Posted by Jeremy R

Program Host	Chapter
Host Region and Chapter	Cotton States LESTER SHERMAN OKEON AZA
Program Type	Athletic Brotherhood Community Service Education Jewish Holiday Judaic Other Shabbat Social Social Action
Time Required	2-5 hours
Target Population(s)	Boys (AZA) Members Alephs-in-Training Freshmen Sophomores Juniors Seniors
Folds Targeted	Athletic Judaic Community Service/Social Activism Education Social
People Participating	10-30

Program Summary:

As February is Black History Month, Okeon decided to do a program about the impact that African Americans have had on our everyday lives and to teach the Okeon members how greatly African Americans have influenced us, this country, and this world.

Full Description:

First we do Shabbat Services, led by the shlichim of our chapter. Then we eat a Shabbat meal consisting of stereotypical African American foods such as fried chicken, Hot Cheetos, Orange Soda, watermelon etc. Then we talk about some other stereotypes that African Americans have had or that we know about.
Then, Jeremy reads the following speech:

“These stereotypes are the same ones from hundreds of years ago that contributed to the enslavement of African Americans… and they stop here. After all, we, as Jews, know what it feels like to be discriminated against. And similar to the Jewish people African Americans have progressed so much in our society, and have contributed many things to this country and this world, that many of us take for granted.”

We then go around the room, and each person says a stereotype that they know or have heard about African Americans. After each person does this, they throw a small watermelon (provided) into the air, and destroy it, to symbolize how we are destroying these stereotypes as a chapter.

    Then, Jeremy divides the members into four groups; each will be assigned one of the four stations, including basketball, water gun fight, red light green light, and peanut butter and jelly.

There is a person leading each group who will read a short introduction before they begin.

Basketball- “African Americans have helped to shape the sport of basketball as we know it today. Without their influence, it would undoubtedly be much different. These athletes include Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwayne Wayde, LeBron James, Wilt Chamberlin, Magic Johnson, and many more. So, we will play 3 on 3 basketball in their honor.”

Water Gun- “In 1988, Lonnie Johnson invented the first Super Soaker. It was first released in 1989, and it was called the Power Drencher. The same product is sold today under the name, the Super Soaker. This unique toy has entertained people of all ages, and has created fun that will be forever unmatched. So, let’s go! (Engage in water gun fighting).”

Red Light Green Light- “In 1923, Garrett Morgan invented the stop light. Car Accidents were a very common thing during his time; however, after his invention, the number of wrecks decreased tremendously. In fact, there would supposedly be over 10,000,000 more accidents without the invention of the stoplight. So today, we play ‘Red Light, Green Light’ in his honor.”

PBJ- “In 1876, George Washington Carver invented a food product that is used in sandwiches across the world each day. That’s right, peanut butter. Without his contribution, millions of people across the world would never have tasted the genius that is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Therefore, with these supplies, we will be making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to give to the homeless shelter downtown.”

Wrap Up- “As you can see, African Americans have had a huge impact on our society.  They have given us things that we consider to be necessities today. They have made this world more entertaining, safe, and down right tasty. And for that, we thank them very much.”

Submitter's Suggestions:

If you do not use the examples provided as far as contributions go, make sure you have enough (at least three), so you can fully make your case. This went really well because the activities we did were either really fun or meaningful so make sure you use relevant topics.

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