It looks like the Ha Noi VIA Vols will be celebrating Black History Month in Viet Nam this year. We’re often asked to share U.S. American culture, be it in the classroom or meeting someone who is curious about U.S. culture. It’s been a struggle trying to think of what American culture is because we’ve never had to think about it. As I was talking to Tiffany one day, she thought to simply follow the U.S. holiday system. Wow… why didn’t I think of that? She has decided to show at least one movie during February to open up discussion on African Americans in U.S. history.

Another idea came from Conference when Janella talked about having her class in Nha Trang write “I have a dream” speeches. The purpose was to have students talk about their dreams in a writing and speaking assignment. I want to have my students write and deliver a speech about their dreams as well. In addition to this, I would introduce them to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which was the original inspiration.

Leading up to February (also, because we have two weeks off due to Tet), I am having them start their speech now and hope to have their first draft marked for editing before the Tet holiday. I am also showing “Akeelah and the Bee”- an idea I borrowed from Virginia, in Ha Noi. My students loved it, though they said it was difficult to understand without subtitles. Yes, it was. I am also using the movie as a listening exercise but will show it again in February with the subtitles on.

Black History Month will be a good discussion base for the importance of culture in the U.S., Viet Nam, and the world.

What else can we do for Black History Month?