Learn why Black history is an important part of everyone’s history in this episode of The Children’s Hour. We explore the stories of Black inventors, heroes, and pioneers who helped shape America. Plus, we dive into the human heart to learn about congenital heart defects and how people born with them can live strong, happy lives.
American history is full of stories of influential, resilient, powerful black people doing amazing things. With some of the most common inventions we use every day coming from black Americans, we have a lot to learn!
Dr. Marsha Hardeman from the University of New Mexico shares stories about Black Americans who were trailblazers and pioneers in the American Southwest and beyond.
Did you know that Black inventors gave us things like the traffic signal, folding chairs, and even part of the light bulb?
We’ll also talk about the first Juneteenth and the Buffalo Soldiers, who created new paths and opportunities for generations to come. Black history is filled with stories of courage, creativity, and resilience!
Learn Black History with The EarthSeed Arts Alliance
The EarthSeed Arts Alliance shares their inspiring Civil Rights Project, teaching kids about the power of community and the importance of fighting for fairness and equality. Through lessons, art, and music, they show how the Civil Rights Movement wasn’t just about famous leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., but also about everyday people who came together to make a difference. Their message reminds us that we all have the power to create change! Find curriculum for using these lessons in the classroom at https://www.earthseedblackarts.org/
February 7 to 14 is Congenital Heart Disease Awareness week. We learn about the amazing human heart with Dubra Karnes-Padilla, a lecturer in the fitness and wellness education center at the University of New Mexico Valencia campus. Did you know your heart pumps oxygen to almost every part of your body?
Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common birth defect in America, but many kids born with CHD grow up strong and healthy. We’ll talk about what makes the heart special and how to care for it. You can learn more about Congenital Heart Defects at https://www.achaheart.org/
Show Credits
This episode of The Children’s Hour was written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from Sarah Gabrielli and Thaniel Lentz. Special thanks to Dr. Marsha Hardeman from the University of New Mexico Department of Africana Studies, and to Dubra Karnes-Padilla from the Adult Congenital Heart Association, for sharing their expertise with us.
The Children’s Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network.
© 2025 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Please note: not all songs we play can be found in Spotify.
Playlist: Black History is American History
| title | artist | album |
|---|---|---|
| Stand Up for Something (feat. Common) | Andra Day | Marshall (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |
| Beautiful Welcome | Asheba | In the Kid Zone |
| I Love Everybody | Bunny Hull & Friends | This Little Light |
| Mamizolo (feat. Women of Mambazo) | Ladysmith Black Mambazo | Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Friends |
| LeVar Burton | Pierce Freelon | Black to the Future |
| I'm Proud | Alphabet Rockers | Rise Shine #Woke |
| Mtoto Mzuri (feat. Ahadi) | Jabali Afrika | All One Tribe |
| The Entertainer, Joplin | Beethoven's Wig | Sing Along Piano Classics (feat. Richard Perlmutter) |
| Texas Two Step | SaulPaul | We Dream in 3D |
| Brilliant People | Ayanna Gregory | I Dream A World |
| Heart | Pierce Freelon | Black to the Future |
| Black Women in History | FYUTCH, Rissi Palmer & Snooknuk | Black Women in History - Single |
| I Am the Future of Black History | Culture Queen | I Like the Me I See! |
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