Envision Equity February 2019 Special Black History Month Edition

Provide partners with the lyrics to 2 notable songs from the Harlem Renaissance with a love theme
( background music is appropriate)
Ain’t Misbehavin’ Fats Waller,
“Gulf Coast Blues”- Bessie Smith
T: How are these lyrics similar to songs of today like Boo’d Up by Ella Mai or In My Feelings by
Drake?
Provide students with a comparison graphic organizer such as a “Box and T” or have them draw
one in their notebooks. Allow students to explore the similarities and differences form the songs
they are familiar with and songs of the Harlem Renaissance. (Note if students are not familiar w/
Boo’d Up or In My
Feelings choose
current songs of
modern vernacular
that are relevant to
your class). Bring
students to a circle to
share their findings.
S: Same: about
feelings, relationships,
love,*style of language
is natural to the way
they talk
S: Different:Gulf
Coast/ sad, Boo’d Up/
In My feelings are
upbeat
T: What if I told you
Drake and Ella have Fats Waller, Bessie Smith and other artists of the Harlem Renaissance to
thank for music today? Point out the choice of expression in their natural way of speaking Boo=
partner/ boyfriend or girlfriend or “want ya”, “need ya” down for you”. The Harlem Renaissance
made a lasting impression on the way black people express themselves in art, writing, music, and
politically. We will learn more about the Harlem Renaissance in Social St.