Inside the Groundbreaking of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

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Honoring Unsung Heroes During Black History Month | The White House

A Black History Month story that shouldn't be forgotten

A Black History Month story that shouldn't be forgotten

Allan Rohan Crite

Allan Rohan Crite

Allan Rohan Crite has been a favorite artist of mine since childhood. My mother had a signed copy of "Three Spirituals from Heaven" by Mr. Crite. It was in this book that I first saw a Black angel, can you imagine the impact that had on me? It confirmed what I was taught in church and believed as a young child...."We are all God's children."

Thank you Ms. Washington!

Ms. Shirley Washington wrote the museum the nicest letter:

"Dear Mrs. Nelson-Linck:

Thank you again for having me as a guest at Long Elementary School.  I had a great time visiting with your students.  They are very impressive, very well mannered, and very smart!

I applaud you for creating the 'Hands on Black History Museum'.  I'm sure the lessons the students learn will enrich their lives. 

Thank you again for the invitation.  Have a wonderful school year!

Sincerely,

Shirley Washington"

(Ms. Washington is an Anchor/Reporter for KTVI FOX 2/KPLR News )

First year partnership with North Middle School / Kirkwood

This is the museum's first year to partner with another school and share the guest speaker.  Mr. Walker, freedom rider, was also a guest speaker for Black History Month at neighboring school district, Kirkwood where he addressed students at North Middle school. A local newspaper covered the event. 

Maya Angelou

This morning on the radio I was listening to an interview with Maya Angelou.  I first fell in love with her when I was in high school, I wrote a term paper on "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."  I since have read her collection of autobiographies and had the honor and privilege of meeting her on more than one occasion.  Her eloquence and grace is inspiring.  I share some of her wisdom here:


"Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible."


"My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return."


"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength."

"History despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."

A note of Thanks from Mr. Walker

Mrs. Linck,


Thank you very much for your warm and gracious hospitality. Although I have made numerous trips to speak at different places, never have I been treated better than on my visit to St. Louis, kudos for the cook (Editor's Note: We shared a special meal the night before he spoke, prepared by one of my favorite chefs, my brother).  Your black history museum is a treasure and the hands on aspect makes it all the more meaningful to the children.


Your friend,


Matt Walker

Civil Rights Activist Dr. Ernest Patton Speaks In St. Louis

 Mr. Ernest Patton had an interview this morning before speaking at Christ Church Cathedral's Black History month celebration.  Click on the link below to view the interview.  Mr. Patton and Mr. Walker are both members of the Civil Rights Veterans Association in Nashville. 

Mr. Matthew Walker pt. 2

     We began our day early.  I picked Mr. Walker up from his hotel and we chatted about the day ahead.  We arrived at Long school  and as we entered he was already impressed with the display outside of the museum. 
Outside the library was a display with Freedom buses made by my Kindergartners, books, the traveling Freedom Rider suitcase and a Freedom rider art bus.  Then we entered the museum, Mr. Walker's eyes lit up as he studied the posters, artifacts and various displays.  He enjoyed meeting and speaking with Long students who were attentive and asked well thought out questions after he spoke. Art Holiday from KSDK channel 5  was there to interview the Freedom Rider as well as reporters and photographers from the Suburban Journal.  Presentations were made to all fourth and fifth  grade classes and my Kindergartners had the opportunity to share what they had learned with our visitor.  I received lots of positive feedback from students, teachers and some parents.  As a special treat I had the opportunity to have lunch with Mr. Walker as he talked about how special his visit had been.  He appreciated being able to share his story, he commented on how well mannered the classes were and how friendly everyone had been.  Mr. Walker closed each presentation with a challenge to students, to stay in school and work hard, to work towards their dreams and to stand up for what they believe in.  We all had been touched by living history and it was an amazing day that would will not soon be forgotten. 

Mr. Matthew Walker

History Museum in the news

Matthew Walker was the keynote speaker at the museum today, 2/9/12

The Freedom rider

I had done my homework. I had studied books upon books about the Freedom rides and the riders. I had gone to, what felt like the end of the Internet. We prepared posters, artifacts were gathered, contacts made, travel plans confirmed. The stage was set. Tuesday night the Freedom Riders documentary was shown on PBS, and there I sat again, glued to the television. Looking at this world of the 60's when I was so very young, thinking how cruel and evil the people were attacking those courageous enough to fight for Freedom for us all. Not raising them up as true National heroes, but instead maiming them in a number of vicious attacks and forever framing their faces of hatred and evil by their cruel acts in the pages of our history. Then he arrived, Mr. Matthew Walker, Freedom Rider from Nashville.He arrived the day before to prepare for his keynote speech at the museum. We had spoken on the phone several times, but I had anxiously awaited meeting him face to face. I had seen his youthful pictures at age 19 and later pictures as well. Mr. Walker came to a small dinner reception at my home. I sat looking at him and listening to his stories and it was as if he stepped out of the pages of a history book. I could hardly believe that he was sitting across from me, honoring my home with his presence. Proud, focused, devout, sharp, living and wearing his courage Mr. Walker spoke his passion. An everyday hero who stepped into history to do his part, to correct a wrong that would impact us all forever. This was an experience of a lifetime.The next day would be a memorable experience for the children and staff at school.  I could hardly sleep. 

