COURSE INCLUDES WORKBOOK SUPPLEMENT AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD.

Asynchronous Course through Google Classroom

You will receive access to the google classroom course which has class videos, questions, writing and art prompts and additional resources for your student to study. Ms. Bryant does monitor and provide input on student submissions.

This 8 session Intro to Afrofuturism course for 4th through 12th grade students is created to introduce scholars to the genre of Afrofuturism through literature and the arts. The basic tenet of this genre is to use the concept of sankofa (go back and get it) to discover the wisdom and knowledge that existed prior to African enslavement and to use these facts to extinguish myths and stereotypes about African-American culture. This knowledge is meant to restore the identities and confidence in our youth as we encourage them to use their genius to propel themselves in a positive direction towards future goals. 

The course incorporates themes from African folklore, making connections to modern interpretations in order to reinforce our connection to the motherland. Finally, the course challenges scholars to use the themes of escapism and futurism to envision themselves in other worlds that do not limit their access and asks: who would they be? How would they solve problems if these societal hindrances did not exist? This course inspires Black youth and all youth to be innovative, imaginative and hopeful that they can be and do whatever it is they dream to accomplish!

Course Title: Baadaye Foresight Culture- full school year

Target Audience:

High school students in grades 9-12 interested in developing leadership skills, engaging in community service, and exploring Afrofuturistic concepts.

Course Summary:

Baadaye Foresight Culture is a dynamic course designed to empower high school students by exploring Black cultural identity, future-thinking methods, and community service. Through engaging with theories like Stuart Hall's types of culture and W.E.B. Du Bois's vision of a megascope, students will learn to navigate, harness, and apply concepts such as Future Shock, Megatrends, and Acceleration to real-world challenges. This program not only enhances students’ cultural capital but also provides them with practical experience in designing and implementing community service projects, participating in youth forums, and securing internships.

Goals:

-Explore Afrofuturism and Black culture: Understand the impact and relevance of Black cultural identity through various lenses.

-Develop Future-Thinking Skills: Learn and apply concepts like Future Shock, Megatrends, and Acceleration to envision and shape future scenarios.

-Community Engagement: Design and participate in service projects, enhancing local communities and gaining practical experience.

-Career and Academic Preparation: Build a network, participate in internships, and engage in activities that enhance college and scholarship applications.

Course Outline:

1. Exploring Black Identity:

   - Dive into Stuart Hall’s cultural theories to understand and articulate aspects of Black culture.

   - Discussion and workshops on identity formation and cultural significance.

2. Navigating Future Design:

   - Introduction to concepts like Future Shock and Megatrends.

   - Utilize W.E.B. Du Bois's vision for a megascope to examine historical and future perspectives.

3. Creating Change:

   - Practical application of learned concepts in designing community service projects.

   - Techniques like backcasting to plan and implement effective service strategies.

4. Leading the Way:

   - Leadership training through participation in youth forums and internships.

   - Building networks and cultural capital to prepare for future academic and career opportunities.

Tools and Methodologies:

- Cultural Theories: Stuart Hall’s types of culture.

- Futuristic Concepts: Future Shock, Megatrends, Acceleration.

- Strategic Planning Tools: Backcasting to achieve ideal outcomes.

- Practical Engagement: Service projects, youth forums, internships.

Benefits:

- Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of Black culture and its implications for the future.

- Skill Development: Learn to apply theoretical knowledge in practical, real-world contexts.

- Community Impact: Directly contribute to community development and improvement.

- Academic and Career Advancement: Enhance your resume and applications with diverse experiences and skills.

This course is structured to not only educate but also to inspire and mobilize students to become proactive contributors to their communities and leaders in their own right, preparing them for a future where they are empowered and equipped to make meaningful impacts.

COURSE INCLUDES COLORING/ACTIVITY SUPPLEMENT AVAILABLE WITH AT HOME LEARNING KIT.

Unveiling Flight Symbolism - Exploring the Power of Metaphor in African and American Cultures

Course Title: "This is Why I'm Fly!"

Summer 2025: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30- 1:30pm PST

 Overview: Embark on a captivating journey through the intertwined histories of African and American cultures as we explore the concept of flight as a metaphor. Discover how flight symbolism has empowered, resisted, and allowed for self-expression. Immerse yourself in literature, art, and oral traditions to reveal the hidden narratives behind this powerful metaphor and its enduring influence on diverse cultures.

Course Highlights: 

Explore the roots and cultural significance of flight symbolism.Investigate how flight evolved from history into metaphor.

Infuse depth and meaning into your flight-inspired creations through literary themes.

Discover the enduring legacy of flight in fostering resilience and self-identity.

Examine the integration of flight themes in contemporary music and its cultural connections.

Explore the journey of creating a world where individuals can confidently embrace their identity.

Reflect on the myriad interpretations of flight and their impact on empowerment, aspirations, and an empowered future.

Course Description: This course offers a compelling exploration of flight symbolism's deep roots and evolving meanings in African and American cultures. Uncover hidden stories and the enduring significance of flight as a metaphor.

Final Project Options for Course Completion