Media Advisory: Students Walk in Shoes of a Slave Through His Art
Powerful lesson during Black History Month Resonates with Students
Powerful lesson during Black History Month Resonates with Students![]()
Powerful lesson during Black History Month Resonates with Students
February 16, 2016 - The biography lessons kids learn in the classroom are also being reinforced with a more hands-on approach in other classes like Art and Music. For many years, teacher Cynthia Brown’s Art class has been making beautiful ceramic pots; just as Dave the Potter did back in 1820. Dave is such an inspirational figure for elementary students to learn about because he created his art in spite of the fact that he lived in a society that threatened him with death for expressing himself through his art. The class always sparks lively conversation as students discover facts about an amazing artist who left clues about his life inscribed on his pottery. The students are inspired by Dave’s courage and positive attitude and as they strive to do their best with this project, in honor of a man who struggled and triumphed despite the incredible odds against him.
Date: February 23rd 7:50am to 10:50am or 11:40 to 2:20pm
Location: Sierra Elementary School, 6811 Camborne Way, Rocklin, CA
Visuals/Audio: Several kids making clay pots: preparing clay, shaping, inscribing poetry.
Interviews: Many of the children can speak articulately about this important lesson. Art Teacher Cynthia Brown is also available.
Background: Dave the Potter was born in 1801 in North Carolina. It is believed that he had 5 owners throughout his life. Dave was an incredibly skilled potter. His pots, which were used for storing food, were remarkably large, sometimes as large as 4o gallons. The most important detail of Dave’s pottery however was the fact that he sometimes inscribed poetry and signed his name to his work during a time when it was against the law for slaves to learn to read or write. It is not known how Dave learned to read or write but his moving poems and dates inscribed have left important clues to this amazing man’s life. Dave lost his leg when he was around 35 years old. Another slave, whose arms were crippled, kicked the potter’s wheel for Dave so that he was able to continue his art. Dave is such an inspirational figure for students to learn about as he created his art in spite of the fact that he lived in a society that threatened him with death for expressing himself through his art.
Location: Sierra Elementary School, 6811 Camborne Way, Rocklin, CA
Visuals/Audio: Several kids making clay pots: preparing clay, shaping, inscribing poetry.
Interviews: Many of the children can speak articulately about this important lesson. Art Teacher Cynthia Brown is also available.
Background: Dave the Potter was born in 1801 in North Carolina. It is believed that he had 5 owners throughout his life. Dave was an incredibly skilled potter. His pots, which were used for storing food, were remarkably large, sometimes as large as 4o gallons. The most important detail of Dave’s pottery however was the fact that he sometimes inscribed poetry and signed his name to his work during a time when it was against the law for slaves to learn to read or write. It is not known how Dave learned to read or write but his moving poems and dates inscribed have left important clues to this amazing man’s life. Dave lost his leg when he was around 35 years old. Another slave, whose arms were crippled, kicked the potter’s wheel for Dave so that he was able to continue his art. Dave is such an inspirational figure for students to learn about as he created his art in spite of the fact that he lived in a society that threatened him with death for expressing himself through his art.
Contact:
Diana Capra
Rocklin Unified School District
dcapra@rocklin.k12.ca.us
(916) 672-3606 Work
(916) 757-4987 Cell
