Studying and reflecting on the lives and careers of African-American people was more than just a Black History Month assignment at Brookhollow Elementary, it was a transformation. The hallways and doorways were transformed into learning experiences and pieces of outstanding artwork. The students were transfixed and eager to explain what they learned and what they could become.
One friend talked about Mae Jemison and how she was the first African-American woman to travel into space. He pointed to his drawing of Ms. Jemison and his written essay and explained how it was hard work, especially all of that typing. He beamed when he talked about her legacy.
The students made airplanes that hung from the ceiling in the hallways. They wrote essays and quotes that resonate to students today. Quotes like: Never limit yourself because of other’s limited imagination.
One project the students did was developed by an African-American artist who used a technique to make crumpled paper look like a quilt. The students each designed a square for the quilt to show “weaving the fabric of change.”
Today, the students at Brookhollow Elementary can tell you some of their favorite African-American heroes that they studied and how that learning about them transformed their way of thinking.
Below are just a few examples of the creative pieces at Brookhollow Elementary:
