#brooklyndad

More than once I've found myself reading from Parables to my family in the past few weeks.

Some people want to step away or are scared of God as change and everything she has to say but I want to go clear eyed into the challenges ahead. I read an article about people suprised by getting measled after being unvaccinated and following those that don't follow science now in power - now there are afflicted by the Pox.

At brunch - after reading the article and talking about the US bombing Iran yesterday - I read the following passages from Parable of the Talents:

For last Black History month I started up this blog to use chatgpt to create history around black history. I'm going to be doing that again this month but adding imagery using midjourney and dalle3.

To start off, I wanted to show images of the past, present, and the future of the struggle for equality. I'll put the prompts in the comments. Please like, share, and subscribe. So much more to come.

Last night I watched Wicked and really enjoyed the overall experience. I had just seen the Broadway play for the first time for my birthday last year with my daughter so the story was fresh in my mind. It was a time commitment - but aboslutely worth it - beautiful film - incredibly message for the time we're living in -and the last 40 minutes and finale - absolutely breathtaking. I'm going to probably watch it again after I write this. I thought the translation to screen to stage was perfect - doing things they couldn't possibly do on stage but building on the source material. I might have to check out the book. In the meantime, I just recommend the experience and will sign off with images from my live experience and the music video from the final song. Go see it!

This piece stood out to me. It's visualizatiobs of the collaborators involved in Ailey over its existence. Something of the technology / data nerd mixed with the creative collaborator in me just was lit up with a reassuring flame of inspiration. Great art is not created solo in a vacuum - it's created in community with others.  Great movements, revolutions are always collaborations.  I was reminded of this song from We live In Cairo - Genealogy of a revolution.

It feels so important always and definitely in this moment for people to see this message - which is also a message of hope - collaboration, art, creativity, movement, dance has the power to connect us, bring us closer to understanding the human experience

I couldn't sleep so I got up early and put the finishing touches on the first draft of the Black History Study Guide I started last night. I added a Middle School Guide version - I need to check through content to see how appropriate it all actually is for the age group I requested. Some of the best content was around guiding kids on how to prompt. I think this guide from Claude.ai plus these prompts from Perplexity could be a great starting research on Black History and learning how to responsibily use AI

Claude.ai (link to study guide)

Student Guide: AI Research Prompts for Black History

For Middle School Students (Grades 6-8)

How to Use This Guide

Before using these prompts:

Always have a parent or teacher supervise your AI research

Take notes on the responses you receive

Fact-check information using your textbooks or trusted websites

Remember that AI can make mistakes

Use critical thinking skills

Research Prompts

Learning About Historical Figures

"Can you tell me about [historical figure's name] in a way that a middle school student can understand? Please include: - Their main achievements - Why they're important in history - 3 interesting facts about their life Please avoid any disturbing details."

Understanding Time Periods

"I'm doing a school project about [time period] in African American history. Can you explain it to me like I'm 12 years old? Please include: - The most important events - Key people involved - How it changed America Please keep the explanation appropriate for middle school."

Exploring Inventions and Innovations

"What are some important inventions or discoveries by African American scientists and inventors during [specific time period]? Please tell me: - What they invented - How it helped people - Why it was important Please explain it simply, like you're talking to a middle school student."

Understanding Cultural Contributions

"Can you explain how African Americans influenced [music/art/literature/sports] in America? Please include: - Important people - Major achievements - How it affects us today Please use examples that middle school students would understand."

Learning About Historical Events

"I need to learn about [historical event] for my history class. Can you: - Explain what happened - Tell me why it was important - Share how it changed things Please keep it appropriate for someone my age and avoid disturbing details."

Exploring Local History

"Can you tell me about important African American historical sites or events in [your state/city]? Please include: - Places I could visit - People who lived here - How they made history Please focus on information that would interest middle school students."

Understanding Achievements

"Who were some African American pioneers in [field/profession]? Please tell me: - What they accomplished - Challenges they overcame - Why they're remembered today Please explain it in a way that's easy for a middle school student to understand."

Learning About Organizations

"Can you explain what [organization name] did to help African Americans? Please include: - When it was created - What it accomplished - Who led it Please keep the explanation simple and appropriate for my age."

Exploring Art and Literature

"Can you recommend some age-appropriate books or art by African American [authors/artists] that a middle school student would enjoy? Please include: - What they're about - Why they're important - Why kids my age might like them"

Understanding Modern Connections

"How did [historical event/person] help change things for people today? Please explain: - What was different then - What changed - Why it matters now Please explain it like you're talking to someone my age."

