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Alcona Elementary celebrates Black History Month

ALCONA, Mich. — Schools across the country are celebrating Black History Month and we found one Alcona Elementary school teacher who is celebrating too.

Alcona Elementary School’s Fourth grade Teacher Josh Robinson gave his students a list of 50 famous African American names for a research project.  On this list was everyone from Rosa Parks to Harriet Tubman, Snoop Dog, Jay Z and Michael Jordan.  Robinson said his students were really excited about doing the project.

Growing up in Lansing and teaching in South Carolina provided Robinson insight into other cultures.  He said it is important to give his kids windows into what life looks like outside of Northeast Michigan.  Robinson adds if you understand other cultures and where people are coming from, you’ll have a lot less disagreements.  His hope is that his projects will instill wisdom in the kids.

While doing the project, Robinson said he had an aha moment when one of his students chose to highlight Entertainer/Entrepreneur Snoop Dog and asked why he made some of his life choices before becoming famous.  Robinson said it was a teaching opportunity to show that there’s a world outside of Northeast Michigan where circumstances are different but how great things can come of it.