Renaissance Baby
THE
Harlem Renaissance
A
s a teacher, I have enjoyed instilling knowledge and pride in my students. During our study of The Renaissance unit, I saw how they became intrigued with learning how society at that time had experienced the “rebirth” It was even more exciting to connect what happened during the Renaissance to the Harlem Renaissance. We discovered that Harlem experienced the “rebirth” in its own way through music, dance, poetry, written work, etc. As the students researched their individual persons, I could see how excited they were to learn about these individuals and dress to become these individuals. On Friday, the 5th Grade class presented to the St. Mark School and parents what they have studied through speeches, musical renditions, exhibitions and so much more. I am SUPER proud of their accomplishments as we celebrate The Past, The Present, and Our Future.
Mrs. Sandra Grant Dade St. Mark the Evangelist School
Lia Outlaw as Florence Mills
POEM
I just want to see Langston...Baldwin...McKay..and Fauset..so many others... Feeling their spirits...in Harlem Black Buick’s parked in front the Savoy… Oh what a feeling!... To sit next to Zora Neal Hurston...having drinks... talking about literature...smell of chicken and waffles coming from the kitchen Aaron Douglas art surrounding all of us.. Let’s all get up and do the Lindy Hop! As Ellington continues to play the piano I’m honored...to be here where you all once walked...smiled and laughed! All shining like stars in the night.........Can’t forget about Richard Wright Renaissance Baby....
By David Ellis
that time in our history. The Harlem Renaissance was a period of time when African Americans could do many of the things they couldn’t do before. Researching James Van Der Zee informed me of a lot of the happenings at that time.
Jayden Gilliam as Louis Armstrong
Hi. My name is Jayden and I attend St. Mark the Evangelist School. I researched Louis Armstrong because he is a musician and plays the trumpet. During the research, I felt like I was making my own book of him. I felt awesome doing this project on Louis Armstrong.
Skyi Cruz as Ella Fitzgerald
My name is Skyi Cruz and I am in 5th Grade at St. Mark the Evangelist School. I researched Ella Fitzgerald. My experience researching her was fun and interesting. I learned new things about Ella. Overall, my experience was entertaining. Did you know her full name is Ella Jane Fitzgerald?
I am Lia Outlaw and I am learning at St. Mark the Evangelist School. I was recently researching Florence Mills. At first, I thought, “Oh well, it’s a dancer” and didn’t think further of that. I continued researching and realized she died at the age of 31 because of an infection after surgery. I wanted to stop the research but then I thought, “I want to know her story.” It was a good thing because I found out how she encouraged African American dancing to become popular. I was very happy that I continued to know more about her. She inspires me!!
Ellison Angel as James Van Der Zee
My name is Ellison and I am a student in the 5th Grade at St. Mark the Evangelist School. I researched James Van Der Zee and an amazing figure from the Harlem Renaissance. Researching him made me feel amazing. I got to find out about his many accomplishments. It felt amazing learning about FEBRAURY 2022 | THEHARLEMTIMES.COM 13