This article is one of a series of articles produced by Word in Black through support provided by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Word In Black is a collaborative of 10 Black-owned media outlets across the country.
By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
Seattle Public Schools’ Leschi Elementary is making significant strides in supporting students, particularly those from BIPOC backgrounds. In response to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on students of color, the Melanin Poppin Girls Literacy Group was formed. This group, composed of young Black girls, focuses on identity development, social-emotional learning, and literacy.
Drawing inspiration from the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the group’s curriculum encompasses unity (Umoja), self-determination (Kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (Ujima), cooperative economics (Ujamaa), purpose (Nia), creativity (Kuumba), and faith (Imani).
Nia Steward, Co-Founder and Designer of the Melanin Poppin Girls Literacy Group, emphasizes the importance of implementing African Diaspora girls’ groups that prioritize social-emotional learning and literacy within the school schedule.
“It is crucial that African Diaspora girls’ groups that focus on social-emotional learning, identity development, and literacy are implemented into the daily school schedule to disrupt the Preschool to Prison Pipeline,” said Steward. “Student discipline rates show Black girls are disproportionately at risk.”
“As stated by The New York Times (2020), the data shows that 75 percent of Black female discipline referrals were for disruption, compared with 19 percent for White females; 69 percent were for defiance, insubordination, noncompliance, compared with 19 percent for white girls,” added Stewart.
The group wasted no time in organizing events, starting with a publication night in May. This event aimed to showcase the talents of African and African American students and recognize their contributions to the community. The attendees had the opportunity to listen to “I Am” poems, which celebrated the unique qualities and resilience of each student.
Through collaborations with Letta Mason, a Black Studies coach, Mr. Lologo, a 4th-grade teacher at the school, John Gladney, an instructor from the Rising Sons program, and Taylor Brooks, the African American Curator at Douglass Truth Library, the Melanin Poppin Girls Literacy Group has thrived. In just three years, the program has seen positive outcomes, including increased self-confidence, empathy, cultural awareness, and improved communication and problem-solving skills among the students.
“The students have displayed a strong sense of self and pride in others,” says Stewart. “They have empathy for their community, a strong sense of practices, and an appreciation for their home culture. There has been improvement in their speaking and listening skills, as well as their problem-solving skills.”
In recognition of their academic achievements and contributions to the community, both the Melanin Poppin Girls Group and their partnering group, Rising Sons, were honored with an award from Douglass-Truth Library. The library showcased Leschi’s 4th-grade science class unit on Granville T. Woods and energy conservation, in which students from the Melanin Poppin Girls Group participated.
The group has organized various events, including the National African and African American Parent/Guardian Involvement Day, Black History Night Event, and an upcoming Juneteenth Celebration on June 16. They have also created a blueprint of their life goals for their MLK assembly, fostering a sense of purpose and ambition among the students.
Grounded in the principles of Kwanzaa, the Melanin Poppin Girls Group continues to empower and uplift their students. Their mantra, “Slay every day you can’t get in my way! I’m dripping in Melanin and Honey, I’m black without an apology,” reflects their resilience and pride.
Stewart finds immense joy in seeing the girls apply what they learn from the program to their everyday lives.
“Becoming social activists in their home and school communities with a great sense of pride and dignity for themselves and families,” says Stewart. “As the Co-Founder and Designer of Melanin Poppin Girls Literacy Group, I’m so proud of my students from the past two years.”
