February 2021: Grit, Determination and Personal Values as They Relate to Black History Month
February 2021: Grit, Determination and Personal Values as They Relate to Black History Month
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Amanda Gorman is a perfect example of a black American making a strong contribution to our great country to unite our citizens through hope, and love, and urgency, using prose as a catalyst to bring us all together. On January 20, 2021, she made history as the youngest inaugural poet!
During February, black history month, 4th grade students at Erie Elementary School will watch her speech as part of their social-emotional lesson around core values. Students will discuss American freedoms and how we can use our values, even as kids, to unite people and make our country a safer, more equitable place for all. Watch her presentation HERE. And, listen to this poem, on NPR, inspired by Amanda, ‘This is Our Dream’: A Crowdsourced Poem to Inspire Hope.
Why do we celebrate black history month? I’m certain there are a myriad of answers for that. I am learning and growing as I consider the importance of highlighting black history. I think about it in terms of equity. The race to the top. The obstacles that remain in the way of every American having an equal chance at success, prosperity and comfort. THIS VIDEO gives a clear visual of this concept of inequity.
2nd grade students, at Erie Elementary School will explore American freedoms and rights considering the grit and determination it takes to fight for what is right. Students will learn how to express their dreams for our community, country, and citizens through art, poetry, and music. This is a project that will culminate in the creation of a “freedom quilt” displaying their hopes and dreams for our world.
All 2nd and 4th grade students will sample the incredible contributions of black Americans to our lives. Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglas, and Louis Armstrong,
Toni Morrison, Earnest Green, and Anna Cooper, Eunice Waymon, Brian Kennedy and Alicia Garza, Jason Reynolds, Lonnie Chavis, and Marley Davis, – to name a few.
Ultimately, my hope is that students begin to understand that we all have a responsibility to be advocates for civil rights, for human rights, and that is a lifetime responsibility.
Check out these websites for some great books to get the conversation started at home.
Multi-cultural and Social Justice Books: A Teaching for Change Project
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