Welcome back to the CAFYIR blog! The CAFYIR team has spent the start of 2021 preparing some amazing content. In today's blog we will be talking about Black History Month which is all February long. This year's Black History Month theme is The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.
CAFYIR Corner
CAFYIR on the Computer
This week in celebration of Black History Month, the CAFYIR on the Computer students are discussing impactful black figures, historical events that changed the course of history, the importance of equality and inclusion, and so much more!
We have encouraged our 6th-8th grade students to make PowerPoints about one pressing topic that they are interested in while also considering potential solutions and were so excited to see some amazing presentations!
We hope you learn a lot of new information from our content as well. Feel free to share anything you’ve learned, a topic you are interested in, questions, or anything else with us at cafyir@gmail.com.
Social Media
Each day this week CAFYIR's social media we have informative and engaging, black history themed posts. Be sure to check it out!
If you'd like to support our mission and learn a lot of new things while doing it, check us out on social media! Leave a like and follow, tag us in posts of you trying new things, and use the #CAFYIR when applying what you learned in our blog posts or YouTube videos.
Instagram: @cafyir
Facebook: @Cafyir Programs
Twitter: @cafyir
Get Involved
If you'd like to get involved and help us provide hands-on, interactive lessons and workshops to students, consider sending your gently used books or school supplies (i.e. binders, backpacks, textbooks, and pencil cases) to 6441 S Chickasaw Trail, Ste. 189, Orlando, FL 32829. The supplies will be used as a part of our curriculum or given to students in need.
Fantastic Fact Floor
Today's fact theme is black history! If you know any facts about black history, share them with us on social media using the #CAFYIR.
Did you know that Black History Month began as only a week long?!
Did you know that countries like the UK and the Netherlands celebrate Black History Month in October?!
Did you know that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. improvised part of his “I Have a Dream” speech?!
Did you know that the earliest recorded protest against slavery was by the Quakers in 1688?!
Did you know that before there was Rosa Parks, there was Claudette Colvin?!
Tip Toolbox
This week feature's some ways that you can become better informed on black history. Check it out!
1) Expose yourself to people with different culture, traditions, and backgrounds in school! This allows you to learn more about the people learning right there with you and gives you a better understanding of the current world you are living in!
2) Learn about historical events that happened in the past and how they impacted the world! This offers a new perspective and may even open your eyes to issues you never knew about. This month, take the time to learn about the Civil Rights Movement and how it continues to impact us today!
3) Use your resources! There are lots of great books, documentaries, and articles out there with well-researched information, personal accounts, new perspectives, and fun facts! If you are interested in something new or have a question, chances are, it is already on the internet. Use the resources available to you to keep learning!
Holiday Hub
If there's a holiday you celebrate share it with us on social media using the #CAFYIR.
February 1, 2021
National Freedom Day: National freedom day celebrates the signing of the 13th amendment by Abraham Lincoln on February 1st, 1865. This amendment outlawed slavery in the United States. This holiday commemorates the freedom and harmony African Americans felt when this act passed. Additionally, this holiday serves as a reflection period in the United States for the past enslavement of African Americans. You can learn more about National freedom day here!
February 2, 2021
Groundhog Day: Groundhog Day is an American tradition that dates back to 1887. The holiday observes a Groundhog, recently named Punxsutawney Phil. An old Dutch fable demonstrates that if a Groundhog sees its shadow after emerging from hibernation, then spring will arrive early. Every February 2nd, Americans gather in Philadelphia to watch Phil the groundhog emerge from his hibernation den, and to see whether spring will arrive early. Although, Phil’s predictions are only correct 39% of the time! You can watch Phil coming out of his den this year here!
February 3, 2021
National Golden Retriever Day: National Golden Retriever day celebrates the companionship Golden Retrievers have fulfilled for years! The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world due to their immense friendliness and playfulness. However, to many people these dogs not only serve as a playful friend, but also as a trusted assistant. Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent, making them a helpful tool for those in need of a service or emotional support dog. Some retrievers are trained to turn off lights, open doors and alert authorities when their owner is in trouble. It is undeniable that these diligent pups deserve a day in their honor! You can learn more about Golden retrievers here! You can learn how to adopt one here!
