The K-5 Black History Book Club

This is NOT a regular book club.

K-5 students (all ages are welcomed, but this is tailored towards this age-range) will learn about Black History from a certified secondary social science educator of 12 years, and the various books we read together. They'll also be challenged with questions and text analyses that are aligned with Afrocentric principles (like the Africana Studies Framework), Common Core standards, as well as a deeper reflection of their identity and purpose.

Black children will be given the tools needed to build racial and cultural esteem, as well as the importance of working collectively to achieve our purpose as a community. Non-Black students will learn the tenets of effective allyship and strengthen their scope of diversity and creative critical thinking. Additionally, this course prepares students for middle and high school, and expands their career aspirations.

Not only will this course impact your children, but it will also impact children across the country (and world). Proceeds raised from this course will help fund a scholarship that will assist African American college students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign complete their degree, as well as mutual aid efforts.

Although class is once a month as this moment, prerecorded lessons will be sent throughout the month and kids and their families will be given a recommended project to complete, each month prior to our next meeting, that focuses on the principles taught and discussed, for the purpose of enriching their family and community.

I look forward to teaching you and your child. Let me know if you have any questions by emailing me at info@ernestcrim.com

Fall Dates (2025) - Every third Monday*

• September 15th
  • The ABCs of Affirming Black Children by Ernest Crim III
• October 20th
  • The Adventures of Darren and Destiny in Ghana by Jay Cameron
• November 17th
  • Imhotep of Ancient Kemet by Ekiuwa Aire
• December 15th
  • TBD
    

Spring dates (2026)

• TBD

Brief instructor bio: Mr. Ernest Crim III, is an Emmy-nominated producer and certified high school social science instructor, who after teaching for 12 years in Chicagoarea public schools, decided to commit to teaching our community on a global scale by providing private online Black History courses, educational social media content, books and speaking engagements/workshops on Black history through a SEL and cultural competency lens. Mr. Crim is a native of the south side of Chicago, and a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (B.A.) and Roosevelt University (in Chicago) (M.A.).

FAQs

• Where are the classes? All classes are taught over ZOOM (on Monday at 6pm CST).
• How long are the classes? Classes last one hour.
• Is there an online database for this course? No, these classes are taught live, but you can access previous recordings when I email them. For example, you can access the previous school year's classes HERE.  
• Does my child need to buy any books? No. I'll be reading to them over ZOOM with a device that allows the book to be displayed on the screen, as if they're watching it on TV. However, each book we're reading would make a great addition to their library.
• Where can I find the books if I want to buy them? You can find them at THIS LINK. This list is updated each semester. 
• Will my kids have homework? No, I call it Lifework. It's completely optional, but highly recommended.
• What if I have to miss a class? I'll email you a recording each week.
• Can my child join if they aren't in K-5th grade? Yes, whether they are younger or older, it is up to parent to decide. I think this course is beneficial for all ages, personally. In the past we've had four-year old students and high school students. It's important to understand that the pacing will be based on the K-5 demographic, however.
• Can I cancel whenever I want? Yes you can.