Over the month of February, caregivers and school staff will partner to celebrate Black History Month. We have adopted the national Black History Month theme–Black Resistance. Through this theme, we will highlight resistance movements across the African Diaspora, Black leaders in those movements, and modes of expressing resistance (e.g., dance, music, poetry, and food).
On Thursday (February 2nd) at 6:30 pm, Mundo Verde will host a Virtual Book Reading by Paula Young Shelton, elementary school teacher, author, and daughter of civil rights leader, Ambassador Andrew Young. Mrs. Shelton is the author of two children’s books, Child of the Civil Rights Movement and Just Like Jesse Owens. Please join us for this rare opportunity to hear a first-hand account of the civil rights movement and its heroes. Mrs. Young will be reading her book in English, but we are working to secure simultaneous Spanish interpretation.
Mundo Verde - Virtual Book Reading
Feb 2, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting (link)
Meeting ID: 932 8762 4776
Passcode: 6jLmBE
Reading Challenge - We will begin the month by highlighting for students how reading was both an act and tool of resistance, at a time when it was illegal to teach enslaved and free Black people to read and write. Throughout the month, we encourage students to read (alone or with an adult) as much as they can, as a small tribute to the activists (like Frederick Douglass) and educators (like John Francis Cook Sr., for whom the Cook Campus is named) who fought anti-literacy laws and their effects. Stay tuned for more information on the challenge.
Tuesday, February 7 at 6:30pm - Showcase of Black Health Professionals and Scientists. Last year during the Celebration of Black Health & Wellness, students interviewed health care professionals and scientists in their lives, who pushed through various forms of resistance to achieve professional success. As we honor Black Resistance this year, join us in viewing this Mundo Verde student production on February 7 at 6:30pm. Join Zoom Meeting (Meeting ID: 932 8762 4776 / Passcode: 6jLmBE)
Saturday, February 11 at 11:00am, Black Heritage Walking Tour. Join us for a walking tour of the historic Shaw and U Street neighborhoods. In the early 20th century, these neighborhoods were the heart of DC’s Black community, and the home of Black Broadway and Black leaders in the law, sciences, and the arts. In these neighborhoods, Black Americans could thrive and find refuge against the harshness of segregation. We hope you’ll join us in learning more about this aspect of DC’s rich history. Parents/caregivers will meet at the 13th Street entrance to the U Street/ African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro Station at 11:00am on February 11. The tour will last approximately one hour. Rain date: March 4.
Wednesday, February 15 at 6:30 pm, Virtual Freedom Readers Circle for Children. Parents/caregivers will host their own virtual Freedom Readers circle. They will read a frequently banned children’s book The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson. After reading the book (in English and Spanish) as a group, students will be led in a discussion. This activity will include a discussion of slavery in the United States and may be less appropriate for PreK students. Join Zoom Meeting (Meeting ID: 932 8762 4776 / Passcode: 6jLmBE)
Black History Celebrations, dates TBD. Each campus will host a Black History Celebration. Help make this event happen!Events in our community are a celebration of our spirit, gifts, and talents. Are you interested in volunteering? This can mean helping with setting up, cleaning up, helping during the event, or contributing a favorite recipe or dish to share with the community! Please be in touch with Skye Henry for Calle Ocho campus (skyewhenry@gmail.com), or Mary Awosika for J.F. Cook campus (mary.awosika@gmail.com).