The youth of The Child Center of NY marked Black History Month in ways that showcase their creativity, insight, character, and potential.
The Child Center Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) in Brooklyn organized several activities to celebrate and delve into Black History Month, with discussion topics such as who were pioneers in Black history, and how did they shape their time and ours; movies that included Soul, Self Made, Harriet, and Hidden Figures; and art projects. The art project in the above photo was made by 15-year-old Ashley. “The liberty to create and express through art is freedom within itself,” Ashley told us and called her project “a symbol of freedom, pride, and justice for African Americans.” Ashley also noted that her making this piece of art was a way to support her peers and community by honoring Black History Month.
Ashley made this powerful piece of art during a piñata making workshop led by Victoria Ortiz, the RTF’s activity and events coordinator, who spoke to the youths about creating a small business out of recyclable materials.
Students at our COMPASS afterschool program at P.S. 251Q in Springfield Gardens, Queens, created an A-Z bulletin board featuring Black leaders they studied. We’ll let students’ direct quotes in the above photo collection (make sure to view each one!) speak for themselves.
These young people clearly are eager and poised to learn about and build on the incredible legacy of Black History in the United States, and we couldn’t be prouder or more inspired.
