With her mom Simone proudly looking on, Amara Matthews sat in the Waltham Public Library’s Lecture Hall making a necklace from a paper plate – an impressive feat for a two-year-old. Amara’s family, including her brother Omari, 7, was visiting the library on Feb. 18, for a Black History Month event aimed at entertaining and educating kids.
“I thought it was cool,” said Omari Matthews while working on his own necklace.
The crafting activity was offered by the nonprofit group Africano Waltham and proved that “You can create something from anything,” said the organization’s managing director Dorothy Mugabi.
Members of Waltham High School’s Black Student Union also participated, bringing children and teens together.
“I love seeing the connection between the big kids and little kids,” said children’s librarian Jennifer Costa.
By aiming the activities at younger children, they “educate more students on how important the month is,” said 18-year-old Thanthar San, a member of the BSU. “These events are welcoming to anyone.”
Africano Diamonds kick off the show
The program started off with an energetic and joyful show put on by members of Africano Diamonds, a dance and music group made up of children and adult members of Africano Waltham.
After watching a traditional African drumming performance, young audience members seated on the floor were mesmerized by the moves of the red-skirted performers dancing in circles around them.
When the show was finished, BSU members read a picture book to the children before another interactive event with Africano Waltham and the craft activity.
Praising the impressive turnout, BSU member Nahla Mutebi Campbell, 15, said she enjoyed working with younger children.
“This is a good way to get a lot of kids involved,” she said.
Black History Month events help children “be aware of what happened in the country that you live in,” said San.
More information
BSU is also scheduled to be at a food fair called “Beauty in Blackness: Food & Fun!/¡Comida y diversión!” this Thursday, Feb. 26, from 4-5 p.m. at the Waltham Public Library’s Lecture Hall. Given the recent blizzard, please check for schedule updates and more information on library activities at the WPL website’s events calendar.
For more information on Africano Waltham, visit their website.
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