The Harlem Renaissance by St. Marks Students

As a teacher, I have enjoyed instilling knowledge and pride in my students. During our study of The Renaissance unit, I saw how they became intrigued with learning how society at that time had experienced the “rebirth”  It was even more exciting to connect what happened during the Renaissance to the Harlem Renaissance.  We discovered that Harlem experienced the “rebirth” in its own way through music, dance, poetry, written work, etc.  As the students researched their individual persons, I could see how excited they were to learn about these individuals and dress to become these individuals.  On Friday, the 5^th Grade class presented to the St. Mark School and parents what they have studied through speeches, musical renditions, exhibitions and so much more.  I am SUPER proud of their accomplishments as we celebrate The Past, The Present, and Our Future.

Mrs. Sandra Grant Dade

Lia Outlaw as Florence Mills

I am Lia Outlaw and I am learning at St. Mark the Evangelist School.  I was recently researching Florence Mills. At first, I thought, “Oh well, it’s a dancer” and didn’t think further of that.  I continued researching and realized she died at the age of 31 because of an infection after surgery.  I wanted to stop the research but then I thought, “I want to know her story.”  It was a good thing because I found out how she encouraged African American dancing to become popular.  I was very happy that I continued to know more about her.  She inspires me!!

Ellison Angel as James Van Der Zee

My name is Ellison and I am a student in the 5^th Grade at St. Mark the Evangelist School.  I researched James Van Der Zee and an amazing figure from the Harlem Renaissance.  Researching him made me feel amazing.  I got to find out about his many accomplishments.  It felt amazing learning about that time in our history.  The Harlem Renaissance was a period of time when African Americans could do many of the things they couldn’t do before.  Researching James Van Der Zee informed me of a lot of the happenings at that time.

Jayden Gilliam as Louis Armstrong

Hi. My name is Jayden and I attend St. Mark the Evangelist School.  I researched Louis Armstrong because he is a musician and plays the trumpet.  During the research, I felt like I was making my own book of him.  I felt awesome doing this project on Louis Armstrong.

Skyi Cruz as Ella Fitzgerald

My name is Skyi Cruz and I am in 5^th Grade at St. Mark the Evangelist School. I researched Ella Fitzgerald.  My experience researching her was fun and interesting.  I learned new things about Ella.  Overall, my experience was entertaining.  Did you know her full name is Ella Jane Fitzgerald? 

5th Grade Presentation	Teacher: Mrs. Sandy Grant- Dade
Ellison Angel	James Van Der Zee
Phoenix Banks	Georgia Douglas Johnson
Michael Brown, Jr.	Lewis Grandson-Alexander
Brianna Castillo	Josephine Baker
Skyi Cruz	Ella Fitzgerald
Jayden Gilliam	Louis Armstrong
Brianna Grant	Zora Neale Hurston
Brooken Holloman	Billie Holiday
Bryson Latimore	Countee Cullen
Reynel McLean	Paul Robeson
Babacar Niang	Aaron Douglas
Lia Outlaw	Florence Mills
Maie-Michelle Sogbossi	Ethel Waters
Kyle Thorner, Jr.	Cab Calloway
Princess Estelle Tolbert	Evelyn Preer
Tangie Torbert	Bessie Smith
Asher White, III	Jean Toomer