CLC ‘Walk Together’ event highlights African American, women’s history through art

March 7, 2022

Lincoln Community Learning Centers (CLCs), together with Family Service Lincoln, Northeast Family Center, YMCA of Lincoln and Civic Nebraska, hosted the first ever “Walk Together” event on Friday, March 4 in northeast Lincoln.

Students from several LPS schools have been learning about the rich history behind art, slam poetry/spoken word and textile projects, focusing on African American and women’s history. The students merged these lessons with what they observe in the present day and ultimately created a celebration of performances and exhibits that were presented at locally-owned businesses along 48th Street in the University Place Neighborhood.

Dawes Middle School CLC Site Supervisor Ron Kellogg, who organized the event, said the idea came from wanting to offer a different way to celebrate Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March). And, as is the goal for all CLCs, it offered an opportunity to connect with the local community.

“Students in our CLC programs are extremely talented with art and I felt that the northeast community of Lincoln would appreciate our students’ hard work and creativity,” he said.

Students from Norwood Park Elementary School, Dawes Middle School, Mickle Middle School, Pershing Elementary School, Huntington Elementary School, Brownell Elementary School and Northeast Middle School all contributed their works and performances to the event, which saw a big turnout in spite of the rainy weather.

“My goal for the event was to spread awareness of Lincoln CLCs and how students are taking advantage of their time in our after-school programs,” Kellogg said. “I wanted to show what ‘walking together’ looks like through art and through the perspective of students. Also, bring attention and awareness to the businesses located on 48th Street.”

Read more about Lincoln's 29 Community Learning Center sites here.

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