Our Services
Teach African languages, drum, dance, music and culture.
Zulu and Swahili Language Courses
Remotely taught by Michigan State University Center for African Studies Professors Galen Sibanda, the African Language Program Coordinator, and Issac Kalumbu, the Assistant Director, students will learn the basics of Zulu and Swahili. After one year, they will be able to greet and say goodbye to someone, introduce themselves, know the days of the week, months and seasons, colors, numbers 1-10, and more.
African Song and Dance Courses
Taught by African dance and drum instructors Abdoulaye Camara and Amy Osterman, students will learn an African song and/or dance and be able to perform it at a recital at the end of the year.
Methodology & Curriculum
1What We Do
In order to immerse African American children in their cultural heritage and roots, we hope to connect them with traditional African language, art, and artifacts that bring them knowledge of Africa that goes beyond the history of slavery.
2Language
Many African American children are limited to speaking only English, lacking proficiency in the languages that connect them to their cultural heritage. This contributes to a struggle to identify with their cultural roots. To alleviate this, we will provide language program services (Zulu and Swahili) through partnerships with Michigan State University Professors.
3Culture
Embracing their African heritage involves more than just language; it also encompasses traditional dance and folk songs. We plan to coordinate programs with African dance and drum instructors to facilitate this cultural immersion. Through these programs students will learn an African language, the cultures of the different ethnic groups, their traditions and the stories of the people. This cultural education will give African American students a sense of pride to identify with.