FAMILY HISTORY EXPERIENCE EXCEEDS STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
The group visiting the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum in St. Petersburg is all smiles while being surrounded by Haitian-born Patrick Noze’s artwork.
On a recent rainy morning, ten local middle and high school students convened on the State College of Florida’s (SCF) Bradenton campus to learn about African American family history and how to become Junior Ambassadors. The daylong experience included lectures, hands-on and group activities, and a field trip to the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum in St. Petersburg. While at SCF, the group toured the Family Heritage House Museum (FHHM) where a diorama depicting the old Ninth Avenue Business District (now Dr. Martin Luther King Ave.) caught the eye of one student. She said proudly,
“My church is right next to this graveyard.” Throughout the day there were lots of “ah ha” moments.
Many students shared their family history stories such as one discovered that they were descendants of an African king and another found out that her relative was forced to cook for Hitler. When asked to reflect on the day, many students indicated that it far exceeded their expectations and they had thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The family history program was the kickoff for the “Learn, Lead and Serve Junior Ambassador Program” at FHHM. This 4-H citizenship program is designed to promote the personal well-being and empowerment of African Americans by understanding their history. The Junior Ambassador Program is a collaborative effort of the Manatee County 4-H Youth Program, Family Heritage House Museum and the Bradenton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The initiative is partially funded by a grant from the Masala Giving Circle of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. For more information on this 4-H citizenship program, contact the Manatee County 4-H Office at 941.722.4524. 4-H programs are open to all youth (ages 5-18) without regard to race, color, sex, handicap or national origin.
