Brown History for Kids...The Harlem Renaissance

designed by Royal Amethyst LLC

 In the world of my 4 year old son, Black people are brown and White people are peach.  If you follow me on Twitter, you may have read that he told me he wanted to celebrate Brown history, not Black History because his skin is brown.  Teaching our history clearly starts at an early age.

You may recall from my facebook post that I am the chair of Black History month at my daughter's public school.  After it being a non-event last year, I volunteered myself to ensure that a meaningful celebration of our culture took place.

For Black History Month, students are often given bits and pieces of information without context.  One day learning about Dr. King, the next Harriet Tubman and the next Jackie Robinson with no understanding of how they relate or the historical timeline or social conditions that existed at the time that they lived.  To counteract that, I wanted to take a more integrated approach enabling children to learn in a more wholistic fashion making a greater impact.  

So as I began to make my plans, my first step was to choose a theme: The Harlem Renaissance

Taking a comprehensive approach gave me the platform to present the history, geography, philosophy and artistic elements that emerged in addition to the key figures of the era.  

In a school that is 50% African American and 50% White, it was also important to me to celebrate the brilliance, creativity and success of Black people.  I remember being horrified when my preschooler came home and blurted out, "Martin Luther King was shot".  Not that he was factually incorrect, but what a harsh way for a 3 year old to learn about one of our greatest leaders.  Clearly his legacy can be broken down in some other manner that children can grasp at that young age.  The message that Black folks were college educated, created art forms like Jazz, were wealthy and accomplished and not only slaves was critical to expanding the knowledge of these elementary school children.

So what are we doing?  I'm glad you asked:)

Each week takes an element of the Harlem Renaissance (history/geography, arts, key figures) and breaks it into small chunks of information.  We share the information daily during morning announcements and send a summary home in a weekly newsletter so families can share in the learning and reinforce the information. 

Students get to test what they have learned in the Black History Challenge.  Each perfect score gains the student a ticket into raffle with phenomenal prizes such as a Family Membership to the Studio Museum in Harlem http://www.studiomuseum.org/ and a gift certificate to the renowned Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe in Harlem  http://huemanbookstore.com/.

Our grand finale is our school wide assembly featuring Victoria Bond and T.R Simon, authors of the acclaimed book Zora and Me http://zoraandme.com/ and award winning illustrator Bryan Collier http://bryancollier.com/  (Uptown, Visiting Langston and Doo-Wop Pop).  The students themselves will also take center stage taking us back to the Savoy with the Jitterbug, reciting Langston's poems, discussing the art of Romare Bearden and singing Lift Evry Voice to name a few.

It is my hope that after all is said and done, we will have made a positive impact, expanded the students' body of knowledge an left an indelible imprint of the souls of Black folk.  

How is your child(ren)'s school celebrating Black History Month?

Special thanks to my co-chairman and Chocolate Chip mom, Tara Lattimer-Wilson, Royale Amethyst LLC  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Royale-Amethyst-Invitations-LLC/167803829930371?v=wall for the beautiful banner and Marva Allen of Hue-Man Bookstore and Cafe for helping turn my vision into reality.

Black History Month 2012...Innovators in Science & Much More



Royal Amethyst, LLC

 

For a comprehensive approach to celebrating Black History Month for your family, Chocolate Chip is your #1 source for information!

As a mom with children in elementary school, I do my best to contribute my time, talents and resources to make a difference.  So when Black History month was a non-event during our first year of enrollment,

I went directly to the PTA president and volunteered myself as the chairman of the Black History Month committee. 

To ensure that the children learned more than our history as slaves, my committee (me and Chocolate Chip mom Tara Lattimer-Wilson) has taken a comprehensive approach by selecting a theme to explore throughout the month.  In 2011, we studied the Harlem Renaissance to demonstrate the intellectual and creative brilliance of African Americans and pay homage to the cultural mecca just a few miles south of our Westchester County neighborhood.   

Check out last year's post from the Chocolate Chip Archives....

The Harlem Renaissance- Brown History for Young People
http://chocolatechiponline.blogspot.com/search?q=brown+history

With the need to emphasize math and science in our schools, we selected Innovators in Science as our theme for 2012.  The banner above sets the tone at the entrance of the school building and depicts 6 of the innovators whose biographies we will explore daily during the morning announcements.  This week we feature Dr. Ben Carson, Dr. Mae Jemison, Benjamin Banneker, George Washington Carver and award winning cardiologist and Westchester resident, Dr. Lynn Perry-Bottinger. 

I LOVE Dr. Perry-Bottinger's story!  Her father is a cardiologist (a chip off the ole chocolate block) and her mother is a pediatrician. She has 7 brothers and sisters- one is a lawyer and the other 6 are doctors!  Now that's legacy building for you!  I must add that she's also my sorority sister and a fellow Jack and Jill mom:) 

We're especially proud that one of Pennington's finest appears on the banner, CBS 2 Meteorologist, Elise Finch (ok- I'm a little biased because she's my cousin). Seeing her on television knowing she sat in their seats (literally my daughter's 3rd grade teacher taught her) is so inspiring!

