A Message from Karyn

Happy Spring! 

We are kicking off April with the start of a monthly newsletter. Here, we will keep you up to date with the latest Sweet Blackberry happenings including ways to get involved, fun activities to share at home and highlights of past, current and upcoming projects. 

This past winter, I had the pleasure of introducing Sweet Blackberry to many enthusiastic children in their schools and at events in their communities. As usual, while they learned about inspiring individuals they'd never heard of, I learned so much from discussing the films with them and hearing their unique observations. 

I also want to give a huge shout out to Friends Academy of North Dartmouth, Massachusetts. These incredible young people held a bake sale and raised $500 for Sweet Blackberry! Thanks so much, you guys!!!

I'm looking forward to meeting many more of you this coming year!

All the best,
Karyn
April is  African-American 
Women's Fitness Month

Gabby Douglass. Serena Williams. Misty Copeland. These are names our minds jump to when thinking of women of color who are currently dominating the fitness scene. With Serena's most recent tournament, Misty's history making new role and the summer olympics coming up for Gabby, why wouldn't it? 

As April marks African-American Women's Fitness Month, Sweet Blackberry is taking the time to recognize black women who continue to bring their A-game to the scene. 

Here is a fun activity and answer sheet you can share with any child to celebrate the month of April!
Sweet Blackberry In The News

Check out the most recent coverage of Sweet Blackberry initiatives by clicking the corresponding links. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Week at New York University

To commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 1961 speech on the New York University campus, our very own Karyn Parsons sat down with Misty Copeland, the first African-American Female Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre to share their views and ideas surrounding the costs of failing to realize the dreams Dr. King spoke of fifty years ago.

Now Streaming on Netflix!

Sweet Blackberry presents Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story available now on Netflix!

Follow the story of Janet Collins, the first African-American soloist to perform at the Metropolitan Opera. This short film was also narrated by Chris Rock.

 

Making A Difference 
One School At A Time

Over the past couple of months, Sweet Blackberry has traveled to sc hools around the U.S. sharing little known black history stories and fun activities with their students. Karyn had the pleasure of getting to know the students of  Friends Academy . Also, at t he Mary Baker Eddy Library, children screened the Sweet Blackberry films and held workshops related to the subjects of the films. Students learned the stories of Henry Box Brown, the African-American man who mailed himself to freedom, Garrett  Morgan  and Janet Collins. 
 
In recognition of Sweet Blackberry's mission, two incredible videos were created by the 8th grade class of Friends Academy sharing the stories of the first African-American Arctic explorer Matthew Henson and the first black hockey player in the National Hockey League Willie O'Ree. 
The Friends Academy Presents The Story of Matthew Henson
The Friends Academy Presents The Story of Matthew Henson

The Friends Academy Presents The Story of Willie O'Ree
T he Friends Academy Presents The Story of Willie O'Ree

If you or someone you know is interested in having Sweet Blackberry come to your school, library or community center,  click here . 

To view photos from Karyn's visit to the Friends Academy and The Mary Baker Eddy Library,  click here . 

#SweetBlackHistory
I am one of the original founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 
I was appointed as the first Dean of Women at Howard University.
I won the first American Tennis Association tournament. 
Who am I? 
Tweet your answer to  @SwtBlackberry for a shout out in next month's newsletter! 

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