As we approach Black History Month, I’m thrilled to share Crafted, a family guide on “African Americans and Labor.” This year’s theme invites us to look at the role of work in shaping not only the history of Black Americans but also the culture, resilience, and progress of Black communities worldwide.

Work, in its many forms, has always been central to the Black experience. From the agricultural fields of the South, where enslaved Africans used their expertise to cultivate crops, to the rise of skilled trades, business ventures, and organized labor movements, work has been a means of survival, empowerment, and transformation. This theme encourages us to explore how work intersects with education, family, and community building efforts. It shows us how, through work, Black Americans have continuously strived for justice, equity, and opportunity—often under difficult and unjust circumstances.

This guide is designed to help families engage with the theme in a way that is meaningful, educational, and enjoyable. You’ll find activities that are as varied as the theme itself, from exploring agricultural roots and learning about vocational skills to discovering the stories of Black entrepreneurs and labor activists who advocated for fair working conditions and compensation. Each reading and activity is designed to be age appropriate and accessible, offering your family a chance to connect with history in a hands-on way.

These daily or weekly explorations will inspire thoughtful discussions, foster curiosity, and encourage your children to reflect on the vital role of work in shaping both Black history and the broader American story. Understanding this aspect of history is not just about acknowledging the past—it’s also about recognizing how the struggles and successes of Black workers continue to influence our present and shape the dreams we pursue for the future.

By engaging with this year’s theme, you are helping to build a deeper understanding of the perseverance, innovation, and courage that define the Black experience in America and beyond. I hope you find this journey to be as enriching as it is enlightening.