N*Gen TV Series Sparks Children's Interest in STEM

The goal of educators all over the world today is to prepare young people for the future by achieving proficiency in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Teachers in Africa are getting a heads up on exposing scientific information to children ages 8 to 12 with a new TV show called  N*Gen (pronounced "engine), or Next Generation Television.  The show looks at science through an African lens. Weekly episodes are filmed in a studio in Kampala, Uganda and sometimes on locations like a chocolate factory for an episode about food. Although they just started airing in September in Uganda, they have already received acclaim for their inclusion of women and creative topics. Now a team of teachers and producers in Uganda as well as Nigeria and Kenya – where some segments are also filmed – brainstorm ideas for episodes. For many of them, it was their first time working in TV.  The show, which features a dozen 35-minute episodes, has been picked up by TV networks in more than half a dozen African countries.  The cast and producers began scripting a second N*Gen series in January with a focus on climate change-related issues. On Feb. 6, it debuted on The Africa Channel in North America and the Caribbean, children and families can view it every Saturday and Sunday at 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. ET.

Michelle Obama introduces her latest Project, Waffles + Mochi on Netflix

Former First Lady, Michelle Obama has just unveiled her latest project, Waffles+Mochi, a new children’s show on @Netflix.  Waffles and Mochi are two Muppets-like puppets who dream of becoming chefs. When they are finally hired by a magical supermarket, they embark on a series of far-flung adventures to discover new foods from around the world. They pick potatoes in the Andes of Peru, try spices in Italy, and make miso in Japan—finding plenty of friends along the way.

As Michelle Obama explains Waffles + Mochi. is "all about good food: discovering it, cooking it, and of course, eating it. These two will take us on adventures all around the world to explore new ingredients and try out new recipes. Kids will love it, but I know that adults will also get plenty of laughs—and some tips for the kitchen."

This show will remind families of her work supporting children's health, tackling childhood obesity and nutrition, and creating a White House garden as First Lady. Now Mrs. Obama further expounds on Instagram about her new show, " I wish a program like this had been around when my girls were young. I also know that this is a difficult time for so many families, and I’m hopeful that this delightful show can bring a bit of light and laughter to homes around the world. That’s why as part of the show’s commitment to helping families during the pandemic, we’re working with our partners at @PHAnews to get fresh ingredients to families in need across the country so they can cook together at home." So Waffles + Mochi will be working with the Partnership for a Healthier America to deliver fresh fruits, produce, and other goods to families in need so they can cook together during the pandemic.

This is just the latest project for Mrs. Obama who along with her husband, Barack created a production company, Higher Ground, that aims to promote diverse voices and stories. Their first documentary, American Factory, won an Academy Award. Over the summer she launched a podcast, and recently published a new rendering of her best-selling 2018 memoir, Becoming aimed at young people.  Becoming: Adapted for Young People will be available on March 2.

Waffles+Mochi will start streaming on Netflix starting on March 16.

Black Artists and Designers Reimagine Black Family Life in 2025

The Barka Dal – ‘An Abundance of Welcome’ (Cleanse/Pause) by Cheryl Umbles of Cheryl Umbles Interior Design

How do we see our future home life? How does our home reflect our values? Great questions to explore with family this Black History Month.

In the midst of a pandemic, the Black Artists + Designers Guild believe we need to imagine a future for our families that is completely different.  BADG, "a community of independent Black makers in creative industries is committed to investing in Black ancestral futures by taking ownership of our narrative, and creating spaces to celebrate Black creativity and culture through design." Their latest project, Obsidian aims to empower a million Black families to affirm our right to occupy space, dismantling decades of environmental injustice and social inequity.  The Obsidian Virtual Concept House is a collective vision of the future designed by BADG members who created a home that reflects African American values. For the month of February, BADG have created the Obsidian Experience where they will showcase the house, along with live discussions designed to encourage thoughtful conversations about the home being a place of thriving for one million Black families. 

For more information visit the Obsidian Experience at badguild.info and sign up to explore their virtual house where Black creators are constructing new visions for Black family life,  Donations can  also be made to their project.

Join The African American Children's Book Fair on February 6

 

Celebrate Black History Month. by supporting African American authors.  

Join the event at https://hopin.com/events/29th-annual-african-american-children-s-book-fair

The African American Children's Book Fair is one of the oldest and largest single-day events for African-American children's books in the country hosted by the African American Children’s Book Project (AACBP).  The  AACBP, a non-profit organization, was created in 1992 to promote and preserve children’s literature written by or about African Americans.  The AACBP believes A BOOK OPENS UP A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES.

 To learn more go to theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org, email - read@theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org, or call (215) 878-BOOK.