February 4, 2021
World Cancer Day: World Cancer day is an international holiday recognizing the importance of educating people of cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Cancer is the leading cause of death in the United States, but can usually be treated if found early. Cancer begins with a mutation in normal body cells, which creates a tumor. This causes the affected cells to divide rapidly through mitosis and essentially metabolize or eat up other normal cells in the body, at an extreme rate, resulting in tissue damage. Detecting cancer in its early stages increases survival rate, thus proving the vast importance of educating the public of precautions to take so we can all take steps to keep ourselves healthy! You can learn more about cancer here.
February 5, 2021
World Nutella Day: World Nutella Day celebrates the creamy hazelnut spread that was first introduced in Italy in 1964. The first World Nutella day was held in 2007, and Nutella customers love to celebrate this day by posting pictures and recipes on social media. You can share your own recipes and love for Nutella on social media with the hashtag #WorldNutellaDay! (Our volunteer, Emily, is extra excited about celebrating Nutella Day 2021. Check out our social media this Friday for an extra special #WorldNutellaDay post!)
Current Events Collection
This week's current event is based on the recent 2020 Presidential Inauguration!
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ victory in the 2020 election was historic for a considerable number of reasons. One of the biggest reasons is because of Vice President Harris' historic achievement. Kamala Devi Harris is the first African-American, the first Asian-American, and the first woman to be vice president of the United States. Harris’ win could start to, ever so slightly, change how society views powerful women and people of color in the United States. There’s a lot of work that has to be done, especially seeing as according to ‘USA Today’ “Black women, who make up 7.4% of the U.S. population” occupy only “1.6% of vice president roles and 1.4% of C-suite positions” in corporate America; but this a start. Additionally, Biden and Harris are working to start making change with the most diverse cabinet in presidential history. As Kamala Harris stated, “While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last”.
Activity Area
This week's YouTube Activity is based on our video: Notetaking Tips and Tricks for Kids!
Once you've watched the video try taking your very own Notes. Use the strategies you learned about in the video and think of ways that you can take notes best for you!
Sample Template:
Now create your own notes and share them with us on social media using the #CAFYIR!
Weekly Writing Prompt:
How has the Civil Rights Movement changed the world?
Share your response to the question above with us on social media with the #CAFYIR.
Enthusiasm Expanse
Weekly Motivation:
“Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation” - Coretta Scott King (African-American author and civil rights activist)
“It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength” - Maya Angelou (famous African American poet, artist, author)
“Remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world” - Harriet Tubman (conductor of the underground railroad)
Special Black History Month Segment
Today we have a special YouTube series to share with you, "Netflix Jr. Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices!" Check out this collection of read alongs here! Let us know what you think by using the #CAFYIR on social media.
"We Challenge You!"
This week, in honor of black history month, we challenge you to research one black figure who has advocated for positive change in the fight for equality! Share what you learned with your friends, family, and us by using the #CAFYIR!
Conclusion and Contact Us
Thank you for reading this week's blog. We hope you enjoyed! Check back next week for a new post. In the meantime connect with us on social media:
Email: cafyir@gmail.com
Instagram: @cafyir
Facebook: @cafyir programs
Twitter: @cafyir
Tik Tok: @cafyir
YouTube: @cafyir
Sources
“10 Little Known Black History Facts.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, www.pbs.org/black-culture/explore/10-black-history-little-known-facts/.
“Congressman John R. Lewis.” Academy of Achievement, 12 Aug. 2020, achievement.org/achiever/congressman-john-r-lewis/.
“Culture Shock: How to Adjust to a New Culture While Maintaining Your Cultural Values.” Strategic Psychology Canberra, 6 Sept. 2017, strategicpsychology.com.au/culture-shock-adjust-new-culture-maintaining-cultural-values/.
Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia, philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/archive/national-freedom-day/.
Endicott, Arianna. “6 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Michigan.” SEEN Magazine, 11 Feb. 2020, seenthemagazine.com/celebrate-black-history-month-in-michigan/.
