Programming Spotlight: Drumfolk Pre-theater Workshops

Teaching artists Tyler and Will instruct St. John's students and teacher Elaine Latham in step dance movement.

Teaching artist Jaime and teacher Wanda Carter observe a student demonstrating footwork.

Dancing in the library!  Students learned about step dance, the Stono Rebellion, and the Negro Act of 1740 from extraordinarily talented New Vic teaching artists Signey Harriday, P. Tyler Britt, Ana Cantoran Viramontes, Jamie Roach and Will Seefried yesterday and today. The six sessions of pre-theater workshops were the highlight of instructional preparation for a trip to the New Victory Theater later this week.  Said one student "I was glad they came."  Another participant wrote on a program evaluation "This s*** was fire."  Experiential learning at its best.--Jessica Fenster-Sparber

No Crystal Stair: A Documentary Novel of the Life and Work of Lewis Michaux, Harlem Bookseller by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson with Artwork by R. Gregory Christie

No Crystal Stair tells the inspiring story of businessman, bookseller, and activist Lewis Michaux who started the first black bookstore in the country and was the Harlem haunt of Malcolm X.  Told through many voices and perspectives, and thoroughly researched, the book is accessible and compelling for readers interested in history. Highly recommended for interdisciplinary co-teaching and middle and high school book clubs.  Includes research notes, family tree, source notes, bibliography, index, and suggestions for further reading.--Jessica Fenster-Sparber

New Release: Everything I Been Through

Out today:  Everything I Been Through.  An anthology published by 826NYC with crucial funding  provided by Literacy for Incarcerated Teens.  This publication of student writing marks the culmination of the Born A Crime interdisciplinary unit students engaged in this fall.  A publishing party organized by our incredible Social Studies teacher, Celestine Thomas, here at Belmont brought the authors and artists together to celebrate yesterday.  Belmont's amazing Art teacher, Ms. Bespalova, displayed students' African masks along the bookcase tops.  --Jessica Fenster-Sparber