Lesson 20 - Celebrating Black History Month
THE ORIGIN OF BOTWC
Because of Them We Can® was started by Eunique Jones Gibson in February 2013 as a 28-day photo campaign where children appeared as iconic Black history figures of the past and present. Inspired by her sons, Chase and Amari, it was a way to teach and refresh Black history while connecting the dots between the past, present and future. But, 28 days was not enough.
BOTWC TODAY
Today, Because of Them We Can® has evolved into a movement via an online platform that reaches millions of people monthly across our digital footprint. We are committed to responsibly engaging our audience (especially our children) with content and tools that help them embrace, amplify, and exude Black excellence on a daily basis. And, Because of Them We Can® has expanded their reach to the Hispanic community with the Por Ellos, Sí Podemos® campaign.
Because of Them We Can® was started by Eunique Jones Gibson in February 2013 as a 28-day photo campaign where children appeared as iconic Black history figures of the past and present. Inspired by her sons, Chase and Amari, it was a way to teach and refresh Black history while connecting the dots between the past, present and future. But, 28 days was not enough.
BOTWC TODAY
Today, Because of Them We Can® has evolved into a movement via an online platform that reaches millions of people monthly across our digital footprint. We are committed to responsibly engaging our audience (especially our children) with content and tools that help them embrace, amplify, and exude Black excellence on a daily basis. And, Because of Them We Can® has expanded their reach to the Hispanic community with the Por Ellos, Sí Podemos® campaign.
Be Inspired
Because of Them, We Can | Por Ellos, Sí Podemos
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Trouble downloading? Here are direct links . . . |
Quotes:
- "We aren't dressing up. We're dreaming up to remind you to reimagine yourself through the eyes of some of our heroes." - Because of Them, We Can - Eunique Jones, Photographer & Creator of the "Because of Them" and the "Por Ellos, Sí Podemos" campaigns
- "Embrace what makes you unique . . . even if it makes other uncomfortable." - Janelle Monáe
- "It always seems impossible . . . until it's done." - Nelson Mandela
- "Hold fast to your dreams, for without them, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly." - Langston Hughes
Questions for Discussion and/or Journaling:
- Who do you think of when you hear the word hero?
- What characteristics do you think a hero should have?
- Not every heroic person or organization is famous. Can you think of any examples?
- What happens to people when they become heroes? In what way do they change? In what way do our expectations of them change?
- Do you have any personal heroes?
- Is there a difference between being a hero and being a role model?
- Would you like to be a hero or role model? Why or why not?
- What makes a hero a hero? What makes a role model a role model?
- Why do people need heroes? Why do people need role models?
- How do heroes change the world? How do role models change the world?
Below are some "Diversity Discussion Starters" from the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State. (For entire lesson plan, click here. For a link to the website, click here.
Discussion Starter 4
Poem: Crayons (Author Unknown)
We could learn a lot from crayons: Some are sharp, Some are pretty, Some are dull, Some have weird names, and are all different colors, But they all have to live in the same box. |
Discussion:
Appreciating diversity is valuing what makes us similar as well as different. This poem talks about learning to live together and appreciating the unique qualities of others. Encourage participants to look around themselves and take note of all the things that make them who they are. This poem is special because it can be adapted to discuss all areas such as gender, age, physical abilities, intelligence levels, racial/ethnic backgrounds, economic status, beliefs, family structures, places of residence, and so forth. |
Questions
- How are people similar to a box of crayons?
- Have you met people who have distinct names or talk differently than you do? How did you react when you first met them? How did they react to you?
- Do the ways people look indicate their level of intelligence?
- How can people with varying traditions, beliefs, and values learn to live together in the same community? What would you expect to be the positive and negative about that type of situation?
- What if everyone in the world was exactly the same? If they all looked the same, talked the same, shared the same views, practices, and traditions, what kind of world would it be? Do you think this would be a place you'd want to live? Why or why not? Explain.
Discussion Starter 6
Poem: If All the Trees Were Oaks (Author Unknown)
What if all the trees were oaks How plain the world would seem; No maple syrup, banana splits, And how would orange juice be? Wouldn't it be a boring place, If all the people were the same; Just one color, just one language, Just one family name! --But-- If the forest were the world, And all the people were the trees; Palm and pine, bamboo and willow, Live and grow in harmony. Aren't you glad, my good friend, Different though we be; We are here to help each other, I learn from you, and you, from me. |
Discussion:
This poem paints a picture of how the world would be without diversity. Use this poem to discuss the important of valuing differences in people. Remember, the focus should be broad in scope -- do not limit discussion to race issues. Expand dialogue to include physical disabilities; learning styles; places of residence: urban, rural, and suburban; rich, poor; age; gender; religion; morals, values, traditions and more. |
Questions
- How is the forest like the world?
- The poem lists four different types of tree -- palm pine, bamboo, and willow. What are some of the difference found in people? Make a list, then share it with others in the group.
- What would it be like if all your friends were exactly the same? If they liked the same things, talked the same, and acted the same, would you have as much fun with them?
- What would happen if all the people in the world were the same? What kinds of traditions would exist? What holidays would we celebrate? Which holidays would no longer be celebrated? How difficult would it be to decide on those important things? What would we gain and what would we lose?
- Do you think it is positive or negative that everyone in the world is different? Explain.
- How important is it to learn from people who are different from you?
- What kinds of things can you learn from a person who comes from another part of the country or a country outside the United States?
- How do our differences help each other and allow us to learn from each others?
- What are the benefits of diversity?