Eytan, Ted. “Journey Isn't over: Going to the 50th Anniversary March on Washington.” Ted Eytan, MD, 16 Oct. 2015, www.tedeytan.com/2013/08/25/16430.
“First Groundhog Day.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 24 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-groundhog-day.
“Golden Retrievers as Service Dogs.” Official Golden Retriever, 7 Oct. 2020, www.officialgoldenretriever.com/blog/management-training/can-golden-retrievers-be-service-dogs.
Green, Ranny. “How to Train a Golden Retriever Puppy: Growth & Training Timeline.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 14 July 2020, www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/golden-retriever-puppy-training-timeline/.
“GROUNDHOG DAY - February 2, 2021.” National Today, 2 Feb. 2021, nationaltoday.com/groundhog-day/.
Guynn, Jessica, and Charisse Jones. “Kamala Harris May Finally Change How Corporate America Sees and Treats Black Women.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 13 Nov. 2020, www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/11/11/kamala-harris-effect-black-women-corporate-america/6227172002/.
History.com Editors. “Civil Rights Movement Timeline.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 4 Dec. 2017, www.history.com/topics/civil-rights-movement/civil-rights-movement-timeline.
“Inauguration Day Full Coverage: Joe Biden Sworn in as 46th President, Kamala Harris as First Female Vice President.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, www.latimes.com/politics/liveblog/2021-biden-inauguration-day-live-updates.
“Increasing Family Engagement in Diverse Schools.” PTA One Voice Blog, onevoice.pta.org/increasing-family-engagement-in-diverse-schools/.
“Information and Resources about for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin.” American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/.
Jamie, et al. “Over 30 Wonderful Children's Books For Black History Month.” Katie Considers, 12 Feb. 2019, katieconsiders.com/2019/02/04/best-childrens-books-black-history-month/.
Jill, Journal Buddies, and Janet from Creative Writing. “Black History Month Writing Prompt Ideas.” JournalBuddies.com, 2 Feb. 2021, www.journalbuddies.com/journal-prompts-writing-ideas/black-history-month-writing-ideas/.
JSTOR Home. www.jstor.org/.
“List Prize for A-List Fans.” A, www.nutelladay.com/.
Mack, Justin L. “Groundhog Day 2020: No Shadow Means Early Spring! Unless Phil Is Wrong Again.” The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Star, 2 Feb. 2020, www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2020/02/02/groundhog-day-2020-punxsutawney-phil/4639236002/.
“National Freedom Day - A Day to Celebrate America!” InspireMyKids, 21 Sept. 2020, inspiremykids.com/national-freedom-day-a-day-to-celebrate-america/.
National Freedom Day, www.americaslibrary.gov/es/pa/es_pa_free_1.html.
“NATIONAL GOLDEN RETRIEVER DAY - February 3, 2021.” National Today, 29 Jan. 2021, nationaltoday.com/national-golden-retriever-day/.
“Proclamation 2824-National Freedom Day.” Proclamation 2824-National Freedom Day | The American Presidency Project, 25 Jan. 1949, www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-2824-national-freedom-day.
“Service Dog Program.” Canine Partners for Life | Service Dog Organization in Pennsylvania, 21 Dec. 2020, k94life.org/programs/servicedog/.
“Special Collections Research Center.” Temple University Libraries | Special Collections Research Center, library.temple.edu/scrc.
“Starting at 6:30 A.m.” Home | The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, www.groundhog.org/.
Tv, Revolt. “28 Facts about Black History That You May Not Know.” REVOLT, REVOLT, 1 Feb. 2019, www.revolt.tv/2019/2/1/20825543/28-black-history-facts.
UCSB Science Line, scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=989.
Witter, Brad. “Martin Luther King Jr. and 8 Black Activists Who Led the Civil Rights Movement.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 11 Jan. 2021, www.biography.com/news/martin-luther-king-jr-black-activists-civil-rights-movement.
“WORLD CANCER DAY - February 4, 2021.” National Today, 30 Dec. 2020, nationaltoday.com/world-cancer-day/.
“WORLD NUTELLA DAY - February 5, 2021.” National Today, 27 Jan. 2021, nationaltoday.com/world-nutella-day/.
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