Literary Historian Liz McHenry Shares Inspiring Insights With Students
Dear Friends,
Last week, I was thrilled that Harlem Academy trustee and author Liz McHenry visited with our elementary and middle school students for a fascinating conversation. As a professor of English and department chair at New York University whose research and teaching focus on African American literature and the histories of Black print culture, Liz not only shared her expertise but also her personal journey.
Our students were rapt as she talked about her life, her research, and various Black publications dating back more than 100 years, such as Freedom’s Journal, the first African American-owned and operated newspaper, founded in 1827; and The Brownies’ Book, a 1920s magazine for Black children.
Our students were rapt as she talked about her life, her research, and various Black publications dating back more than 100 years, such as Freedom’s Journal, the first African American-owned and operated newspaper, founded in 1827; and The Brownies’ Book, a 1920s magazine for Black children.
She explained how much you could learn by looking beyond formally published print – including everything from receipts to cookbooks – each carrying clues about Black culture and readers. She shared how she sifted through countless documents her grandparents had collected over the years, including her grandmother’s 1925 report card from Howard University. It is what fueled Liz’s love of history. “Telling Black history requires digging,” she told our students. “It comes together around traces, scraps, and incomplete stories. That’s where you have to start.”
Judging by the number of students who wanted to speak with Liz after her talk instead of heading to recess, I’d bet a few future Ph.D. students discovered their spark last week!
Liz’s visit was just one of the many engaging activities that have been happening at Harlem Academy these past weeks as we celebrate Black History Month, culminating with our inaugural Renaissance Day on February 28.
The school is filled with exhibits showcasing the contributions of Black leaders. And students have been hard at work crafting essays about Black changemakers who embody our pillars of initiative, integrity, compassion, and determination for our middle school writing contest. Winners will be announced on Renaissance Day, alongside opportunities to meet with Tony Award-winning actress Patina Miller, Olympic fencers, and other inspiring Black leaders.
It’s going to be a terrific day of celebration honoring the past and building for the future.
With gratitude,
Vinny Dotoli
Vinny Dotoli
Harlem Academy
655 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, NY, 10030
P (212) 348-2600
F (212) 348-3500
info@harlemacademy.org
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655 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, NY, 10030
P (212) 348-2600
F (212) 348-3500
info@harlemacademy.org
Make a Tuition Payment
Financial and Privacy Information
Site Map
Harlem Academy is an independent school (grades K-8) that drives equity of opportunity for promising students, guiding them to thrive at the highest academic levels and one day make a mark on the world.