Shannon Lanier and CASP Student

On January 28, 2005, Cedar Hill/St. John's held a Black History Teach-In with Shannon Lanier (Sixth great grandson of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings) and Jane Feldman (author photographer), co-authors of the book Jefferson's Children. Tailoring the conversation for two different groups, the younger children and the older children and adults, Shannon and Jane relayed the history of Thomas Jefferson and his slave, Sally Hemings. The two speakers relayed the complexity of the legacy of slavery; for example an important facet such as "Passing" in which some very light skinned descendents of slaves succeed by passing for white to ensure safety, education and freedom. The Jefferson-Hemings family history mirrors the history of countless other families. Shannon described the journey from slavery to freedom for Sally's children, who all originally located in southern Ohio, where Shannon still has relatives to this day.

The After School endeavors to teach peace, caring and sharing and conflict resolution. In order to do this, the event started off with Bridget Burke Weiss and the children reciting the peace prayer.

As part of the celebration of Black History Month, Community After School Director, Bridget Burke Weiss and her staff spent several weeks orienting the children to the lives of such heroic figures as Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King and reading from the book, Jefferson's Children. In keeping with the theme of the arts, the children created their own banner "Reaching for the Stars." When looking around the room, the audience realized that Dr. King's dream for society had come true and was reflected in the CASP rainbow family.

When the children were talking about Dr. King, one child quoted directly from his "I have a dream speech." "Be judged not by the color or your skin, but by the content of your character."

The audience came from every walk of life, clergy, businessman, mayor, professor, parent and child. When Jane asked, "When did you learn of the relation between Jefferson and Hemings?" The audience responded with such varied experiences as, "I was taught in school in Guyana as a young girl.", another elderly lady revealed "She always knew through oral history," and still others had "No idea because we were not taught this history." Others learned that very day of this hidden part of American history.

What was remarkable in Jane and Shannon's slide presentation was to see the mixed race legacy of slavery. This opened up for the group the theme of "Who is your family?" Jane, who is an experienced photographer encouraged the children to "Find out about your family. If you have old photographs, label them." Ask your parents where their parents came from. Do a family tree if you can." "Preserve tradition through oral history and the lessons of the elders."

Jane Feldman, introduced by CDC Board member, Fern Jones, presented the children of CASP with an autographed copy of Jefferson's Children.

Shannon Lanier and Jane Feldman captured the hearts and minds of the children and all adults who were inspired by their youthful wisdom, their dedication to peace and their interest in connecting the whole human family through story telling.

When the children were asked, "What makes a family?" Many responded "Those who care for you and who takes care of you." One child bluttered out "Love" makes a family. Despite the fact 70% of the children come from single parent households, they are raised by loving and caring parents who struggle on a daily basis for child care and to maintain their employment. In the end, the After School children all agreed that the after school itself is a family.

The CDC launched its focus on Black History Month in the new space now opened thanks to a grant from Morris County Development. Through generous donations of foundations, in particular the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the children will be exposed to visual and performing arts.

JEFFERSON'S CHILDREN - The Story of One American Family (Random House, 2nd edition) by co-authors Lanier and Feldman, is used in course curricula in many junior high schools, high schools, and colleges around the country. It has become a powerful catalyst for discussion on issues of Race and Family. Prestigious Columbia University and Rutgers University use the book in courses on Race and the Law.

Expanding on JEFFERSON'S CHILDREN, the co-authors have produced an interactive multimedia presentation that helps to demystify race and explore our interconnectedness.

"I think people are fascinated just us seeing us, as co-authors, presenting this information together," said Lanier. "They see two people, of different genders, races, & generations. One of us is blood family, and one has become family. People seem to really appreciate the culmination of our varying perspectives."

Jane and Shannon have spoken at many schools, colleges, and organizations about their work. They have shared a program on First Amendment Rights with Maya Angelou and have been keynote speakers at the American Library Association national conference, at a conference of 3000 Barnes and Noble Superstore Managers, C-Span's Book TV and more. Together they have taught special interactive workshops on Oral History, Multiculturalism and encourage participants of all ages to tell their own rich stories.