Why is
Black History important for young people? Unfortunately, many schools exclude
the contributions of Blacks. This lack
of information can be the driver for an accelerated down hill slope. It may lead to a lack of a sense of culture,
pride and heritage for African American children. In turn, this may lead to an attack to an
African American child’s self -esteem and self- worth, ultimately ending in a
lack of motivation for success for the African American child.
Black
history is also important for children of all races and ethnicities. Learning
the history contributes to cultural awareness, the broadening of perspectives
of the lives of others, and understanding milestones.
Two organizations
clearly understand the importance of celebrating and learning the
accomplishments and plights of African Americans in history. Americorps
Partnership to End Homelessness and Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Greensboro.
On Feb.
25th , the two organizations partnered together to create an
afternoon of fun and education as they
celebrated Black History month with the children of BBBS. The event was held at
the BBBS headquarters in Greensboro, NC. Approximately 16 children from the ages of
7-12 were invited to participate. As an
Americorps member, I was elated to Chair this event. The young group kept the
Americorps members on their toes with their enthusiasm and energy. The older
group amazed us with their knowledge and higher than normal level of
maturity. The children had to pick a
buddy from the Americorps member to hang out with for the afternoon. Amber,
with her bubbly and inviting personality was the first one picked. The order of
events consisted of icebreakers, “get to know you time”, dancing, snacks and
drinks, and a very competitive trivia competition. Prizes were awarded to winners and non
winners. Everyone was a winner that afternoon.
The Americorps members ages range from 18-63. It was extremely
entertaining to see them step out of
their comfort zones as they did the Harlem Shake with their little buddies.
Rythmless??? YES! But that did not inhibit them from making sure that the
children were having a good time. We ended the event on the theme of
“happiness”. As we played Pharell’s
“Happy” song, we went around the room as the children expressed what they were
happy for or what made them happy. Certain eras of Black History can be
depressing, so we wanted the kids to grasp on the “now” and how African
Americans are moving forward.
The
children (and the adults) had a blast. But most importantly they learned a lot
about many facets of Black History during a very fierce and intense trivia
competition. They learned how African Americans made a huge contribution to the
development of the arts, technology, science, world trade, religion and
philosophy.
Thanks
to all of the Americorps members and staff at BBS who participated. Special
thanks to Holly, Terri, Ms. Ruth, Breah,
and Magena for making this an awesome Black History month event. A very special thanks to Out of the Garden Project for providing food for the children.
