October is for Black Excellence in STEM & Halloween through Afrofuturism & Folklore

Opening Prayer

"Dear God, thank you for the gift of imagination, innovation, and creativity. May our children be inspired by the incredible Black scientists, inventors, and visionaries who have shaped our world. As we celebrate Halloween, may they also discover the magic in their own dreams and creativity. Amen."

Letter to the People/Supporters

Dear Young Scholars and Supporters, October is a month to celebrate Black excellence in STEM and the fascinating world of Afrofuturism and folklore. Let’s explore the contributions of Black scientists and inventors who changed the world, while also diving into the rich stories of our ancestors through spooky folktales and African mythology.

with Love CJT

Black Scientists & Inventors Who Changed the World

Let's Highlight the amazing contributions of Black scientists, engineers, and inventors like George Washington Carver who was more than just the guy who created peanut butter, Dr. Mae Jemison who was the first African American woman astronaut, and Dr. Patricia Bath who has revolutionized the way we treat our eyes.

George Washington Carver

An American agricultural scientist and inventor who promoted alternative crops to cotton and methods to prevent soil depletion. As a professor at Tuskegee Institute, he developed techniques to restore soil health after repeated cotton planting. He encouraged poor farmers to grow crops like peanuts and sweet potatoes for food and to improve their quality of life. Under his leadership, the Tuskegee Experiment Station published over forty practical bulletins for farmers, many written by Carver, offering advice on soil preservation, crop production, and food preservation.

Beyond his agricultural work, George Washington Carver was a pioneer in environmentalism. He received numerous accolades, including the NAACP's Spingarn Medal. Despite the racial polarization of his era, his fame extended beyond the Black community, earning recognition and praise from the white community for his accomplishments. In 1941, Time magazine honored him as a "Black Leonardo."

Dr. Mae Carol Jemison

An American engineer, physician, a dancer and former NASA astronaut. In 1992, she made history as the first African American woman to travel into space, serving as a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Endeavour. She joined NASA's astronaut corps in 1987 and was chosen for the STS-47 mission, during which the Endeavour orbited Earth for nearly eight days from September 12 to 20, 1992. for more check out this book

Dr. Patricia Bath

(November 4, 1942 – May 30, 2019) was an American ophthalmologist and humanitarian. She broke numerous barriers, becoming the first female member of the Jules Stein Eye Institute, the first woman to lead a post-graduate ophthalmology training program, and the first woman elected to the honorary staff of UCLA Medical Center. Bath was also the first African-American to be a resident in ophthalmology at New York University and the first African-American woman surgeon on staff at UCLA Medical Center. Notably, she was the first African-American woman doctor to receive a patent for a medical purpose. Holding five patents, she also founded the non-profit American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness in Washington, D.C.

want to know more? check out this book.

Spooky Folktales & African Mythology Stories

Dive into Afrofuturism and African folklore through storytelling and highlighting tales that inspire imagination and creativity.

Anansi the Spider 

Parent Tip: 

Talk about how folktales carry lessons and morals.

Understanding the Importance of Folktales

Folktales have been an integral part of human culture for centuries, serving as a means of storytelling that transcends generations. They often encapsulate the values, beliefs, and lessons of a society, making them an essential tool for teaching morals and ethics.

The Role of Folktales in Education

Folktales are not just entertaining stories; they are rich with life lessons that can shape a child's understanding of right and wrong. Here are several ways they contribute to moral education:

• Illustration of Consequences: Many folktales present characters who face the consequences of their actions, whether positive or negative. This helps children understand the importance of making wise choices.

• Emphasizing Values: Themes such as honesty, kindness, bravery, and perseverance are often central to folktales. These stories reinforce the values that are important in society.

• Cultural Identity: Folktales often reflect the cultural heritage of a community. By sharing these stories, parents can instill a sense of identity and belonging in their children.

Examples of Common Moral Lessons in Folktales

Folktales frequently convey universal themes that resonate across different cultures. Some common moral lessons include:

• Hard Work Pays Off: Many tales highlight the rewards of diligence and effort, teaching children the value of hard work.