Last year we offered a school wide raffle and gave Black History related prizes to the winners who earned 100% on our weekly Black History quiz. This year we've chosen to donate science related books to each class to ensure there are books telling the stories of African Americans in every classroom. 

I've done the of leg work, so I'm sharing my research with you so you can continue to build your libraries at home:

Kareem Abdul Jabbar's new book for 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders- What Color Is My World?
http://www.amazon.com/What-Color-World-African-American-Inventors/dp/0763645648/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328328455&sr=1-1

African Americans in Science, Math, and Invention
http://www.amazon.com/African-Americans-Science-Math-Invention/dp/0816083312/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2895I2DKERO8&colid=4W54LTXRH4Z2

Scholastic Reader Level 4: Great Black Heroes: Five Brilliant Scientists: (level 4) k-2nd
http://www.amazon.com/Scholastic-Reader-Level-Brilliant-Scientists/dp/0590480316/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328329366&sr=1-9

Great Black Heroes: Five Notable Inventors (level 4) (Hello Reader) - K -2nd
http://www.amazon.com/Great-Black-Heroes-Notable-Inventors/dp/0590480332/ref=pd_vtp_b_1

Black Pioneers of Science and Invention (ages 10 and up)
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Pioneers-Science-Invention-Louis/dp/0152085661/ref=pd_vtp_b_3

Book of Black Heroes: Scientists, Healers, and Inventors (grades 5 and 6)
http://www.amazon.com/Book-Black-Heroes-Scientists-Inventors/dp/0940975971/ref=wl_mb_hu_m_6_dp 

and from the Chocolate Chip Archives....
Great Reads for Black History Month
http://chocolatechiponline.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html

Lastly, check out these two terrific family events coming up this weekend:
 
The Junior Teens of the Westchester Chapter of Jack and Jill present, "VOICES: Those Who Wore The Shoe"-"A staged documentary, adapted and directed by Harlin C. Kearsley. Based on actual slave narratives culled from the 1934-1941 Federal Writers' Project interviews, this staged documentary incorporates music, dance and archival photographs to recreate a neglected part of American history".
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sarah Lawrence College Auditorium
1 Mead Way Bronxville, NY
Donation: $15 per person
Space is limited
Recommended for children 5th grade and up

Third Annual Harlem Fine Arts Show -a leading showcase for modern and contemporary African Diasporic art — “A vital networking and multicultural event for art lovers everywhere, the Harlem Fine Arts Show reflects the diverse demographic and international appeal of popular and cutting edge Afro-centric and Hispanic artists,” said Dion Clarke, Founder of the Harlem Fine Arts Show and President of JWD Enterprises. “Our overarching mission is to support the arts in a way that enriches and educates communities on a global scale, while showcasing Harlem as a cultural hub.”

The Third Annual 2012 Harlem Fine Arts Show will feature a VIP preview reception hosted by transcultural lifestyle expert, author, and restaurateur B. Smith, on Friday, February 10 at the historic Riverside Church 490 Riverside Drive (at 120^th Street) in New York City. A two-day exhibition of more than 100 emerging and established multicultural artists will open to the public on Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12. Tickets for the art show are $20 and will be available for purchase at http://hfas.org/tickets or by calling Porcia Gardner at (914) 450-4269. Students from public, independent and charter schools in the tri-state area, as well as members of the military in uniform will be granted admission at no cost.

Black History for Young People

Here are a few reads to share our history all year long with our children:

For the littlest ones...

Brown Sugar Babies a photo book by Charles R Smith Jr.
http://www.amazon.com/Brown-Sugar-Babies-Charles-Smith/dp/0786806222/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235157550&sr=1-1

My People by Langston Hughes, illustrator Charles R Smith Jr.
http://www.amazon.com/My-People-Langston-Hughes/dp/1416935401/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235157448&sr=1-1


For lessons on slavery and the road to freedom:

Henry's Freedom Box
http://www.amazon.com/Henrys-Freedom-Caldecott-Honor-Book/dp/043977733X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235157338&sr=1-1

The Patchwork Path A Quilt Map to Freedom by Bettye Stroud
http://www.amazon.com/Patchwork-Path-Quilt-Map-Freedom/dp/0763635197/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235159184&sr=1-1

Family by J. California Cooper
In 1998 I began to use this book to introduce slavery to 16 year old girls participating in a leadership development program. In most cases this was the first real lesson the students had ever had about slavery. A wonderful poignant story about the love between mother and child.
http://www.amazon.com/Family-J-California-Cooper/dp/0385411723/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235157251&sr=8-1

Share your favorite stories when you post your comments.

Happy reading!!!

JB

A Night at the Museum

My family LOVED Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian!


What if your child could have their own night at the museum? Sounds impossible? Well they can! You can schedule a nocturnal expedition/sleepover at New York City's American Museum of Natural History!




