by Kelechi Jaavaid

For more than 10 years, Kelechi Jaavaid has worked in the Minneapolis Public Schools as an educator, mentor and tutor, reaching students with poetry and spoken word while incorporating comical and dramatic twists. He has performed as a poet, comic and spoken word artist throughout the Twin Cities including the National Association of Black Journalists, First Avenue, Acadia Theater and Acme Comedy Club. He has also read and performed poetry in Ghana, West Africa.

Workshop Description In Kelechi's workshop, students will compare the lyrics of Sweet Honey In The Rock to other music, and then create their own theme or lyrics representing issues that affect today’s youth, examples include peer pressure, homelessness or abusive behavior. At the end of the workshop students will present their issue and use poetry or spoken word as a solution.

To Prepare Students
Listen to music by Sweet Honey (tracks 3, 5, 7, or 10 on the Companion CD) Read Songs Change the World or Music Makes a Difference (on pages 21 or 27 of the WITNESS Teacher’s Guide)

Please Note: This workshop requires a CD player as well as an overhead projector or smartboard.