WEST ORANGE, NJ — Students in Kimya Jackson’s second-grade class at Redwood Elementary School hosted a unique “comic con” on Feb. 28 featuring famous black inventors and scientists as part of their Black History Month project.
Students spent the month not only researching their chosen scientist or inventor, but also creating actual comic books chronicling their subjects’ lives and accomplishments. West Orange resident and Redwood parent Armani Scott, a comic book creator, stopped by earlier in the month to assist students in their project.
Visiting classes, teachers and parents stopped at each desk — where the students were dressed as their inventor or scientist — to hear about the accomplishments of the many unsung heroes of the black community. Students also labeled each of their comic book characters with superpowers, such as kindness, listening and other character traits.
Represented scientists and inventors included Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, featured in the film “Hidden Figures”; scientist Percy Julian; Madame C.J. Walker, who revolutionized personal toiletries and hair care for the black community; Lonnie Johnson, the creator of Super Soaker; botanist and inventor George Washington Carver; and many more.
“The students worked so hard and did such a fantastic job,” Jackson said, as students and visitors engaged in conversation about the prominent contributions of the black community.
Photos Courtesy of WOSD
About the Author
