P.S. ARTS’ series, Arty’s Book Nook, aims at engaging our audiences through children’s books focusing on authors, individuals, or messages that have the power to change the world through arts, creativity and connection. Below are some words from our host and P.S. ARTS Instruction & Curriculum Specialist, Donzell Lewis, on this month’s Book Nook selection, My Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart.
Welcome to June! This month heralds the end of the school year, the beginning of summer’s warm embrace, and the vibrant celebration of PRIDE—a time dedicated to recognizing, appreciating, and honoring the LGBTQIA+ community. Individuals within this community have profoundly shaped our world, advancing the realms of art, science, and mathematics, and creating inventions that elevate humanity.
We celebrate PRIDE to honor a time when LGBTQIA+ individuals could not express their pride without fear of harm, imprisonment, or exile from their families and communities. It is through the relentless efforts of activists, allies, and artists that the world has grown more inclusive, yet the journey toward full acceptance continues.
Despite strides towards inclusivity, many spaces remain unsafe for LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly for the vulnerable youth in our schools. Too often, learning environments still deny, hinder, or restrict LGBTQIA+ students. Countless book bans, discriminatory laws, and the absence of curricula honoring LGBTQIA+ contributions persist.
At P.S. ARTS, we believe in providing students with “windows and mirrors” in their educational journey. Visibility matters; students must see themselves reflected in their learning experiences. Additionally, they gain empathy, understanding, and appreciation when given glimpses into the lives of others.
When students witness book bans, discriminatory legislation, and degrading rhetoric, they cannot feel a sense of belonging. This is an educational tragedy. Every student deserves to feel welcomed in their class. Therefore, I proudly stand in solidarity with schools, educators, administrators, and coaches committed to creating welcoming, equitable, and inclusive environments.
Research shows that students who feel they belong in their classroom communities learn more, boost their self-esteem, build social skills, and improve attendance. These positive outcomes stem from fostering a sense of belonging. As we celebrate PRIDE, let’s strive to provide students with spaces where they can be authentic, seen, heard, and valued for their uniqueness.
As we embark on this school year, our faculty and staff eagerly anticipate the incredible student-generated art that will emerge. Our theme for the 2024-2025 school year is “Come As You Are: The Art of Belonging.” This involves offering windows and mirrors that promote inclusivity and tell students, “You are welcome here, and your art matters.”
By exposing students to a rich tapestry of artists who have influenced their fields, we demonstrate that the art world is as varied and beautiful as each of them. We inspire them to know they have a place in their class, community, and the world—a world eager to hear their voice, see their art, dance with them, act with them, and create with them.
If we can cultivate classrooms that empower all children, we will send ripples of equity across the waters of injustice, creating a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming world. If you are committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ students, check out this month’s selection for Arty’s Book Nook, My Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart. And check out our resource list for information on lesson plans, books, and more!
Hear Donzell read My Shadow is Pink for our June installment of Arty’s Book Nook on YouTube and follow us on social media for updates.
About Donzell Lewis:
P.S. ARTS’ Curriculum & Instruction Specialist, Donzell Lewis, is a highly acclaimed youth theater educator/director, actor, and comedian, known for his exceptional talent and dedication to the arts. Previous to becoming the Curriculum & Instruction Specialist, Donzell dedicated a decade of his career as a Theater Teaching Artist for P.S. ARTS, where he successfully implemented a comprehensive theater program for grades TK-5. His approach is guided by a commitment to radical inclusivity, acknowledging and respecting diverse cultural legacies, challenging euro-centric standards, and engaging in courageous conversations that drive social change.
About Arty’s Book Nook:
Arty’s Book Nook is a series by P.S. ARTS that explores the magical worlds of art and reading through picture books about people who change the world through art. In this brave space, we invite young artists to embark on adventures, discovering the joy of storytelling and the wonders of creative expression. Through curated books and activities, we invite readers, artists, and learners to join us as we dive into worlds where every heart finds its place. Arty’s Book Nook selections are read by P.S. ARTS’ Curriculum & Instruction Specialist, Donzell Lewis.
