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The Frederick Douglass Writing Club

Frederick Douglass Writing Club brings history to life and ignites students’ creativity. Baba Bomani opens by introducing himself and his community through music, setting an energetic tone. He then dives into the remarkable story of Frederick Douglass, emphasizing how he “stole” his education and used literacy to escape slavery. Baba Bomani connects Douglass’ legacy to […]

Picturing the Self: Recognizing Students’ Cultural Knowledge

In this workshop, participants will learn how to apply Zaretta Hammond’s Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning research to their practice. While the focus will be on applying strategies to drawing experiences, other art disciplines will also be discussed. In addition, participants will learn how the Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) method can be transformed into a […]

It’s Alive! Stop Motion Animation

Students build films together while developing their media literacy, visual arts, ELA and social skills. Participants sculpt or build stop-motion characters and sets. They will set up a provided iPad camera and use free software to film and score their movies. Students will learn the techniques that will make their films clear, fun and eminently […]

Cajón (box drum)

This program is designed to introduce participants to the rhythmical magic of the cajón (box drum) as well as to the fascinating history and culture it carries within. Participants will learn basic techniques to play the most popular rhythms of Afro-Peruvian music. Depending on the length of the program, other percussion instruments like the quijada […]

B.A.R.S.: The Writing Process Through Rap

Students are taken on a fun, multimedia trip through the world of creative writing where they discuss the writing process (pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing). Students will rap along to original, professionally released music created by Bomani, as well as songs highlighting his tips on how to be a better creative writer. There will […]

B.A.R.S.: The ABC’s of Hip Hop

Baba Bomani’s program uses rhythm and rhyme to explain basic reading and math concepts such as how to recognize syllables and showing how a rapper’s flow is simply a number bond math equation! Students have fun breaking and learning how to rap the alphabet backward, as well as learn crucial active listening skills and Black […]

And Now I See: Race, Racism & American Music

Ball in the House’s brand-new show explores African American music, from Spirituals, Gospel, and Jazz to Soul, Hip-Hop, and R&B.  Students will build awareness of where each style came from and why, as well as the cultural/social evolution of these styles and their influences and connect them to the contemporary styles of today. This is done […]