Ethnic Studies' first guest presenter for 2010-2011 was B-Tech's very own beloved Dr. Dawn Williams-Farreira. She generously took time out from working on her dissertation to speak to our class about the museum that she helped build in Guinea (The Williams-Bah Museum.) Students: Aodari helped Dr. Williams present the national flag while Kierre modeled a traditional gown called a bou-bou. The students also learned how to greet each other in Fulani.
Capoeira Angola
Brother Ra Ma'at El (second photo in brown) came to our class to present about the traditional game of Capoeira Angola. It took a while but the students finally warmed up at the end and formed a bataria so that Ra and I could jogo. Thanks to Mr. Smith's PE class joining ours, the room was full and active. Ra taught the students songs and the basic Angola rhythm. Mr. Smith was the first volunteer to learn movements. Picture 1: Paolo gets a chance to learn about his home culture as Ra teaches him how to play the berimbau. Picture 2: (L-R) Haniya on the pandeiro, Paolo. Picture: 3 (L-R) Raven and Montaje join Haniya and Paolo. Picture 4: I am going to the center to meet Ra for a quick game of capoeira (jogo) while more students join in on the bataria. It was so much fun!!!!
Emory Douglas
Former Minister of Culture of The Black Panther Party and world renowned artist (and my dad), Emory Douglas graced us with his presence and expertise- a perfect complement to our unit on The Black Panther Party. He showed slides of his art work and answered students' questions.
Jose and Haniya introduce our guest.
'The Wayward Librarian' Mrs. Sperke sets up the technology.
Demetra volunteers to assist Mr. Douglas with his slide show.
Our security officer pops in to enjoy our guest lecturer.
Haniya and Jason with Mr. Douglas
Mr. Douglas and Mrs. Scott-Walker
(L-R) Vatrina, Aoderi, Varina (front), Justin, Demonte, Mr. Douglas, Adriana, Ernicia (back), Esmeralda (front), Jason, Haniya, Mrs. Scott-Walker and 'Bubba'
Black Panther Party Poster Project
Students are working on poster collages inspired by Emory Douglas's work and events in their own communities. They've chosen to illustrate one of the points of the BPP 10-point platform as it relates to their current lives. The poster will be accompanied by a two-page paper.
This sign was donated to our class by an artist student from another class (Varina, Vatrin's sister) who was inspired by this quote.
BPP plan #6. Free Healthcare. 'Pass single payer'
BPP Plan #7: We want an immediate end to police brutality. 'You can't fight racism with racism' 'Justice for Oscar Grant'
BPP plan #7: We want an immediate end to police brutality. 'Don't tase me' 'We have rights too.'
BPP Plan #1: We want freedom.
BPP plan #7: We want an immediate end to police brutality.
Kierre presents her poster. Rosalina helps by holding it.
Mr. Smith (B-Tech's very own Kemetic Scientist) assists Vatrina with the presentation of her poster and paper (2 minutes). Other students also presented their posters and papers.
J helps Jose present his poster
After students presented, Mr. Smith stayed as our guest speaker and shared his personal experiences with ex-panthers and other renowned community activists.