We Listen And We Don't Judge...But We Challenge

There is so much to learn from the children during our conversations with them.

We are teaching them about our rich culture and African American History. Some of the people we have studied are Matthew Henson, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, Supreme Court Judge, Thurgood Marshall, Ida Bea Wells, Shirley Chisholm and of course, one of our children's favorite, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

It is both amazing and sometimes heartbreaking when we observe the expressions on their faces when they see the injustices that we as a people have endured and the challenges we yet face simply because of our beautiful skin color.

Taking Every Opportunity 

While watching the films, movies and documentaries, we follow up with discussions.  The discussions allow us to take the opportunity to see how the level of impact that was made with each child. 

Their individual questions allow us to see what they focused on as well as what areas or issues they were most concerned with. 

Asking questions such as, "What would you have done during those times?, or what current issue in society concerns you the most?

We also ask how the six pillars were practiced by each individual we studied. 

As a way of keeping the African American History lessons fresh and applicable, we continually discuss the topic and ask review questions. 

This is an amazing way to reinforce what we've learned as well as remind the children that they too can make positive impacts in their communities. 

We listen and we don't judge, but we do challenge the children to continue to apply what they have learned.