the learning process. Encourage them to embrace mistakes as opportunities to grow.
Fostering Self-Confidence: Help your child develop a positive self-image by acknowledging their strengths and praising their efforts. This builds internal confidence that can carry them through academic challenges.
Routine & Organization: Help your child establish a routine to keep them organized. A set bedtime, a designated study space, and time for relaxation will set them up for a balanced and successful year.
Supporting Black-Owned Educational Brands & Businesses
Highlighting Black-owned educational resources, businesses, and products that help empower our children in their learning experiences.
Sister's Uptown Bookstore (Harlem, NY) Sister's Uptown Bookstore is a beloved community hub in Harlem, dedicated to showcasing literature that reflects the experiences of people of African descent. The bookstore offers an inspiring collection of books, with a special focus on works by Black authors, and it serves as a cultural center that supports education and empowerment. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing the owner on my YouTube channel, where you can learn more about the rich history and mission behind the store. Be sure to check out the interview for a deeper dive into this cherished Harlem institution.
https://youtu.be/Q6KIuVUIqk4?si=t51u3AYgTyUBGRqu
Other Black-Owned Bookstores: Indie bookstores like Mahogany Books and Harlem's Bookstore not only offer books but also create community spaces for Black children to discover their heritage.
The Brown Bookshelf: This online bookstore features stories about Black characters and authors. It’s a great resource for educational books and an excellent place to find stories that reflect the diverse experiences of Black children. About the Brown Bookshelf - The Brown Bookshelf
Black-Owned STEM Kits: Companies that create STEM kits that celebrate Black inventors, scientists, and innovators. These kits are designed to spark curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Team Genius Squad || Fostering Belief in Oneself
The Black School Supply Shop: A one-stop destination for Black-owned school supplies, from notebooks to backpacks. Supporting these businesses helps create an educational ecosystem that uplifts our children. Shop – The Black School
Books to Build Confidence & Academic Success
Here’s a curated list of books to inspire children of all ages to believe in their abilities and see the world as a place where they can achieve greatness.
""The ABCs of Black History" by Rio Cortez
Age Range: 3-7 years
This book introduces children to key figures and events in Black history, presented through a fun, engaging alphabet format. It’s an excellent way to build cultural pride and academic confidence early on.
Books to help children build their academic confidence and see the world as a place where they can excel.
"."The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kamkwamba
Age Range: 8-12 years
A true story of a young boy in Malawi who builds a windmill to save his village from famine. This inspiring story encourages kids to dream big, embrace challenges, and understand the importance of ingenuity in problem-solving.
"What If?" by Samantha Berger
Age Range: 4-8 years
This empowering book about resilience and creativity teaches children that their worth is not defined by obstacles or external opinions. Perfect for fostering confidence in young minds. https://amzn.to/4m3WulV
"I Am Enough" by Grace Byers
Age Range: 4-8 years
A beautifully illustrated book that encourages children to embrace who they are and to be proud of their uniqueness, it’s a great tool for self-love and confidence-building.
"Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race" by Margot Lee Shetterly
Age Range: 8-12 years
This book highlights the achievements of four Black women mathematicians at NASA, teaching children that no dream is too big and that they can succeed in fields where they’re underrepresented.
Let me know if you'd like me to adjust anything further!
Parent Suggestions
Encourage your child to set academic goals for the year. Create a vision board together to visualize their success and empower them to take control of their learning.
Create a Vision Board:
Help your child visualize their success by creating a vision board that includes their academic goals, dreams, and aspirations. This tangible reminder will encourage them to stay focused and motivated.
Encourage Academic Curiosity:
Take the time to explore new subjects with your child, especially those they might not encounter in their regular school curriculum. Use documentaries, books, or even a visit to a museum to expand their horizons.
Support Extracurricular Interests:
Whether it’s art, music, sports, or robotics, helping your child discover their passions outside of the classroom can build their confidence and complement their academic growth.
Games & Coloring Pages
Do this back-to-school word search featuring Black inventors, scientists, and scholars. Design a coloring page that celebrates Black-owned educational businesses.
Ending Affirmation
I am ready to learn and grow. I believe in my abilities and the power of education. This year, I will achieve my dreams and continue to be proud of who I am."
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