January is the month of new beginnings!
Whether you have a New Year resolution or just want a fresh start at something new, rejuvenation of body, mind and spirit can happen at any time! Take up a new skill or visit a new restaurant that pushes your taste-buds outside of it's comfort zone. Either way, you're bound to discover something exciting about yourself or the new experience. This newsletter is in dedication and celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.---orator, preacher, activist and Nobel Prize Winner. Happy heavenly birthday (Jan. 15) Dr. King!
August 28, 1963: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech.
Though Dr. King performed and sacrificed his life for Black American Equality, he had speech writers and counselors to assist him in writing this famous speech: Rev. Ralph Abernathy, Rev. Walter Fauntroy, Mr. Clarence B. Jones, Rev. Bernard Lee, Prof. Lawrence Reddick, Mr. Cleveland Robinson, Mr. Bayard Rustin, Mr. Wyatt Tee Walker and Mr. Andrew Young. Behind every orator are writers, muses and inspiring leaders. These leaders were known as The Willard Hotel Advisors.
The Promise for Orderly, Dignified & Non-violent Protest.
250, 000 people marched onwards to the Washington Monument to hear the multitude of speeches and to demand the end of Jim Crow Laws, Voter Suppression and numerous acts of violence towards Black Americans. What was true then (1963) that is still true now in (2022) from this promise of orderly protest guaranteed under the Bill of Rights?
The Big 6
John Lewis, Whitney Young Jr., A. Philip Randolph, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., James Farmer Jr. & Roy Wilkins. These men were linchpins of power behind the movement and would be responsible for organizing the March on Washington, which took place in the nation's capital in 1963.
The Black Amendments
Finally, every American could legally exist under the protection of the Declaration of Independence's most famous phrase: All men are created equal. These amendments to our Constitution opened the doors to Black Americans metaphorically. Amongst the African American culture, the 13th, 14th & 15th Amendments are known as the Black Amendments.
However, as we know with our current headlines, the senseless slaughtering of unarmed, non-violent Black Americans continues, whether we are jogging, walking or using our 1st Amendment rights to protest injustice.
Food for Thought: MLK Edition
If your students write in a journal feel free to use these writing prompts. I'll answer the 1st question. It was a matter of dignity, respect and equality via non-violence. "Press on" means to not succumb to the distraction, bigotry and acts of hate demonstrated since the emancipation of the enslaved. Yes, it was a matter of morals but furthermore, it served as the best way to demonstrate equality and love for all Americans. Everyone involved had to keep their eyes on the prize of equality.
DMS STEM Cooking Club!
We know the importance of having a balance between learning and fun. Therefore, we are embarking on our first cooking STEM club for Dessau Middle School. Cooking incorporates many aspects of core classes curriculum content such as: measuring and fractions from math, reading comprehension from language arts, heating/cooling & chemical reactions from science, as well as the engineering skills to create a tasteful treat. Cooking even brings in cultural & geographical influences through diverse flavors and spices...like this Cod & Clam Chowder pictured to the right! :)
Our goal: The goal of this cooking club is to open our minds to the intersectionality of food, fun and fellowship through cooking. Students will work individually and as a team to encourage responsibility, demonstrate attention to detail, and the importance of following directions.
Learn more via this DMS STEM Club Permission Slip!
**Teachers: If you have any unused and still usable electrical cooking appliance that you'd like to donate to the cooking club, please bring them to the library. We're also in need of old aprons, chopping boards and spices.
Dessau MS Library
The library is open daily from 8:00am-3:30pm. I take "C" lunch from 12:25-12:55, closing briefly for nourishment. Reserving the library can be made here. Please send students with a legitimate pass on their agenda from their classroom instructor (name, date/time of student & staff) and reason for visit.
Email: eboni.darnell@pfisd.net
Website: awakenlibrarian.com
Location: 12900 Dessau Road, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-594-2600