Tips for Students

Be specific in your questions

Ask for clarification if you don't understand something

Take notes on the responses

Always verify information with other sources

Share what you learn with your teacher

Safety Guidelines

Always use AI with adult supervision

Don't share personal information

Verify information with trusted sources

Tell an adult if you see inappropriate content

Use AI as one of many research tools

Remember

AI can make mistakes

Not all information may be current

Always double-check facts

Use multiple sources for research

Ask teachers or librarians for help

Perplexity

Here are 10 AI prompts that middle schoolers can use to explore African American history:

Describe the significance of the Underground Railroad during the 19th century.

Purpose: Understand the role of the Underground Railroad in helping enslaved people escape to freedom.

Explain the impact of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on African American communities.

Purpose: Learn about the legal changes that helped reduce racial segregation.

Who was Harriet Tubman, and what were her contributions to American history?

Purpose: Explore the life and achievements of Harriet Tubman.

Discuss the role of African American soldiers in World War II.

Purpose: Understand the experiences and contributions of Black soldiers during WWII.

What were the main goals of the Black Panther Party, and how did they achieve them?

Purpose: Learn about the Black Panther Party's objectives and actions.

Describe the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Purpose: Study Dr. King's role in the Civil Rights Movement.

How did the Harlem Renaissance influence African American culture?

Purpose: Explore the artistic and literary contributions of the Harlem Renaissance.

What were the key events and figures of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

Purpose: Understand the significance of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Explain the significance of Juneteenth and its origins.

Purpose: Learn about the history and celebration of Juneteenth.

Discuss the impact of African American inventors on modern technology.

Purpose: Discover the contributions of Black inventors to science and technology.

These prompts can help middle schoolers delve into various aspects of African American history using AI tools for research and learning.

For more AI prompts and resources, you can explore platforms like Pedagog.ai and Teachers Pay Teachers for additional guidance and tools[2][6].

Citations: [1] https://www.abhmuseum.org/black-artists-say-a-i-shows-bias-with-algorithms-erasing-their-history/ [2] https://pedagog.ai/sign-up/?mepr-unauth-page=3858&redirect_to=%2Fusing-ai-to-teach-about-black-history-month%2F [3] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-ai-powered-prompts-celebrating-black-history-month-dennis-hardy-wxsbe [4] https://www.etsy.com/listing/1530105989/black-history-month-midjourney-prompts [5] https://selar.co/digital-ai-art [6] https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teachers-African-American-AI-Prompts-Made-Easy-10870776 [7] https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/10/06/1201840678/ai-was-asked-to-create-images-of-black-african-docs-treating-white-kids-howd-it- [8] https://www.pinterest.com/pin/pinterest--570972059022551260/

I wrote this past weekend about seeing the documentary No Other Land recently. It's an important movie and was a moving experience to watch. They won the Oscar last night for best Documentary! I will let their acceptance speech speak for itself.

I love, love, the power of creativity to evoke compassion and empathy. This film is a pure example of that in every way. Go see it, support it, share it. I wish for every human being a life of liberation - we are not free until we are all free.

Black History ChatGPT is back in full effect. It started as a project with a simple mission - "A mostly unfilftered, partially opionated ai based exploration of African American HIstory." As the active erasure of Black History has started at the highest levels of the American government in the past weeks, this project feels more important than ever to me. I've been posting things pretty much since the new administration has taken office so the launch is really in full swing. I will not sit silently as they try to erase my culture and history. I will use every tool I've learned in my life to stand up and be heard and let the voices that have stood for black liberation and the end of systemic racism and justice echo loudly!

Today was Marathon day!

It's been somewhat of a tradition for years as the race passes three blocks from our apartment. So we got up early, but not too early and made it out to see the professional men and women and then the sea of runners our there on this beautiful running day. Being out there on marathon day is always a celebratration - music playing, people carrying signs and ringing bells cheering on family, friends, and strangers challenging themselves in this feat of endurance. I love the pure joy you feel in attendance. As a native NYer and Brooklynite I hate the completely incorrect stereotype that NYers are rude and unfriendly and Marathon day is one of those days where I think NYers true nature is on display. At the school nearest to our apartment the high school marching band plays the theme to Rocky live on repeat and it never gets old. My daughter's old elemenary school had a bake sale on the corner. Inspired we made cookies when we got home to seal in the good marathon day memories.

On the topic of being native NYer I want to put in a plug for one of my favorite books about nyc. NK Jemisin flawlessly represents each of boroughs as a person. Brooklyn is - well I'll let you find out for yourself. But I felt fully Brooklyn style on Lafayette Avenue cheering on runners from all over the world in front of Brownstones on a treelined street.