By Precious Blake,
Special to the AFRO
In 2022, Afro Charities kick started its first ever education fellowship in a collaboration with Coppin Academy and Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center. Guided by the vibrant Unique Robinson as lead teaching artist, with support from Coppin Academy teacher Robert S. Hickey III, students are learning about the deep rooted history of Black resilience, excellence, and thriving through the historical records and artifacts of the AFRO American Newspapers’ archives.
Every month, the Afro Fellows research a topic connected to Black history that is informed by the archive. So far, students have learned about Black resistance, Baltimore’s Black women and their legacies, and Baltimore’s influence on Black musical history. The fellows have also chosen topics of their own interest while exploring the digital archives – including Black women in the military, Black trauma and how we recover, and mental wellness during and beyond the pandemic.
Either individually or collaboratively, the fellows then create drawings, performances, video, and more to creatively express their new discoveries and wonders as they learn new history each week. Supported by visiting artists, each week the fellows get to engage in creative play through dance, spoken word, theater, filmmaking, printmaking, and more. As a fellow, the students’ monthly submissions will be considered for publication in the AFRO American Newspapers, they receive stipends for participation, and get a free subscription to the AFRO for a year. Next month, fellows will also have the chance to visit the temporary home of the AFRO Archives at the Maryland State Archives. We can’t wait to see what magic blooms from this stellar group of youth!
This program is made possible with support from the Bainum Family Foundation, The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, the Greater Washington Community Foundation and the Claire and Theodore Morse Foundation.
About Afro Charities
Afro Charities builds bridges across generations and socioeconomic divides through artistic and educational projects inspired by the AFRO American Newspapers’ archives. As a nonprofit partner to the AFRO, we help care for their archives, and create meaningful opportunities for our community to engage with this indispensable resource.
About LTYC
Through arts education programs and more, Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center enriches the lives of thousands of underserved youth in Maryland and D.C., empowering them to develop their artistic talents and achieve their greatest potential.
About Coppin Academy High School
Coppin Academy provides students with a rigorous and nurturing educational environment where a culture of achievement is valued. With the support of our stake-holders, our expectation is that graduates will be productive and responsible citizens, life-long learners, and positive contributors to society in this global economy.
Precious Blake is the Program Manager for Afro Charities’ inaugural Journalism & Multimedia High School Fellowship. Learn more about this program at www.afrocharities.org.
Help us Continue to tell OUR Story and join the AFRO family as a member – subscribers are now members! Join here!