Project Description

“Each child belongs to all of us and they will bring us a tomorrow in direct relation to the responsibility we have shown them.” – Maya Angelou

COA Youth & Family Centers is proud to celebrate Black History Month by engaging children of all backgrounds in fun and educational activities that honor Black history and culture.

At our Riverwest Center, preteens are learning about influential Black leaders and movements that have shaped history and the present. Each student has selected a topic of interest and is immersing themselves in research. At the end of the month, students will present their research to their classmates. Topics include Negro League Baseball, the integration of the NFL, Joshua Glover, Black Wall Street, Nelson Mandela, Emmett Till, the Green Book, Mound Bayou, and Fred Hampton and the Black Panthers.

Older youth are watching documentaries exploring Black history like ‘Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Movement’ and ‘the Green Book,’ then engaging in class discussions about the films. Students also wrote “I AM” poems of self-affirmation. As a group activity, youth decorated their classroom door with a “words have power” display of paper fists. On each fist, students wrote about the power they believe they have to change the world.

At our Goldin Center, classrooms have been celebrating all month long by participating in fun educational activities and decorating hallways. Beginning February 22, the Goldin Center is hosting a spirit week full of fun-filled activities with different themes each day of the week:

  • Monday – Creative Curls and Coils Hairstyles
  • Tuesday – Red, Black and Green Day
  • Wednesday – Dress up like a Historical Black Figure
  • Thursday – Dashiki Day
  • Friday – Black out Friday

 

On Thursday, Feb. 25, COA will present a special screening of the powerful new documentary ‘Growing Up Milwaukee’ directed by Tyshun Wardlaw at the Goldin Center Gym Theater. On Friday, Feb. 26 the Goldin Center is hosting a homecoming celebration featuring live music and art performances including African drumming by kids, spoken word by youth and staff, and Brother Moorer playing the saxophone. Families and community members are welcome to join virtually via Facebook!

Black history is American history, and Black lives matter every day of the year. This month, we honor the remarkable achievements of Black Americans who broke barriers to make history. Year-round, we work to inspire and create opportunities for all children and youth to become the next generation of history makers.