NPR has broken down how to discuss politics and social issues with children without leaving them confused.  

Check out NPR's article "Now is a Good Time to Talk to Kids About Civics"

 

For an educational road trip about the history of African Americans in North Carolina check out NCTripping.com. This website features museums, music trails, and many more historic sites.

 

For something more local check out the Geer Cemetery and their In Plain Site exhibit running until March 7th, illuminating the unseen history of African Americans in North Carolina with self-guided or socially distanced tours.

 

Durham Public Schools has #DPSBeyond28 events every Wednesday in February at 1 pm to mark African American History Month.  Look at their schedule of events here.  

 

Do you know who Durham's first African American Mayor was?

What year did Durham elect its first African American City Council member?

Who was the longest-serving Durham Mayor? 

 

 

 

Make some time during dinner, car rides, or at special family time to slow down and discuss the following points below. 

 

After listening to Anjali's interview:

What do characteristics do you think make a good elected official?  Does age matter?

 

Have you ever thought about becoming an elected official?  What position do you think you would be good at?

 

Are there enough young elected officials?  If not, how can we encourage more youth to run for office?

All of us can be engaged citizens, so what will you do?

 

You can help us!  By taking the Kids Voting Durham survey you can let us know what you are most interested in!

Click here or below on the survey button. 

 

Vote!  Durham's City Council elections are not for months still, but you can vote on how the City will spend some of its money in Round 1 of the 2021 Participatory Budget Cycle by ranking the areas in which PB grants should be made.  You can rank your choices in  English or Spanish.  Learn more about Cycle 2 of Participatory Budgeting at www.pbdurham.org/pb_durham_cycle_2 

 

KVD's #Dreams4Durham campaign has been extended through February 28 as part of Durham Public School's Black History Month Series.  Visit www.kidsvotingdurham.org/mlk-2021 for more details (and to see a gallery of some of the dreams already submitted). Or watch the kickoff video of DPS's #DPSBeyond28 Black History Month series where #Dreams4Durham is featured.  Then share your dream with us at info@kidsvotingdurham.org or on social media!

 

Are you a youth 13-23?  Find out more about Service Projects with Kids Voting Durham! Service volunteers get to be involved in key KVD projects like the Election Guide, make their voice heard, and get others civically involved.  Find out more at www.kidsvotingdurham.org/youth-service. 

 

 

National Freedom Day 

 Major Richard Robert Wright, a former slave, fought to have February 1st, the day when President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment freeing slaves, as a day for all Americans to celebrate freedom.   Read more about his efforts and the holiday at www.americaslibrary.gov

 

President's Day

In honor of George Washington's birthday which was actually on February 22nd we celebrate President's Day on the third Monday in February. Find out why we don't celebrate on his actual birthday at kids.britannica.com and at www.history.com.

 

World Day of Social Justice 

World Day of Social Justice is a United Nations-designated holiday celebrating citizens of the world working to make the world a better place for everyone to live in. 

 

BONUS!

Durham Public Schools Celebrates! Durham Public Schools has book suggestions, activities, and lessons for civic and school celebrations throughout the entire year for families with kids of all ages!

 

 We will have feedback opportunities as well as fun quizzes. Did we mention there will be prizes??

 

This month, take our survey to help us know what topics and content you would like to see in this newsletter!  This month each submission will be entered in a drawing to win a Kids Voting Durham face mask!