Not Many Days After

In our last blog post titled, It’s In There, we shared a list of characteristics and things on the inside of us.  That list included purpose, desires, dreams, character, qualities, personality, gifts, strengths, weaknesses, and emotions.

We also shared some of our experiences including accomplishments, disappointments, heart aches, fights, disagreements, wins and losses. 

Well, it wasn’t many days after that we at GBOC had the opportunity to experience some gifts and talents on the inside of our mentees. 

During Our Black History Lesson Discussion

While discussing our lesson on the contributions and life of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, our youngest in the group said, “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s grandfather’s name was Daniel Hale Williams.”

Now, we all know that he is fascinated with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In fact, our Founder, Norma Venable, gifted him with a small book on him. 

He carries this book in his book bag.  So, when he comes to our program, you can best believe that he has the book with him!  Not only that, but at any given time, he will excitingly whip the book out and begin to share the contents of the book with us. 

Don’t Put Out The Fire

Because I was not aware if what he was saying was true or not, it was important for me to continue with wisdom.  

I didn’t want to diminish his excitement and eagerness to share what he knew about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  It is important for us to continue to engage our children in their journey of learning without causing them to fear making a mistake. 

I think if we adults took some time to think about our past experiences, we could think of instances where we were made to feel ashamed or ridiculed for not meeting the mark or answering questions incorrectly. 

I said, “Show me.”  

He ran to his book bag, pulled out his book and proceeded to go directly to the page. 

I said, “Read it to me.”

Dr. Martin Luther King’s maternal grandfather’s name is Adam Daniel Williams.  He was often called A.D. 

While he wasn’t totally correct, this moment allowed us to share the following experiences:

1.       His excitement for sharing about Dr. Marting Luther King allowed us all to learn a new fact about his life.
2.       His willingness to share with others about Dr. King’s contribution to our history will cause others to know our Black History.
3.       He did not allow his youth to be an excuse. 

We are excited about our children and having the opportunity to be a part of the development in life. 

We will continue to share with you our exciting times of learning with them.

If you would like to donate to our trip to the African American Museum in August, please do so.  

Photo credit: Oladimeji Ajegbile@Unsplash.com