Past projects 15
Undoing Injustice with the Author of 'All American Boys'
Funded Jan 10, 2018It's difficult to put into words how profoundly meaningful our visit was with author Jason Reynolds. I've never experienced an author's talk that was so timely and so moving. And it was the first time that any of my students ever sat down with an author at all. They were hanging on every word Mr. Reynolds said. He spoke with them about his book, All American Boys, and about his experiences as a young man (which mirrored their own in many ways). When he spoke about his encounters with police the room was so silent you could hear a pin drop. Students nodded their heads solemnly, muttering affirmations and voicing disbelief. Jason spoke with them in their own language, but with the wisdom of time that they themselves are still working toward. He was kind and patient and encouraging and I could not ask for a better role model for my students. I was also incredibly proud of those young people who volunteered to read excerpts from their essays to Mr. Reynolds, so that he might understand how deeply his book impacted them. We held the event at Sisters Uptown Bookstore in Harlem, the only remaining Black-owned bookstore in Manhattan. The owners also participated in the conversation and Mr. Reynolds praised them for the two decades they have been supporting literacy in the surrounding community. What an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience and what wonderful people you all are for having contributed to such a special moment. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart. I truly hope that you receive the same generosity that you've extended to us. Have a wonderful and fruitful spring.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Jones
Black Comics and Critical Race Theory
Funded Dec 6, 2017Our semester is coming to an end and your support has been monumental in making this class an absolute success! Our students were incredibly engaged while reading the comic book Black by Kwanza Osajyefo. Students made insightful comparisons between being a person of color in our country and being a mutant in the classic Marvel comic books. Students said that there are times when they feel so ostracized, so outside of the mainstream, that they feel as though they are the mutant characters in the graphic novel. We had meaningful discussions about critical race theory and what it means to be a young person of color in our society. How do you think you are perceived? How do you perceive yourself? What are the differences and similarities between the two? One students said that they had never identified with a character more than they identified with Kareem Jenkins, the main character of Black. Sufficed to say, your contribution to our class meant the world to these young people. Your generosity and understanding of the importance of representation in literature is more than appreciated, it is essential. I thought you would also like to know that in addition to reading the comic book, students also took two field trips. One was to the Black Comic Book Festival at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. We also took a field trip to see the Black Panther movie and the students were blown away. We came back and had a discussion about Afrofuturism and whether or not this helped to alter their views about the African continent and their own identities as youth of the African diaspora. The answer was a resounding yes and they now have a much more positive view of themselves. We can't thank you enough for this profound gift. We hope that you receive the same kindness that you've extended to us.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Jones
Reading, Writing, and Rainbow Flags
Funded Dec 1, 2016I can't begin to tell you how grateful we are for your incredibly generous donation to our GSA Library! Students have already been grabbing books off of the shelves and talking non-stop about the stories and characters that inspire them. The project seemed to go viral and we were showered with support and positivity almost overnight. This really shows our students that no matter how many obstacles they face in life, there will always be wonderful people like you who are willing to accept them and celebrate them for who they are. What a powerful gift you've given us. It's more than books and literacy, it's love. And we respond in kind.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Jones
Young Artists on the Rise
Funded Oct 21, 2014Thanks so much for allowing our students to tap into their well of creativity. We had so much fun sculpting, painting, weaving baskets, and making handmade holiday gifts for one another. There were so many more photographs that I wish I could have included that really capture the moments of brilliance your donations inspired. The concentration and dedication that students put into their work was indescribable. These materials also gave students opportunities to bond and to work together as a team. We can't thank you enough as we'll be continuing our arts and crafts lessons well into the new year. Be well, everyone, and have a very lovely 2015.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Jones
This classroom project was brought to life by Wells Fargo and 5 other donors.Digital Storytelling 101
Funded Sep 14, 2014My students were incredibly grateful for the donations of digital voice recorders. Initially, they were a bit intimidated by the technology. They had never engaged in an English Language Arts assignment quite like this. But as soon as they began to share stories about their lives, they took to the assignment like old pros. They recorded, transcribed, edited, revised, and published written drafts. Then they took the final drafts and added an audio recording of it to a video slide show, consisting of pictures related to their story. In the process, my students learned to use technology that they had never used before (including audio and video editing software). They learned how to support one another; to give and receive constructive feedback. They learned important literary techniques and the elements of what makes a compelling story. And most of all, they learned that their stories matter. When they presented their digital stories to the class, their classmates were moved and fascinated, and many could relate to what others had been through. I believe that this simple gift has helped to open up a world of possibilities for my students. Literacy has taken on a whole new meaning for them now. And we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Be well, everyone.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Jones