Ada Ari from Maryland is sharing the beauty and diversity of African culture across the United States. Ari’s program, “African Storytelling Reimagined,” brings classic African folktales and cultural experiences to classrooms around the country, inspiring and educating students.
Teaching Children About their Heritage
Ada Ari began teaching her children about their Nigerian heritage through classic folktales. She wanted her children, who were born in America, to be exposed to as much of their culture as possible, empowering them to know who they are and where they came from. Now, Ari is sharing her passion for African culture with students across America.
The “African Storytelling Reimagined” program offers an immersive cultural experience for students. They can try on Kente cloth, learn dances like the Azonto and the One Legge, and learn about different African tribes. Ari believes that it is very important for people to learn about the history and culture of people of African descent.
Teaching Children Through Books
Ari has also published three beautifully illustrated children’s picture books: “The Spider’s Thin Legs,” “The Turtle’s Cracked Shell,” and “The Lion’s Promise.” These books retell some of the most beloved African folktales from her childhood in Nigeria and each book includes a geographical lesson about the region in Africa the story comes from. The books also come with fact cards to teach children about the specific African tribe from which the story originated.
Impact on Students
Ari’s program and books are having a positive impact on students. Teachers have reported that students who previously never spoke in their African accents or talked about their culture are now doing so with pride. Ari hopes that her program will continue to challenge people to rethink the way they see and think about Africa. “People are now beginning to really embrace that in addition to your Cinderella’s and your Beauty and the Beast, they’re all these amazing stories that are equally relatable that come from Africa,” Ari says.
