Synopses & Reviews
African Americans throughout our countrys history have developed a rich heritage of arts and activities. Now you can discover and enjoy many of these traditions, from celebrating Juneteenth to making African masks to creating unique quilts, right in your own home. TRADITIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTS AND ACTIVITIES shows you how to do traditional tie-dyeing, how to make and play your own talking drum, and how to join with friends to create your own folktale. Youll learn all about the history and development of jazz, blues, and rap music, and youll find out how to play fun games like mancala, muraburaba, chigoro danda, and more.
With fun projects and easy-to-follow directions, this captivating learn-and-do guide explores the treasured stories and customs of the earliest African Americans and of their descendants today.
Review
Gr 3-7: This title explores the rich and diverse cultural history of African Americans. Through activities, quotes, brief historical notes, and a glossary, a wide variety of information is presented. Projects are grouped under chapters that discuss "Celebrations," "Traditions," "Crafts," "Games," "Culture," and "Soul Food and Caribbean Cuisine." Each activity begins with an explanation of its historical and cultural significance to Africans and/or African Americans. Clear instructions are presented in a "Here's What You Do" format. The simple line drawings of figures with exaggerated and elongated features are not particularly attractive but help illustrate and clarify the projects. --Genevieve Gallagher, New York Public Library. (School Library Journal, August 2002)
" this captivating learn-and-do guide explores the treasured stories and customs of the earliest African-Americans and of their descendants today "(Right On!, December 2002)
Synopsis
African Americans throughout our country's history have developed a rich heritage of arts and activities. Now you can discover and enjoy many of these traditions, from celebrating Juneteenth to making African masks to creating unique quilts, right in your own home. TRADITIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTS AND ACTIVITIES shows you how to do traditional tie-dyeing, how to make and play your own talking drum, and how to join with friends to create your own folktale. You'll learn all about the history and development of jazz, blues, and rap music, and you'll find out how to play fun games like mancala, muraburaba, chigoro danda, and more.
With fun projects and easy-to-follow directions, this captivating learn-and-do guide explores the treasured stories and customs of the earliest African Americans and of their descendants today.
About the Author
SONYA KIMBLE-ELLIS is a freelance writer who has written for both young people and adults in such magazines as Black Enterprise, Tiger Beat, and Spice! She is also the author of Math Puzzlers for children.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments.
Introduction.
I: CELEBRATIONS.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Black History Month.
Juneteenth.
Kwanzaa.
II: TRADITIONS.
Storytelling and Folktales.
Hair Braiding.
Quilting.
III: CRAFTS.
Calabash.
Adire (Tie-Dying).
Mask-Making.
Drums.
IV: GAMES.
Mancala.
Little Sally Walker.
Muraburaba.
Chigoro Danda.
V: CULTURE.
Music: Blues, Gospel, and Soul.
Jazz.
Rap.
Dance: Contemporary and Ballet Dancing, Tap.
Literature.
VI: SOUL FOOD AND CARIBBEAN CUISINE.
Corn Bread and Biscuits.
Fried Plantain.
GLOSSARY.
INDEX.