Journal or paper

Pen or pencil

Device to play music

Projector or smart board

Listen to Continuum, the first songbook of Sweet Honey in the Rock, which features “Fulani Chant.” Engage other popular music numbers by Sweet Honey in the Rock (audio and/or audio-visual clips) such as “Wade in the Water” and “Motherless Child.”

Another great vocalizer to listen to for inspiration is Bobby McFerrin.

How has the human body been historically used as a symbol of liberation and resistance?

How can physical movements and gestures be used to convey messages of freedom and empowerment?

What role does art, dance, and performance play in utilizing the human body as a symbol of liberation?

Students will synthesize details from a personal lived experience and identify key, active words that can be acted out through physical movement.

Students will convey messages of jubilation through non-verbal communication and physical expressions.

Using your knowledge of your group, repeat the following affirmation at the beginning of class: “I celebrate my body. My body is a work of art. It tells a story. My body has a voice. My body is my voice.” Throughout the lesson, look for signs that a student may be insecure about their body, and remind them of this affirmation. Reinforce that they do not need to be skilled in dance to participate.

Redirect comments and verbal impressions that make vulnerable students feel unsafe– that may compromise the educational opportunity to learn about African-American traditions.