A Message from Karyn

Can you believe it's almost summer? In addition to this month's updates on our Bessie Coleman project, we are delighted to share military themed activities, videos and more for Memorial Day!

Our Bessie Coleman project is closing in on its final stages. This month, we had the opportunity to  interview pilot Kimberly Anyadike for the live action segment of Flying Free: The Bessie Coleman Story and complete narration with Laurence Fishburne! 

Be sure to keep an eye out for additional updates on all things Sweet Blackberry this summer including upcoming visits to various schools and conferences in upcoming months.


Best, 
Karyn
African Americans 
In The Military

For years, African Americans have played an integral role in the United States military. From the Tuskegee Airmen to the African- American women serving in the WAC there is a lot of unknown and unspoken history to be shared with younger and future generations. 

As  May marks the celebration of Memorial Day, we salute you and commemorate the time daring men and women gave to serve our country.


Check out this Sweet Blackberry activity highlighting the history of African Americans in the military. 

In addition to this month's activity, check out animator David Heredia's amazing animated short sharing the story of the Harlem Hellfighters, one of the most celebrated African-American military units in U.S. history, as a part of his Heroes of Color series. Click the photo below to view the animation. 


BESSIE COLEMAN UPDATE: Lights! Camera! Action!
Home stretch! This month, Karyn had the opportunity to i nterview pilot Kimberly Anyadike for the live action segment of Flying Free: The Bessie Coleman Story. At the age of 15, Kimberly became the youngest African American female to complete a transcontinental flight across the United States.


We were also able to complete narration with actor Laurence Fishburne. We are excited to be a step closer to finishing putting together Bessie's amazing story! 


Sweet Blackberry truly appreciates all of your patiences with our Kickstarter rewards. We just received our shipment of Bessie Coleman t-shirts and expect the totoes to come in some time next week. 

Be sure to check your email on any updates with pending items. 
What We're Reading! 




Book of The Month
Black Heroes of the American Revolution: By Burke Davis

Crispus Attucks is known as the escaped slave whose freedom ended when he died in the Boston Massacre, but there are many other lesser-known black men and women who made enormous contributions to U.S. independence. 
Readers will discover Edward Hector, the brave wagoner of Brandywine; artilleryman and slave Austin Dabney; William Lee, the aide and closest companion of George Washington throughout the war; and many others. 

Check it out on Amazon Smile  here. 
#SweetBlackHistory

I am a Captain in the US Army Reserve
In 2016, I was crowned Miss USA
Both of my parents are military veterans 

Who am I? 
Tweet your answer to  @SwtBlackberry  for a shout out in next month's newsletter! 

Bring Sweet Blackberry 
To Your School

Want to incorporate stories of African-American achievement into your lesson plans? Sweet Blackberry will come to your school to share these triumphant stories of individuals surmounting the odds and making invaluable contributions to our society. 

As you know, these American stories are rarely taught in our schools due to the lack of time and resources. Sweet Blackberry's stories illustrate for our children the concept that tremendous obstacles are actually opportunities for greatness! 

To learn more about our school visits, please contact us at [email protected]. 

Support Sweet Blackberry with Amazon Smile
Did you know that when you purchase items through Amazon.com, Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charity organization? That's right! 

This month, we are continuing to encourage you to register Sweet Blackberry as your charity of choice through the AmazonSmile program. Simply register here:  https://smile.amazon.com/

STAY CONNECTED: