This project aims to deepen students' understanding and appreciation of black history through the creative process of collage-making, blending historical research with artistic expression. Students will collaboratively explore the cultural narratives represented by figures like Romare Bearden and Louis Armstrong, using art as a medium to tell stories and share diverse perspectives. Through hands-on and iterative creation, learners will engage in meaningful dialogue and reflections, strengthening their collaborative skills and their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Students will collaboratively research and explore the life and works of Romare Bearden and Louis Armstrong, understanding their contributions to art and music. They will apply principles of visual storytelling and mixed media to create meaningful digital collages that express cultural history. Students will critically analyze and discuss cultural storytelling through art, developing skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication. They will reflect on their learning experiences and contributions, presenting their artwork to exemplify cultural narratives and personal insights.

Students will collaboratively craft their own collage pieces that reflect personal interpretations of black history, using imagery, mixed media, and digital tools. By integrating individual artworks into a large mural, learners will create a cohesive narrative that celebrates cultural connections and historical themes. Additionally, students will record personal reflections to accompany their collage, providing insight into their artistic choices and cultural perspectives as part of the final exhibition. This collection of artworks, alongside brief narratives, will be presented in a shared exhibition space, illustrating diverse stories and viewpoints.

Engage students in an 'Art and Jazz Jam' session by playing music from Louis Armstrong while they create exploratory mini-collages. Encourage them to select and combine images based on initial themes like cultural history and visual storytelling. This immersive music and art experience sets the tone for deeper exploration and collaboration in the coming days.

Students will showcase their collages in a 'Cultural Canvas Showcase,' transforming the school hallway into an art gallery. Each student will display personalized exhibition spaces with their collages alongside printed narratives and QR codes linked to audio commentaries. This will culminate in an 'Evening of Artistic Reflections' attended by families and community members, featuring live readings of artist statements and reflective letters to historical figures, interspersed with musical interludes inspired by Louis Armstrong.