Let's be clear upfront, this is NOT a recession friendly activity, but it is something to look forward to :)


Here's an excerpt from their website:

Imagine yourself traveling as a paleontologist on an expedition while watching Dinosaurs Alive! in the LeFrak IMAX Theater, exploring our live-animal exhibitions with knowledgeable Museum explainers, and challenging yourself with one of our fun Museum Quests. End your night by falling asleep in the darkened halls of one of the world's most famous museums.

As the doors close and the lights dim, you and your group will head out with flashlights in search of adventure. Find yourselves in the Hall of North American Mammals, staring down a herd of wild buffalo. Climb the stairs and you're in the Age of Dinosaurs, standing beneath a 65-million-year-old T. rex. Then, as the night comes to a magical close, settle down beneath the 94-foot-long blue whale, next to the Alaskan brown bear, or at the base of a volcanic formation.

Cost: $129 per person (Members: $119 per person)

Admission Price includes:
Evening snack and light breakfast
Cots for all participants
IMAX film
Take-home activities
Fossil exploration by flashlight
Live-animal special exhibition (seasonal)
Time: 5:45 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Open to: 8-12 year olds

http://www.amnh.org/kids/sleepovers/

Chocolate Chip Recommends: The Princess and the Frog

“I love Princess Tiana, she’s brown like me” says 5 year old Brooke Bellamy just as the opening scene gets underway introducing the world to the long anticipated first Disney African American princess. Goosebumps spread over my body upon the first viewing of her chocolate face on screen.

As I sit back and begin to watch the movie through my Chuck D lenses, I do run into a few cultural landmines that give me pause. Why does the African American princess have to be poor? Oh wait, I forgot about Cinderella’s pedigree. Did the first Black Princess have to be a frog for over 50% of the movie? I get the modern twist on The Frog Prince and how it ties into the transformative nature of the story, but seriously? I overheard a non-African American mother say to her child, “we thought we were coming to see a movie about a princess but instead we saw a movie about frogs”

Why did Princess Naveen have to be from an exotic location like Maldonia? What’s wrong with the prince being a brother from Brooklyn? Even though it’s the county of Kings, I guess that wouldn’t work since we don’t have monarchies here.

Why is Ray, the lightening bug toothless with a dialect and a mumble worse than Mushmouth from the Cosby kids? My heart truly sank into the pit of my stomach when he opened his mouth for the first time. Conversely, my husband had a totally different response. Ray’s warmth reminded him of a family patriarch. His judgement was overwhelming favorable and represents the varying perspectives that can exist when people of different backgrounds and experiences view something but see totally different things. Ray is a transformative almost Christ-like figure who brings wisdom and enlightenment. We fall in love with him because of his tenderness. His beauty shines thru despite his frailties. Perhaps that’s the point? If he had teeth would I feel better? Would it impact the overall outcome? Is there some hidden lesson on not judging from outward appearances?

Is Disney insensitive? Are they conjuring up negative stereotypes? Well we know Disney’s history is spotty at best when it comes to cultural sensitivity (there was a white Pocahontas at the Disney Princess experience following the screening for goodness snake). Even though it took upteen years for Disney to figure out that a Black princess was a good business idea, they have invested time and capital into this project and the only outcome they want is SUCCESS. Is my vision blurry? Am I being overly sensitive? Are people going to laugh at or judge us negatively as a result of this film? I understand the concerns and they are valid, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say that I don’t think that is the case here (if this were Rupert Murdock and Fox we’d be having an ENTIRELY different discussion). I don’t give anyone a pass for insensitivity or conjuring up old stereotypes, but maybe just maybe we’re (myself included) taking things a bit too seriously.

While my daughter and the children in the theatre thoroughly enjoyed themselves it can leave African American parents with unanswered questions. Having said that, after tucking those thoughts into the back of my mind and turning down the volume on the “Fight the Power” track playing in my head, I thoroughly enjoyed the film and highly recommend it! Tiana is sassy and smart while exhibiting great discipline, focus and drive. What better role model could we ask for our little girls? Jazz and the spirit of New Orleans (pre-hurricane Katrina), both play supporting roles in the film making for a wonderful musical experience. It’s an entertaining story with enduring themes of love, family, legacy, diligence, transformation and the fulfillment of dreams despite the obstacles- positive, timeless values that cut across culture or socioeconomic status.

Most importantly, Brooke gives it a thumbs up because even at her young age, she understands the validation that comes with having a princess all her own and seeing herself on screen. The entire theatre brimmed with excitement and embraced OUR new princess! I saw girls of all cultures and ethnicity proudly wearing their Princess Tiana costumes to the screening and patiently waiting in long ques to be photographed with the newest princess during the Disney experience.

I hope The Princess and the Frog becomes a Disney classic and stands the test of time (like Cinderella and Snow White- the princesses of my generation). I want my daughter’s daughter to know Princess Tiana and the future princesses of color that will follow as a result of her success. Because when it’s all said and done, every little girl wants to be a princess. After all, isn’t that what the magic of Disney is all about?

Chocolate Chip is a blog that connects, inspires and transforms African American families at http://www.chocolatechiponline.blogspot.com/ or become a fan of Chocolate Chip on Facebook.