Last month Fire opened its doors to 16-20 students in the Alternative Learning program at New Genesis. I along with Michelle Johnson, Denise Miller, and Lita Gallegos of Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative had been involved in an Oral Testimony teaching program with them over the course of 2-3 months. When starting the program, our main goal was to personally get to know the kids, gain insights into their backgrounds, discover what interests they have, and cause them to generate deep thought from reflecting back on some of their most controversial and difficult experiences. During our Oral Testimony sessions, we presented a wide variety of writing and poetry exercises that granted them the opportunity to take on assignments with more creative freedom and give them the chance to openly elicit their feelings about certain topics and situations. This process progressed as the time went on, and it rapidly transcended from interactive group activities and games, to poetry workshops, to visual arts assignments that accentuated their individuality. Along with these projects, the students did personal collage projects as well.
Towards the end of the program, the students even wrote their own songs. Some of their song lyrics stemmed from the poems they had already written, or the inspiration and delightful creativity they shared. It was as brisk and refreshing as an ice-cold glass of lemonade on a hot, humid July afternoon. Finally, at the end, some of the children were given the privilege of having a field trip to Fire on May, 27th 2011. Here they had the chance to express themselves even more by participating in a wide range of activities throughout the day. They were introduced to sound recording, and many of the students present became accustomed to the entire song making process. Skills learned involved: musical production, recording, and songwriting. The ALP students were divided into two groups, and each group was able to make their own original track from scratch using professional equipment and up-to-date, quality technology. While one group of kids participated in recording, the other group completed an arts and crafts project on a full size door.
The door served as a direct gateway to the essence of their authentic selves and they got to exhibit that through: pictures, collages, poems, drawings, props, and various other supplies available to them. Last, but not least, the kids also participated in a dance workshop, and became exposed to the dynamic, fast-paced, gritty, and distinctive krump dance style. The basic krump movements: chest pops, arm swings, and stomps were taught to them. They also memorized a short dance routine that put greater emphasis on the mechanics instructed. Some of the individuals performed the routine for their peers to display what they learned. Overall, it was a long and eventful day but seeing their faces light up like the Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival made everything all worth it in the end.
Towards the end of the program, the students even wrote their own songs. Some of their song lyrics stemmed from the poems they had already written, or the inspiration and delightful creativity they shared. It was as brisk and refreshing as an ice-cold glass of lemonade on a hot, humid July afternoon. Finally, at the end, some of the children were given the privilege of having a field trip to Fire on May, 27th 2011. Here they had the chance to express themselves even more by participating in a wide range of activities throughout the day. They were introduced to sound recording, and many of the students present became accustomed to the entire song making process. Skills learned involved: musical production, recording, and songwriting. The ALP students were divided into two groups, and each group was able to make their own original track from scratch using professional equipment and up-to-date, quality technology. While one group of kids participated in recording, the other group completed an arts and crafts project on a full size door.
The door served as a direct gateway to the essence of their authentic selves and they got to exhibit that through: pictures, collages, poems, drawings, props, and various other supplies available to them. Last, but not least, the kids also participated in a dance workshop, and became exposed to the dynamic, fast-paced, gritty, and distinctive krump dance style. The basic krump movements: chest pops, arm swings, and stomps were taught to them. They also memorized a short dance routine that put greater emphasis on the mechanics instructed. Some of the individuals performed the routine for their peers to display what they learned. Overall, it was a long and eventful day but seeing their faces light up like the Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival made everything all worth it in the end.
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