The Idea and Process
Black History Month is a wonderful opportunity to educate, celebrate and share. In the fall of 2017, I received my second consecutive Bright Ideas Grant from Jackson EMC that would allow me to plan and execute a celebration for the entire school, presented through the arts.
With the money from from the grant, I purchased music, study materials and a portable sound system so that we could perform in the school gym and be heard!
The seventh grade studied and performed spirituals, the eighth,blues and jazz and the sixth, early rock and roll. The students wrote and recited poetry and monologues and drew portraits of famous black Americans that were on display. We commissioned a storyteller/actress to come work with us and to weave together the story we were sharing through music and drama, with her stories. Throughout the preparation, we studied famous black Americans and listened to iconic black musicians.
On performance day, we held two assemblies, each accommodation half the school and had invited guests there as well. The program was well received and everyone had a wonderful experience that day. I hope we were able to touch hearts and teach some of the very important lessons we learned that special day.
youtu.be/_0s0sNARWJo This is the video that was produced by Jackson County about our big day!
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Click here to watch the Jackson EMC video of our big day!
https://vimeo.com/267643936?ref=em-share