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VIRTUAL: L.I. Civil War Descendant Visits Schools - Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education / Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Organization Name
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Phone: (646) 299-6805
E-mail:
Website: www.diefreethebook.com
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Program Description
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www.cherylwills.com
Emmy Award winning journalist Cheryl Wills is a direct descendant of Civil War Soldier Sandy Wills. Sandy Wills was a Tennessee slave who escaped from the Edmund Wills Plantation in 1863 to fight for his freedom as a member of The United States Colored Troops. Cheryl Wills, a prominent television anchor/journalist/author (who lives on Long Island) is the author of a series of books about her family's legacy during the Civil War: The illustrated children's book, "The Emancipation of Grandpa Sandy Wills," the YA book, "Emancipated! My Family's Fight for Freedom," and and "EMMA," which is about Sandy Wills' brave wife. Cheryl teaches students about her grandfather's valiant fight for freedom during the Civil War. She has received numerous awards and has been featured In NEWSDAY, The NY Daily News, NBC News, CBS News & ABC News. A documentary is being made about her grandfather's service in the Union Army. Cheryl shows students a short trailer of the film. She is a motivational speaker and is NEVER boring. Cheryl engages students of all backgrounds and is the perfect speaker for your Black History Month, Women's History Month and JUNETEENTH events.
Most Importantly: This presentation is a shining example of New York State's Culturally Responsive Sustaining Eduction and Diversity Equity & Inclusion Initiatives:
1. Cheryl's presentation elevates historically marginalized voices by sharing the story of a an enslaved Civil War soldier and that of his wife, Emma. In fact, Cheryl is one of those marginalized voices - having grown up in public housing and experiencing a tough childhood.
2. Cheryl's presentation affirms cultural identities and teaches students to connect across lines of difference by highlighting in her presentation that EVERY student has a family story worthy of further investigation, no matter their background. Cheryl teaches students that the USA is a nation of immigrants.
CBS News 60 MINUTES CORRESPONDENT Bill Whitaker
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Keywords
Categories
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Literature (LI), Virtual Programs |
Exploratory Enrichment Subject Area
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N/A |
Grades
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K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 |
Location
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In School
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Cost
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$1,000.00
per Performance
Funds go to re-burying Sandy Wills in a national cemetery. Right now the civil war soldier is in an unmarked grave. . |
Number of Performers
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| 1 |
Duration
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| 60 - 89 min minutes |
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Additional Resources
Program References
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APRIL FRANCIS TAYLOR
DIR., DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION, EASTERN SUFFOLK BOCES
James Hines Administration Building 201 Sunrise Highway Patchogue, NY 11772
(631) 687-3028
Laleena Alfredsson
Director of ELA K-12 Eastport-South Manor Central School District
149 Dayton Avenue, Manorville, NY 11949
(631) 801-3110
Dr. Maria Thompson
Director of Humanities, K-12
Pelham Public Schools, 18 Franklin Place, Pelham, New York 10803
(914) 738-3434
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