Librarian, storyteller and Director of the Growing Griots program Mr. Bunjo Butler showcased his oral storytelling ability for the students with tales of his experience with racism growing up and his time in the army, and gave advice to the students.
“I enjoyed today’s conversation with Mr. Bunjo Butler. He talked about his story ad his life and what he does now. He talked about how African-Americans were mistreated in society and while overseas in the army. He talked about where he grew up in Baltimore and what he had to go through in his community. The way he talked about his daughter and how he was worried about her in the army was powerful, and he kept speaking about it. Hopefully we can hear from him again soon.” Sean, 11th grade.
He gave me insight on a lot of things that I should do with my career when I get older and how to approach my career in the future. I appreciated that he told us real life events, and how it had impacted him. He gave me a lot of wisdom and I am going to use this information moving forward in my life. He also taught me that I needed to learn more about my culture and that’s what I intend on doing.” Tyleiah, 10th grade.
Theater is the art of bringing a story to life, and the students experienced this first-hand today as they attended the first show of the year for Center Stage today, the musical Fun Home. The students were able to see a little of the behind-the-scenes of Center Stage as well.
The musical was adapted from a graphic novel of the same name by Alison Bechdel. A coming-of age story about a young lesbian in a dysfunctional family, Fun Home does not shy away from heavier themes like coming-out and suicide. Fun Home’s stage version tells the story through vignettes of Bechdel’s memories, with a separate actress for young Alison, medium Alison and adult Alison, who watches the memories unfold as she works on writing her novel. The musical’s unique storytelling method was captivating and emotionally moving.
“I really enjoyed the play. It was very inspiring and I was so happy that I was given this opportunity. The play’s theme was having courage I think because the play pretty much revolved around having courage and caring about each other. I liked how the play showed the hardship while also showing how a family is meant to work together. I loved the play and it was an amazing play to see for my first time seeing a major production. I feel like all the characters were accurately displayed and displayed in ways that really contributed to the storyline. I think that the amount of work that was put in behind the scenes was incredible and I can’t imagine what it takes to hold a play like that. I thought that every scene really contributed to the story as well and throughout the play I became more and more clear with what was happening,” said Aidan, 10th grade.
Sara, a junior, said of the production, “When the scene would change and you could see the different ages of the main character I thought it really showed her memories well and how her life went. I like the way the play was produced. I like how it was different memories and different parts of her life that she was reflecting. Finally, I was really sad when the father died, but it really showed that it was real and not fantasy. I like how they showed the fighting and the kissing and the emotions, because in some plays they make it seem like it’s always happy-go-lucky and that everything is perfect, but you know it will never be like that. Another thing that I really enjoyed was the raw emotion that went into the different songs and scenes. I just overall enjoyed this play very much and it was definitely one of my favorites.”
Michael Gamel-McCormick spoke with the students today about disability advocacy in education and government. He is the Disability Policy Director for Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania. With a background in early childhood education, he was a professor and director at the University of Delaware Center for Disability studies before working as a staffer for the senate.
Here’s what some of the students had to say about this Conversation With:
“The conversation was very heart touching. I loved hearing his stories and learning about the work he did as a youth and young adult. He lead a very inspiring life and I think we need more people like him.” -Aidan
“Mr. Michael has to be the most father-like person I have ever met. He is so kind, so passionate, and so caring. You could tell he enjoyed life from the beginning. He is so emotional about hi kids and his work, showing he is really passionate.” -Claude
“I thought the conversation with was so cool! I thought it was so interesting that we had someone who works for a Senator got to come into speak with us. It was also interesting hearing his political views, especially since he is involved with politics. I thought he was very emotional which showed to me that he is strong and not afraid to show his emotions. Both times when he got emotional, I felt moved.” -Olivia
