OAK HARBOR, Wash. — Zhane Allen teaches important lessons from her laundry room on on Whidbey Island - to kids around the world.
“I teach on Outschool. I am an African American history teacher. I am also an Asian American history teacher, and I absolutely love every second of it," Allen said.
Zhane – who pronounces her name John-aye - teaches from her home on a military base in Oak Harbor, reaching kids anywhere there's an internet connection.
"Asia, Canada. The USA, South America, just everywhere,” she said when asked where her students come from.
She teaches kids about lesser known heroes of Black history year-round, not just during Black History Month in February.
Growing up in Florida, she wasn't taught Black history in school, or by her parents.
"And because I didn't learn about it as a kid, I want to teach kids now," Allen said.
Including her own kids, Maria and Barry.
Every February during Black History Month, Allen sees more students in her virtual classroom.
"I think it's really awesome," she said.
And with easy-to access classes like hers, Black History can be celebrated year-round.
"It's all about educating, empowering, and showing kids that history is important,” said Allen. "The more we learn about our past, the more we can really head to a better future."
KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Contact us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Email.