• The Importance of Community: Stories often illustrate how working together and supporting one another leads to success, promoting the idea of community and cooperation.

• Integrity and Honesty: Characters who lie or deceive often face dire consequences, reinforcing the value of honesty.

Encouraging Discussion

To maximize the educational potential of folktales, parents can engage your children in discussions about the stories. Here are some tips:

• Ask Questions: Encourage children to think critically by asking questions about the characters’ decisions and the outcomes of those decisions.

• Relate to Real Life: Help children connect the lessons from the folktales to their own experiences and situations they may encounter in their lives.

• Encourage Retelling: Allow children to retell the stories in their own words, which helps reinforce understanding and retention of the moral lessons.

Conclusion

Folktales are a powerful medium for imparting moral lessons and values. By discussing these stories with children, parents can foster critical thinking, instill cultural values, and help shape their moral compass. The lessons learned from folktales can serve as guiding principles throughout a child's life, making them an invaluable resource for moral education.

Activity : 

Coloring page of Anansi or a simple craft (make a spider web with yarn).

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  Books list that Encourage Black Kids to Dream Big in Science

  • "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly https://amzn.to/46xuOAJ

  • "The Story of Black Heroes in Science" by Catherine A. Bell https://amzn.to/4q8AMzZ

  • "Black Scientists and Inventors" by Nancy F. Castaldo These books celebrate Black brilliance in STEM and encourage children to pursue their dreams in science and technology. https://amzn.to/48LxVGH

  

  

  
  
  

  Parenting Tip: Take a trip to a science museum or enjoy reading a STEM book as a family activity.

  
  

  Activity Suggestion: STEM experiment (paper rocket or glow-in-the-dark slime).

  

  •  “Books that Encourage Black Kids to Dream Big in Science”

  • Activity Suggestion: Write or draw “My Invention of the Future.”

  
  

  Parent Suggestions

  Explore Afrofuturism as a family. Create science experiments or visit a local science museum to further the exploration of STEM topics. Explore music or art inspired by Afrofuturism and or make your own.

  
  

  Exploring Afrofuturism as a Family

  Afrofuturism is a cultural movement that combines elements of science fiction, history, and African mythology to envision a future where African culture and identity play a central role. Engaging with Afrofuturism as a family can be a rewarding experience that not only fosters creativity but also promotes discussions about culture, technology, and the future. Here are some suggestions for how families can explore this concept together:

  1. Reading and Storytelling

  Start by exploring literature and stories that embody Afrofuturist themes. Consider reading books by authors such as Octavia Butler, Nnedi Okorafor, or Samuel R. Delany. Family members can take turns reading aloud or discussing the themes and implications of the stories. This can lead to engaging conversations about identity, technology, and the future.

  2. Art and Creativity

  Encourage family members to express their interpretations of Afrofuturism through art. This could involve drawing, painting, or creating digital art that reflects futuristic visions of African cultures. Families can also visit local art galleries or exhibitions that feature Afrofuturist artists to gain inspiration and insight.

  3. Film and Media Exploration

  Watch films and documentaries that highlight Afrofuturism. Movies like "Black Panther" or "Space is the Place" can serve as great starting points for discussions about representation and future possibilities. After viewing, families can discuss the messages conveyed and how they relate to current societal issues.

  Creating Science Experiments

  Incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) into family activities can enhance the exploration of Afrofuturism by linking imaginative concepts with real-world scientific principles. Here are some ideas for science experiments that can be done at home:

  1. Building a Simple Circuit

  Introduce family members to basic electronics by building a simple circuit. Use a battery, wires, and a small light bulb to demonstrate how electricity flows. Discuss how technology can shape our future and how it relates to the themes of Afrofuturism.

  2. Exploring Renewable Energy

  Conduct experiments on renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power. Families can create a simple solar oven using a pizza box and aluminum foil to cook s'mores. This experiment can lead to discussions about sustainability and the importance of innovative energy solutions for the future.

  3. Chemistry in Everyday Life

  Engage in fun chemistry experiments, such as creating slime or vinegar and baking soda volcanoes. These activities can spark curiosity about the scientific processes behind everyday phenomena and encourage children to think critically about the world around them.

