The Simone Project
Education is the foundation of change!
The Simone Project aims to include a people and history that is often left out of the traditional curriculum and to reduce inner group conflict by infusing an awareness of diversity.
Although there are strides being made in academia to incorporate multicultural programs and other elements of diversity into the educational system, black related history remains at the periphery of American studies. This assertion is best identified in classes where most discussions are void of the contributions of blacks to the structuring of the American society. Beyond enslavement and the Civil Rights Movement, the contribution of blacks is otherwise overlooked. Such neglect aids in the perpetuation of stereotypical knowledge, which renders blacks as inferior.
Furthermore, such neglect is a tragedy for students of all races and backgrounds as it offers them a linear view of America's colorful past. Until the contributions of blacks are satisfactorily mainstreamed into the basic study of American History, we must take responsibility for providing our youth with supplemental information that will boost their self-esteem and provide them a sure sense of identity through cultural awareness.
Only through education will our children learn to be more embracing and accepting of those who are different, and only through education will our children come to understand there is nothing wrong with being different; that in fact, our differences are what makes us individually special.
To appeal to children's sense of imagination and adventure, the Simone Project is a fun narration led by a ten-year old girl named Simone. She learns history from her teacher, Ms. Singleton, and is dedicated to teaching other students what she learns. Through music, words and illustrations, Simone takes the listeners on a fun historical journey beginning in Africa and ending in America.
The Simone series combines artistic expressions of Gullah-Geechee, reggae, hip-hop, Gospel and other African based musical genres with practical learning strategem such as crossword puzzels, fill-in-the-blanks, true/false, and charts and graphs.
This program is conscious raising, by teaching the bi-continental history of Black Americans and making clear the achievements and contributions of blacks in both Africa and America.
Results:
A) Provide alternative points of view relative to information already taught in schools. Diversity!
B) Provide ethnic minorities with a sense of being included in history, math, science, etc.
C) Decrease stereotypes, prejudice, bigotry and racism in America and the world.
D) Increase ethnic minority retention and classroom performance.
