Monday, February 01, 1999
Hopewell third-graders imitate King's dream
BY SUE KIESEWETTER
Enquirer Contributor
UNION TOWNSHIP — When visitors to Hopewell Elementary School walk past the third-grade wing, they see a sea of intertwining arms, each with its own message.
These are the dreams of the 8- and 9-year-olds who have been studying the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech and who developed their own dreams of a better world.
In Middletown's McKinley Elementary School, a pictorial history of great African-American men and women decorates the hallways, reminding children of the contributions made to their community and the world.
Across Butler County, schoolchildren will focus on the accomplishments of African-Americans as they surf the Internet, dramatize events, draw pictures, check out library books and listen to speakers over the next few weeks in observance of Black History Month, which begins today.
“It's very much needed. It focuses in on and draws attention to black achievement in a cultural and historic context,” said Louis Cox, president of the Middletown chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
“Black accomplishments are not included in textbooks. It's getting better but not rapidly enough. Teachers need to involve themselves in supplemental research.”
Fourth-graders in Staci Hathaway's class at Heritage Elementary have been learning firsthand about segregation. Last week, unknown to them, they were segregated by eye color. One group could get drinks of water more frequently, was treated to candy and got to sit in a better spot to eat lunch.
“They caught on early what was going on and didn't like it,” Ms. Hathaway said.
Children at Fairfield's Central Elementary School will gather Feb. 9 for an interactive program by the Cincinnati Drums for Peace group. The performers will use African-American, European and Middle Eastern music, dance and storytelling to teach traditional values with the students' help.
“It promotes multicultural awareness and teaches cultural similarities and differences,” said Wayne Sawyers, assistant principal.
At Hamilton High School, the Rev. Keith Troy, from the Minority Affairs office at Ohio State University, will speak to students Feb. 11.
Dr. Denise Davis, whose gynecological practice is in Cincinnati, will talk to the students about her experiences growing up as an African-American in Hamilton.
Black history still ignored in school
Hopewell third-graders imitate King's dream
Indian Hill students set Black History events
Mason classes fight intolerance with mosaic
Mount Healthy school group promotes diversity
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