WALKER, Mich. — Students at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science are honoring African American figures for Black History Month with a special art project that has the entire classroom excited to share their work.
Ms. Thompson’s art class was filled with students who were eager to take what they learned through research and writing and bring to life the portrait of African American figures they admired through the lens of art.
“I like the project because I get to draw Muhammad Ali and draw over his picture,” Josiah said.
Enthused fifth graders sketched African American figures of their choosing, giving them a creative and unique ability to take what they’ve learned and express it through their portraits. Among many figures students admired, they chose to sketch Barack Obama, Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King, Jr, Rosemary Cloud and others.
Melissa Thompson, the art teacher behind the project, was just as excited to bring the engaging learning experience to her classroom.
“There were students that were very excited about exploring scientists that were unsung heroes, heroes in black history that didn't get recognized and now are getting recognized, people like Maya Jemison, Katherine Johnson and people who really helped advance technology,” Thompson said. "They feel very passionate that these people were not recognized before and they get to do it through art.”
The Bisa Butler-inspired project gave students a chance to research important people in history and to bring their legacy to life through their portraits which lit up behind an LED drawing board. Students started the project last week and have continued to be inspired by those they admire.
“It was fun because I love sketching and I’m really good at sketching. I thought it was important to pick her [Bisa Butler] because she's the one who we're inspired by,” Anabelle said.
The principal says students’ involvement with the project shows their interest and commitment to honoring Black history not just in February, but every day.
“Seeing the excitement on their faces as they're working on the project, they are super invested in the products that they're producing. Art is one of the places where you often find students most engaged because it offers that opportunity to be so creative,” WMAES principal Nathan VanDuinen said.
Thompson hopes others are also inspired by the special art project that gives students the freedom to express their learning, and that students will continue to be creative as they express their learning and ideas both in and outside of the classroom.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.