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Students researched and presented projects on famous African Americans
February 23, 2021 – Lauren Todoroff had never heard of Ruby Bridges before she researched her for a Black History Month project, but the Middletown Elementary School fourth grader quickly learned enough to be impressed.
“She was the first African American to ever go to a school for white people,” Lauren said. “She had one classroom just for her and her teacher, and she didn’t get to play with the other children because she was the only African American there. She was a little bit scared, but she was brave enough to go through the whole school year.”
To celebrate Black History Month, students at Middletown Elementary researched and created projects on famous African Americans, which they presented to their class.
“I think the kids loved hearing each other present and learning about somebody different,” said Middletown teacher Heidi James. “And I think they were really surprised about some of the things they learned about – Ruby Bridges was the only student in that class, how that must have felt. We’re virtual right now, and they wish they could go back, but knowing that someone was in a class alone and didn’t get to play with the other kids makes them appreciate what they have today.”
Milanee Brown chose Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Oscar. Milanee said she didn’t know anything about McDaniel before her project, but learned that in addition to her award-winning performance as ‘Mammy’ in Gone with the Wind, Hattie was also a singer-songwriter, and appeared in more than 300 films, though she only received screen credits for 83.
The exercise opened students’ eyes to famous Americans they might not have heard about, and helped them gain an appreciation for the hardships many of them experienced.
“The different kinds of toughness or issues that each person had to deal with was interesting,” said Middletown teacher Heather Kemp. “Hattie didn’t get recognized for her movies. Ruby Bridges was left alone in a classroom with a single teacher – just the different steps they had to overcome to become the people that they’re known for.”
That was definitely the case for Ethan Virtudes’ selection – Harriet Tubman. Tubman was once hit in the head with a metal weight by an overseer, causing her to have seizures and narcolepsy, Ethan said. Still, she was able to help nearly 70 slaves escape to freedom using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad, boasting, ‘I never lost a passenger and I never ran my train off the tracks,’” according to Ethan.
“I think it was eye opening for a lot of them,” teacher Tommea Hilliard said. “Even with those that chose athletes, they realize, yeah they’re famous, but what are they doing, are they giving back to their community, or are they just pocketing their wealth and fame and not using it for the greater good? So it was good for them to see how much they’re giving back to their communities.”
Such was the case for Norriah Champion, who chose to research her favorite basketball player, LeBron James. But in addition to learning that he averages 27 points per game, she learned that he helps young people and families in need.
“He gave school supplies, bikes, computers and laptops if they get good grades. And he buys sports teams new uniforms.”
“I loved learning with my kids because I had so many that didn’t choose a person that was well known,” Kemp said. “So it was fun for me to listen to the questions that they asked and went and found out. It was a privilege to be their teacher.”