Hands on Black History museum in the news

Mr. Matthew Walker, Freedom Rider was interviewed at the history museum today.

Shirley Washington visits the museum

A fourth grader at Long wrote a letter to news channel 2 anchor Shirley Washington and she accepted the invitation to be a guest speaker during Black History month.  Today Ms. Washington along with her photographer/cameraman visited with  5 classes in the museum. Ms. Washington talked about her career and challenged students to always work towards their dreams.  Students asked well prepared questions  and afterwards Long school students were complimented on their great manners and behavior during the assembly.  Our brush with fame was on the air at 5:15 in time for the evening news.  Thank you Ms. Washington, you've gained some new fans!

Great words to live by

I recently came across this from one of my favorite Black Sheroes

Be not earthbound
You have but to take off 
From the shoulders of the 
elders where you now
stand

Make connection with your 
spirit
Capture your wildest
dreams
And the longings of your 
people
Use all that you have 
learned

Reach out to the people
you meet
Make connections with the 
words they speak and the 
strong values you hold 
dear
Goodness, truth, faith,
kinship, justice

Dare to make a better
world
that brings together all our 
strengths, the knowledge 
you acquire and the 
creations that blossom 
from your efforts 
Remember that we are all 
connected to one another
and to this awesome 
universe
Live well-Grow well

You are the energy that 
will drive the emerging 
Global community 
Your love, your caring 
your values; your 
connections to the eternal 
Will serve you well as you shape the future
                 
                   Kathryn Nelson 

                                                                           Thank you Mama

Social Justice Group explores museum

This morning a group of dedicated teachers came to a museum talk at the Hands on Black History museum.  Teachers were given an intimate tour of the museum from its early beginnings to present day.  Afterwards a lively discussion explored ways teachers could create their own museums share information about the museum with their personal learning communities and hows the museum might become a traveling display in the future.  Teachers were then invited to walk around the museum displays and take notes, pictures and discuss  how to explore sensitive topics with a variety of age groups.  The thoughtful conversations and sharing of ideas among educators made for a stimulating and inspiring  morning.  Want to visit the museum?  Give us a call, the museum runs through February 24th. 

We learned about the Freedom Riders

Hands on History Museum 101

After school I was joined in the school library for a "Museum talk."  Several teachers from each grade level attended and listened, looked and observed all the information I shared about how to use the museum with students.  Many were overwhelmed....where to start?  Many were delighted with the amount and variety of resources available.  Some teachers were planning multiple visits so their students could take it all in.  There seemed to be an overall appreciation for the time and effort put into the display.  Some teachers, anxious to get started right away were planning a walk through first in anticipation of opening day, February 1st.  SO much to learn.  One teacher remarked, "I'm glad this is here all month, I want my kids to experience it all!"

Tomorrow

Tomorrow I share the museum with my new school community.  I am both anxious and excited.  After school teachers and staff are invited to an overview of the museum and how to use it with their students.  I found these  wise words  from Malcolm X.
"Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today."
I'm prepared for tomorrow. 

The stage is set...

     Today we set up the 2012 Hands on Black History museum.  Loading both van and jeep took almost an hour.  Helping hands included my husband, sister, and both nieces.  The school librarian cleared shelves and shelf tops for displays, a huge help.  The doors opened and we carried in all the tubs, bags,  and boxes  that held inside the precious museum displays and artifacts.  Items were carefully placed around the library to tell the story to students, staff and parents that will enter next week.  We tried out the record player and set up to the tunes of Stevie Wonder and Motown.  A record 4 hours later the job was complete.  Beautiful new posters designed by my sister tell the story of the Freedom riders, might I add the love and passion that went into these displays is outstanding,  along with a bus that will act as a conversation piece. Special thanks to Kindergarten parent Mr. Leon for the bus design poster. Thank you for the helping hands of family.
Some new artifacts have been added along with the return of the "Box" that educates students about the journey of Henry Box Brown. Each year as the museum grows it is exciting to revisit the previous year's displays and remember fondly the speakers that shared their journeys, stories and lives.  History lives!  This year's museum will be brought to life by all its visitors that learn and discover the history of all of us. 

Black History Month Tribute Video

Black History Month Tribute Video

Carter G. Woodson

 Carter G. Woodson was born in 1875. Convinced that the history of African-Americans was being ignored and misrepresented, Woodson took steps to put things right. In 1915 he founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The association was created to promote and preserve African-American history and culture. He founded the Journal of Negro History in 1916.

Originally named  Negro History Week in 1926, the week chosen  was celebrated   the second week of February between the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, the week long celebration evolved into Black History Month in 1976.

"Real education means to inspire people to live more abundantly, to learn to begin with life as they find it and make it better..."   Carter G. Woodson

Freedom Rider Matthew Walker to speak at Hands on Black History museum

The Hands on Black History Museum, now in its fifth year,  is pleased to announce that the Museum will be housed in the Long Elementary School library  during the month of February.  Long Elementary is part of the Lindbergh School District, and is located at 9021 Sappington Road.  The Museum highlights the many accomplishments of African Americans in our country’s history and provides students and staff with a stimulating experience that includes hands on activities. 