  Visiting Local Science Museums

  Local science museums often have interactive exhibits that can enhance the family experience of exploring STEM topics. Here are some tips for making the most of a museum visit:

  1. Plan Ahead

  Check the museum's website for special exhibits or events related to technology, space, or African history. This can help tailor the visit to focus on areas of interest that align with Afrofuturism.

  2. Engage with Exhibits

  Encourage family members to ask questions and engage with the exhibits. Many museums have hands-on activities that allow visitors to experiment and learn. Make it a goal to try out as many interactive displays as possible.

  3. Reflect on the Experience

  After the visit, have a family discussion about what everyone learned and how it connects to the themes of Afrofuturism. Consider creating a family project based on the ideas and concepts explored during the museum visit.

  
  

  Exploring Afrofuturism as a family through literature, art, science experiments, and museum visits can foster a deeper understanding of culture and technology. These activities not only enrich family bonds but also cultivate a sense of curiosity and imagination about the future. By integrating STEM topics into the exploration, families can inspire the next generation to think creatively and critically about their place in the world.

  
  
  
  

  “Games & Coloring Pages”

  Design a Halloween-themed STEM challenge, where children create simple inventions or experiments. Create a coloring page based on African mythology characters or scenes from Afrofuturism.

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Activity Suggestion: Family “Folklore & Future Night” (folktale + science project).

Parent Tip:

 Encourage kids to dress up as scientists, inventors, or mythical characters.

Activity Suggestion: Kids share their inventions/folktale drawings.

Parent Tip: 

Reflect with your child: “What story or scientist inspired you the most this month?”

📚 October Reads:

Books to Spark Young Black Scientists’ Imaginations

October is the perfect month to celebrate imagination, invention, and future-building. While children are dressing up for Halloween and exploring folklore, we also want them to dream about becoming scientists, inventors, and creators. These books highlight the brilliance of the African diaspora in science and technology — showing kids that their curiosity and creativity can shape the future.

🌟 Picture Books (Ages 4–8)

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed✨ Inspired by the life of Mae Jemison, the first Black woman astronaut. This story reminds children that no dream is too big — even going to space!

Abby Invents by Dr. Arlyne Simon🎨 Abby’s crayons keep breaking, so she decides to invent a better one. A fun STEM adventure about problem-solving, creativity, and persistence.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Picture Book Edition) by William Kamkwamba & Bryan Mealer💡 The true story of a boy in Malawi who built a windmill to bring electricity to his village, proving that innovation can come from anywhere.

🔬 Biographies & History (Ages 6–10)

Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner by Janice N. Harrington🐜 A biography of the pioneering entomologist who studied how insects think, showing kids the power of curiosity.

Lewis Latimer: Engineering Wizard by Denise Lewis Patrick💡 Tells the story of the Black engineer and inventor whose work with light bulbs and electricity helped illuminate the world.

Hidden Figures (Young Readers’ Edition) by Margot Lee Shetterly🚀 Meet the brilliant Black women mathematicians whose calculations helped launch astronauts into space.

Amazon Book

click the link

📖 Collections to Inspire (Ages 8–12)

Black Women in Science: A Black History Book for Kids by Kimberly Brown Pellum🌍 Profiles of 15 amazing Black women who made groundbreaking contributions to science.

Changing the Equation: 50+ U.S. Black Women in STEM by Tonya Bolden⚡ A celebration of innovators, engineers, and scientists continuing to break barriers today.

What Color Is My World? The Lost History of African-American Inventors by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Raymond Obstfeld🧪 Everyday items like the ice cream scoop and the traffic light are tied back to Black inventors — showing children how much of our world is shaped by African American genius.

Reflection

This October, let’s encourage children to see science as a kind of magic — a way of creating, discovering, and building the future. Just like folklore stories pass down wisdom, STEM stories pass down possibility. 

Every child should know that....

their ideas matter, their creativity has power, and they can shape the world.

Ending Affirmation

"I am a creator and innovator. I can achieve anything I set my mind to, and I will make my dreams a reality."