History Education
Feel The Music, Change The World...
Alika Hope and The Ray of Hope Project musicians and actors incorporate African American spirituals with live music in their participatory programs.
They use historical accounts of successful African Americans, and primary source readings by white and Jewish American abolitionists to teach about slavery in 19th century America.
Students may create individual reflective writing, or work in small groups to create a performance piece that connects student's own circumstances to those of 19th century slaves. The artists will guide the students in creating a performance piece around the theme of freedom and responsibility.
Our Study Guide provides a resource list of related materials, including primary sources, and suggestions for three follow-up activities of reflective writing and a performance piece. Other workshops include:
- A live history of African-American music (including opera, blues, spirituals, jazz, R&B, Rap)
- Drawing connections between music and math (An increasingly popular workshop which encourages students to creatively embrace a subject that creates unnecessary fear)
- Social Justice and Bullying reduction (using Harlem poets and music of the 1960's-today)
Custom-designed workshops are available for colleges, museums, libraries-just ask!
What Our Clients are Saying:
Not only are they highly knowledgeable, their workshops are entertaining and enjoyable as well-
Esther Olvera, Education Director, P.S. 8 Head Start, New York City
...Mastery of her material was delivered in a straight forward style that was accessible to a multi-generational audience who were delighted as she both entertained and educated them. Her selection of material was spot on and our guests especially appreciated her hands on approach ... They just couldn't get enough and walked away wanting more. I would highly recommend anyone who has the chance to work with Alika not to miss the opportunity.
Jim O'Brien, Coordinator of Special Events, Old Sturbridge Village
Some clients/presentations include:
- Prudence Crandall Museum, Canterbury CT
- Old Sturbridge Village
- Oregon Jewish Museum
- The Children's Aid Society
- P.S. 8 Head Start (NYC)
- P.S. 5 Head Start/Early Head Start (NYC)
- All Our Kin
- Connectikids
Ray of Hope Project Artists:
Keith Cooper
Piano
Doug Wilson, Jr.
Guitar
Lawrence V. White
Bass
Ira Sakolsky
Percussion, Actor
John Henry Langley
Guitar, Vocals