Karamu: A Joyful Celebration

Karamu is one way we celebrate the many cultures and life experiences of the members of our school community as well as the experiences of people around the world. Each year your children share wonderful information about their families and friends on Karamu cards posted throughout the sixth avenue building. This year children were asked to choose a family member or special friend and write something they found interesting about that person’s heritage, cultural background or hometown. Below are some of the things your children shared:

“This is my dad. He grew up in Queens. His family lived in New York since 1840. Before that they lived in Germany and Russia.”

“Grandpa grew up on a farm. There were lots of animals there like ducks and cows…When he was born he was little. He had to wake up very early to milk the cows.”

“My cousin was born in Hawaii two years ago. She is currently living in Hawaii, but in February she will be moving to Virginia. Her Dad is a navy officer. It’s interesting to know she will grow up in different parts of the country and maybe overseas.”

“My sister and I are African American, Irish, Cherokee and Cape Verdian. My sister was born in New York. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia.”

“This is my Baba. Baba means grandma in Japanese. My Baba is Japanese. She is special to me because she is nice and has two cats. She always has presents for me.”

“My Papa comes from Florence, Italy. I like Florence because it has very narrow streets and lots of Vespa’s and motor scooters. There is very good gelato.”

“My grandma is from Somalia. It is in East Africa. I love the costumes and jewelry. It is very colorful – pink, blue, green, yellow and purple with gold trimming with lots of gold jewelry. It is very beautiful.”

“These are my Chinese cousins. I love them!!! We were adopted on the same day and are from the same province. That is why they are affectionately called “my cousins.” My Chinese name is Ling Cai and that means ‘Rise High Emerald’.”

This is just a sampling of the rich culture and heritage of LREI families. Please stop by and read more Karamu cards as you walk the halls these next couple of weeks. You’ll be amazed by how much there is to learn about each other and about the assets you all bring to our school community.