The Museum debuts on Wednesday, February 1^st and closes on Friday, February, 24^th.  The courageous acts of the Freedom Riders that helped shape our country will be an area of concentration during this year's museum display.  This year's keynote speaker is Matthew Walker, Jr. Freedom rider and sit-in participant in the Civil rights movement.   Mr. Walker will address students and staff on Wednesday February 9th.  Matthew Walker, Jr. was a passenger on the first Freedom Bus traveling into Jackson, Mississippi in 1961.  He will be traveling from Nashville, Tennessee where he is currently president of the Nashville Civil Rights Veterans Association.  

And so it begins...

It's always a little exciting to begin carefully choosing the items for each museum display.  What makes the cut and what doesn't?  My museum collaborator/sister and I try to make each display tell a story; the challenge is picking specific items that will tell each year's story.  
A theme is chosen and a guest speaker is invited to share their story with our young Elementary audience. Displays are then designed to help support the theme and guest speaker's address as well as educate those visiting the museum.  It all culminates in an exciting experience shared by the entire school community.  This year's theme is "Next stop Equality...A Freedom Rider's journey."  Our guest speaker on February 9th  will be Matthew Walker from Nashville, Tennessee.  Mr. Walker participated in the sit-ins as well as the Freedom rides. 
Yesterday we opened box after box of museum artifacts, posters and hands-on items.  We carefully chose the ones that would work for this year's museum.  The remainder were returned to their yearly resting place.  
We talked about the things we'd come across in our research about the Freedom riders.  We discussed what we were each working on.  We repaired some items and stacked those items in boxes floor to ceiling ready to be transported for next week's museum set up.  Eight hours later, we sat and stared, ready to once again begin telling the story, and sharing history in a new year. 

Famous Black quotes by Janet Cheatham Bell

"Life is a short walk.  There is so little time and so much living to achieve."

                                                        John Oliver Killens

Parchman Parodies

Many Freedom Riders were jailed and taken to Parchman Prison in Jackson, Mississippi.  The harsh conditions of the jail did not end their journey.  Here is a passage from "Sing for Freedom," The story of the Civil Rights Movement through its songs.  Edited and compiled by Guy and Candie Carawan. 

     Several parodies to familiar tunes came out of the Freedom Rides.  The following was sent by Marilyn Eisenberg, a Freedom Rider from California.
 Tune:  Yankee Doodle


Freedom Riders came to town 
Riding on the railway, 
Mississippi locked  them up 
Said you can't even use Trailways.
     Mississippi, you are wrong, 
     You've gone against the nation
     We'll keep coming big and strong
     And we'll end segregation. 

Freedom Rider to speak in St. Louis

Freedom Rider “Rip” Patton at Christ Cathedral 

February  11–12

Dr. Ernest “Rip” Patton will be joining us for two events on Feb. 11 and 12 to share stories of the past and help us look at the future of dismantling racism. Fifty years ago last May, Rip Patton boarded a Greyhound bus in Montgomery, Ala., on a ride that would change his life and the course of American history. He was one of the Freedom Riders—a courageous group of civil rights pioneers who effected one of the most catalytic events for racial justice in the 1960s in desegregating transportation in the Deep South. For his efforts, he spent time in Mississippi’s notorious Parchman State Prison Farm and was expelled from Tennessee State University.

    On Saturday, Feb. 11, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Dr. Patton will keynote “Seeking Our Past, Creating Our Future,” an event planned by the Commission on Dismantling Racism that will equip congregational teams to examine their own history with racial injustice and to chart a productive course to address current inequities of race. On Sunday, Feb. 12, Dr. Patton will lead the 9 AM Adult Forum, guest preach at the 10 AM service, and participate in a “chew and chat” lunchtime conversation in Schuyler Hall following the service.

Christ Church Cathedral is located at 1210 Locust, St. Louis Missouri.

The Freedom Riders...did you know?

The oldest Freedom rider was 61, the youngest was 13.  The riders came from 39 states and 11 countries. 

Here is a wonderful interview  with Ruby Bridges.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SKyQV0-z6HE

Reflecting on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King.....
     We can all hope that after our passing our lives will continue to have a profound effect on those whose lives we have touched.  I recently read an excerpt from Dr. King's speech at the March on Washington, it speaks of the" urgency of now,"  I share this now:
     "We have also come to this hallowed spot (Washington D.C.) to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism.  Now is the time to make real the promise of Democracy.  Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice.  Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all God's children.  Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood."
Martin Luther King was one of many speakers at the March on Washington.  His "I have a dream" speech has been framed by history because his words, for many summed up the mood of the march and helped many Americans understand Dr. King's vision.  RIP Dr. King. 

Welcome to the Hands on Black History Museum blog! Here, I will provide updates on the physical museum as well as the website, conveniently located here. Check back periodically for new information regarding this year's museum. The 2012 theme for the Black History Museum is "Next Stop... Equality: A Freedom Rider's Journey." Stay tuned for upcoming news and events.