I remember as a young child hearing "You can be anything you want, if you put your mind to it." Growing up in the household of Clyde and Kathryn Nelson, I learned to believe in this. I believed it because my parents were living proof. Through the Depression, living in the segregated south and being raised in single parent households, both graduated from college and graduate school and had successful, meaningful careers.
Years later, as an educator, I have lived long enough to know that the challenge still rings true for children today. At this pivotal moment in our country's history, children can set goals and strive to be anything they put their minds to.
It was part of my own history that lead me to create a Hands On History Museum for the students and educators at Truman Elementary School, in the Lindbergh School District. The museum highlights the many accomplishments of African Americans in our country's history. The museum is unique in that it offers visitors the opportunity to explore through special guest speakers, books, posters, videos and activities. Visitors are encouraged to view and touch historical memorabilia. The museum challenges visitors to think about their own place in history. They are asked to envision how their goal setting and decision making frames them in the next chapter of our country's history. It is my hope that all visitors will be framed by caring, courage, fairness, honesty, integrity, respect, self discipline and service.
If you have any questions or if you would like to contribute to the Hands On Black History Museum, please email us at:
dlinck@handsonblackhistorymuseum.com
