100 things a Black American child should know before 18
Know your cultural and ancestral roots.
Learn about Black America history beyond slavery.
Understand the contributions of Black inventors, artists, leaders, and thinkers.
Be able to explain Juneteenth, civil rights movements, and major Black milestones.
Develop pride in Black heritage, features, and traditions.
Learn about the Harlem Renaissance, HBCUs, and the Great Migration.
Know about resistance leaders like Malcolm X, Angela Davis, and Fred Hampton.
Understand systemic racism and how it persists today.
Know how to discuss your identity with confidence.
Learn to push back against stereotypes without losing yourself.
Speak fluently and confidently in diverse settings.
Know how to “code-switch” strategically without losing your authenticity.
Learn how to write and speak professionally (emails, interviews, etc.).
Express yourself through art, music, fashion, or storytelling.
Know when to listen, when to speak, and how to advocate for yourself.
Practice active listening with empathy.
Defend your ideas with respect and clarity.
Know how to respond to microaggressions constructively.
Use your voice for change — through writing, art, or activism.
Learn to network with diverse people and build alliances.
Know how to interact safely with law enforcement.
Memorize your rights: Miranda rights, right to remain silent, etc.
Know your address, emergency contacts, and legal protections.
Understand racial profiling and how to stay safe while resisting it.
Practice resilience in the face of racial trauma.
Know how to report discrimination and document it if necessary.
Build emotional armor — without becoming numb or cold.
Learn how to decompress from racialized stress (media, school, etc.).
Understand how racism can be covert, institutional, or casual.
Learn to trust your instincts and walk away from unsafe spaces.
Know how voting works and why it matters in your community.
Learn about redlining, voter suppression, and gerrymandering.
Be involved in your community — volunteer, organize, mentor.
Learn about Black-led movements (BLM, NAACP, Urban League).
Study laws that have impacted Black people (e.g., the War on Drugs, 3 Strikes).
Understand your power to create change — locally and nationally.
Know how to write or speak to elected officials.
Know the role of community activists and grassroots organizers.
Understand how the criminal justice system impacts Black communities.
Be aware of racial disparities in healthcare, education, and employment.
Know how to process anger, sadness, and frustration healthily.
Develop coping skills for racism-related stress.
Be emotionally literate — name your feelings and express them.
Practice forgiveness, but never at the cost of your self-worth.
Know that therapy is strength, not weakness.
Understand the importance of rest and joy as resistance.
Learn how to self-affirm when the world tries to minimize you.
Set healthy boundaries, even with family.
Build self-esteem rooted in values, not comparison.
Learn how to ask for help without shame.
Learn to manage money: budgeting, saving, spending wisely.
Know how credit works — and how to build it.
Understand generational wealth and how to build it.
Open a bank account and track spending.
Learn about scholarships, FAFSA, and student loan management.
Explore entrepreneurship and side hustles.
Know how to write a resume and cover letter.
Practice job interview skills.
Learn about Black-owned banks and businesses.
Understand the wage gap and ways to negotiate salary.
Know that you are enough — even when the world tells you otherwise.
Set big goals and break them down into plans.
Study Black excellence — not just in struggle, but in joy and creativity.
Find mentors who look like you and those who don’t.
Take pride in public speaking, storytelling, or leading.
Know how to advocate for yourself in the classroom and workplace.
Learn to shine without dimming others.
Discover your “why” — what drives and inspires you.
Learn to be a role model for younger children.
Practice gratitude as a grounding tool.
Develop strong reading comprehension skills.
Learn to write persuasively and clearly.
Study Black authors and thought leaders.
Know how to study, manage time, and stay organized.
Learn to research and fact-check information.
Excel in STEM, the arts, or any area you choose — unapologetically.
Know the value of education as a liberation tool.
Ask questions fearlessly in class.
Know your academic rights if unfairly disciplined.
Develop a love for lifelong learning.
Know that spirituality and identity are intertwined.
Understand the role of the Black church, mosques, and spiritual traditions.
Explore melanated philosophies (e.g., Ubuntu).
Celebrate Black art, film, literature, and food.
Be proud of your hair, skin, and body — they are sacred.
Study melanated cultures (Caribbean, African, Afro-Latinx, etc.)
Learn at least one melanated or diasporic cultural practice (dance, drumming, etc.).
Know that your Blackness is global — not limited to American context.
Engage with elders and their wisdom.
Practice traditions that root you in heritage.
Cook a few staple meals.
Do laundry, clean, and organize your space.
Manage transportation: drive, ride, navigate.
Apply for college, jobs, or trade schools.
Read a contract or lease carefully before signing.
Understand the risks of drugs, alcohol, and addiction.
Know how to protect your digital identity.
Set personal goals and track progress.
Maintain physical health — fitness, nutrition, sleep.
Love yourself deeply — and fight for your place in the world.