Jean Darnell: Awaken Librarian!

Quite honestly, if AI (Artificial Intelligence) proves to continue racism/prejudices/biases in favor of white supremacist ideology--as it presently demonstrates-- I DO NOT WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT. I will use my platform to discuss the inequities--as I presently do--in hopes that improvements are made to represent all perspectivities with authenticity and relevance as it pertains to AI's successes and continuances. Black people have always been scholars, scientists and sage counsel for the world. AI needs to reflect that conviction. Enslavement represents what was done to us, not our history. All of the present hoopla discusses all the "amazing things" AI can do: colleges are in uproar about AI writing papers , entrepreneurs test out the ease of creating business plans , etc. To test out my theory, I asked ChatGPT to write a paper on Black History for #BHM. My gut believed it would present a "whitewashed" version of Black History worst than Flo

Those students looking for the details on our Sneaker Magic Giveaway on February 28, 2023, see below: Here's the quiz to EARN your 10 raffle tickets entry: Loading… The winner of last month's Check-out Your Dreams Series: Langston's 80s Fashion Designer is....MARIAH, the marvelous!!! 🏆💃🏾👏🏾 The raffle was held 02/28/23 at 3pm as promised. We gave away 3 pairs of shoes. Here's one of our winners (2 opted not to have their pictures taken):

Have you heard about Story Jumper ? 🤯 If you haven't here's a quick, fun tutorial giving the details: I came across it a few days ago. The ease of use is what sold me. In less than 2 hrs, I crafted an imaginative method to announce my Black History Month Sneaker Showdown. There will be more details in my newsletter next month, but in the meantime, enjoy this short story ... Read this book made on StoryJumper Let me know if you see anyone familiar...

Before I forget, Happy Chinese New Year! 2023 is the Year of the Water Rabbit. Check the newsletter for more details. :)

I had this EUREKA idea over the winter break: I want students to CHECK OUT THEIR DREAMS! When I was younger, I dabbled in all sorts of things. I played the cello, played basketball, drew images, designed all sorts of stuff within the walls of my mind. So...I thought how can I attract those sparks of ingenuity with MY kids?! Here's my answer: for the month of January, there will be an "80s Fashion Design" contest going on in the library. Here's a sign-up sheet that explains in details the rules. It's the same QR code for the sign-up form in the slideshow presentation. I am only available Tuesday-Thursday for design times during the last 90 minutes of the school day. You can choose your time on the sign-up sheet. As always students, you can email me any questions. In the meantime, check out these new library books and enjoy Langston's DRIP...😎🧥 P.S. I don't own the music or rights to any Stranger Things images. I downloaded a free 20 secon

In May 2022, I spoke briefly on this blog about Teachers Not Being Okay , and now I'm following up with " All I Can Do ," which is an article I wrote on gun violence. Just below is the article in its entirety. Thank you to the American Federation of Teachers' Union (AFT) for giving me a place to release this internal torture that is surviving a school shooting and the PTSD scars that never fade. I dedicate this article to all of the educators, students and surviving family members that unwillingly perished due to preventable gun violence. Replace "thoughts and prayers" with strict policies to prohibit "civilian access to military weapons." Until then, those words ring hollow because we can help ourselves out of this nightmare. Along with my article and within this same issue, are other perspectives and suggestions to finally end this senseless suffering as it relates to gun violence. I implore you to read every one. Thank you in advance.