Black Coral Inc Programs aim to educate on Earth stewardship by incorporating Afrocentric Movement / Singing Games

Themes of Preservation of Nature and Social Responsibility in African American Singing Games and Movement Rhymes

Sesame Street in the 70's actively promoted a message of racial harmony and integration. Each episode opened with a scene of children of different races playing together. The culture of the show was very afro-centric and setting of the show took inspiration from the brownstones in Harlem and the Upper West Side. Ai re-generated image.

The theme of preservation of nature within African American singing games and movement rhymes is deeply rooted in cultural expressions that reflect the relationship between communities and their environment. These games often serve not only as entertainment but also as a means to convey values, traditions, and social messages.

African American singing games and movement rhymes have origins that can be traced back to African traditions brought over during the transatlantic slave trade. These forms of expression evolved in the United States, incorporating elements from both African heritage and the experiences of African Americans. The themes present in these games often reflect a connection to nature, community, and resilience.

"In ring games, the players may sit on the ground, stand in place, or move. They may remain in a ring or weave, add to a group in the center, or add to a line until there is no ring. The ring may be empty or have a leader in the center or outside. The players may hold hands, clap hands, or not touch. They may or may not mime a text. They may skip, slide, walk, chase, fall down, or stand still. They may take turns or be eliminated one by one. In the United States, the games derive from British and African traditions, the result of the interaction of children from two cultures."

(From notes to the vinyl album Mother Hippletoe: Rural and Urban Children's Songs, written by Kate Rinzler (album published by New World Records, NW 291 MONO, 1978)

Nature as a Central Theme

Connection to Environment: Many singing games incorporate natural elements such as animals, plants, and weather phenomena. For example, songs may reference birds or flowers, symbolizing beauty and growth. This connection emphasizes an appreciation for the natural world.

Cyclical Patterns: The structure of many movement rhymes reflects natural cycles—seasons changing, life cycles of plants and animals—which reinforces the idea that humans are part of a larger ecological system.

Cultural Significance: Nature is often depicted as a source of inspiration and strength within these games. The lyrics may celebrate harvests or seasonal changes, highlighting the importance of agriculture and sustainability in African American communities.

Community Bonding: Singing games often involve collective participation, fostering a sense of unity among participants while simultaneously promoting awareness about environmental stewardship through shared experiences related to nature.

Educational Aspects: Many movement rhymes serve an educational purpose by teaching children about their surroundings—flora, fauna, weather patterns—thus instilling an early respect for nature. The following are examples:

Ring Games: These are typically performed in circles where participants sing songs that may include references to nature or animals.

BROWN GIRL IN THE RING

DRAW ME A BUCKET OF WATER [also known as "Frog In A Bucket"]

BOB A NEEDLE (ring game)

GREEN COLOR UP (circle game)

Line Games: Similar to ring games but arranged in lines; they often involve movements that mimic natural actions (e.g., swaying like trees).

HERE WE GO ROUND THE MOUNTAIN

SOUL SISTER NUMBER 9

MISS MARY MACK

PUNCHINELLA

DOWN DOWN BABY

Play Party Songs: These songs often celebrate communal activities tied to agricultural practices or seasonal events.

GOIN ROUND THE ASSEMBLY) (also known as "BOUNCE 'ROUND)

GOING TO KENTUCKY (singing game)

HAWK AND CHICKENS PLAY (also known as "Chickama Chickama Cranie Crow"

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN (Wang, Dang, Doodle)

Movement Rhymes: These can include actions that represent various aspects of nature (e.g., mimicking animal movements), reinforcing the bond between human activity and the environment.

AUNT JENNY DIED (movement rhyme)

GREEN SALLY UP

HEAD AND SHOULDERS BABY 1-2-3

HERE COMES SALLY [ring game/movement rhyme]

In summary, the theme of preservation of nature is intricately woven into African American singing games and movement rhymes through historical context, cultural significance, community bonding, educational aspects, and direct references to natural elements.

(Research Sources: Author Azizi Powell,