Horizons on the Hudson's Library Troupe Celebrated Black History Month in the Community with Newburgh-Inspired Poetry

Civic Engagement:  The Newburgh/Highland NAACP and the Newburgh Free Library requested that the HOH Library Troupe (5th graders) participate in their Black History Month events–Black History Meet & Greet and Newburgh: Celebration of Black Joy, Contributions, and Triumphs respectively. Troupe members Leigh Aubert, Tyrese Clark, Royal Dennis, Karma Everett, Hendrix Hanson, Jonathan Quirk, Nayeli Sano Rodriguez, Sophie Tantono volunteered to have several working breakfast sessions where we researched the life and contributions of the Alsdorf Family and their legacy here in Newburgh. The result was the biographical poem below, entitled, The Auspicious Alsdorfs. Fifth grader, Jai’da Chambers also created the individual poem below about love for Newburgh.  Her poem is entitled, Jaida’s Vision - Newburgh is… 

 

From Left to Right: 

Some members of the HOH Library Troupe–Royal Dennis, Tyrese Clark, Sophie Tantono, Hendrix Hanson, Nayeli Sano Rodriguez

and Jonathan Quirk sharing their poems at The Newburgh/Highland NAACP’s Black History Meet & Greet.

 

From Left to Right: 

Some members of the HOH Library Troupe–Royal Dennis, Tyrese Clark, Nayeli Sano Rodriguez, Leigh Aubert, and Karma Everett

sharing their poems at the Newburgh Free Library’s Black History event, Newburgh: Celebration of Black Joy, Contributions, and Triumphs.

 

The Auspicious Alsdorfs

by Members of the 5th Grade HOH Library Troupe (February 23)

Leigh Aubert, Tyrese Clark, Royal Dennis, 

Karma Everett, Hendrix Hanson, Jonathan Quirk, 

Nayeli Sano Rodriguez, Sophie Tantono 

with Mrs. Wright Jumpp, SLMS, NY 2023

 

 

There’s a family you need to know about.

The Alsdorf family!  They make me want to shout!

George and Caroline Alsdorf were slaves, you see.

They worked super hard to become free,

And used their money to get manumission, 

To be free before slavery’s abolition. 

 

 

Freed slaves who were farm hands, 

Headed to Newburgh for freedom and land.

Their son Professor Dubois was a talented musician,

He trained under Appo, a famous African-American.

Dancing, pushing for equality,

His three sons, Simon, Charles, Ulysses. 

 

Business men dominating Newburgh City,

Owned many stores like a famous Dance Academy.

Trained the poor and rich to dance,

Now let the fancy galas commence.

Men clothing store, hair salon, bakery,

Tailoring shop, catering and confectionery.

 

Charles, the first son, 1862 - 1926,

The dance instructor, teaching dance tricks.

First African-American graduate of Newburgh Free Academy,

Breaking the lasting barrier left behind by slavery.

He left a trail for you, you, you and me,

Now we too can graduate from Newburgh Free Academy.

 

 

Ulysses, the second son, 1872 - 1952,

Pianist and composer, sharing hopeful views. 

Second African-American graduate of Newburgh Free Academy,

Breaking the lasting barrier left behind by slavery.

He left a trail for you, you, you and me,

Now we too can graduate from Newburgh Free Academy.

 

 

Simon, the third son, 1874 - 1946

Nationally-known, civic-minded, clarinetist.

Third African-American graduate of Newburgh Free Academy

Breaking the lasting barrier left behind by slavery.

He left a trail for you, you, you and me,

Now we too can graduate from Newburgh Free Academy.

 

 

Changing music, changing minds,

Inspiring people of all kinds.

With music and dance, they taught all ages,

In music the mutual language of all races.

Freeing slaves too, basements bringing hope,

The Underground Railroad is starting to grow.

 

 

 

Jaida’s Vision - Newburgh is…

by Jai’da Chambers, 5th Grader (HOH, February 2023)

with Mrs. Wright Jumpp, SLMS, NY 

 

Newburgh is Downing Park Duck Feeding Newburgh is The Post Office Mailing and Giving    Newburgh is Newburgh Free Library Reading and Chilling  Newburgh is Horizons-on-the-Hudson Teaching and Learning   Newburgh is  Mount Saint Mary’s Engaging and Accomplishing  Newburgh is The Hudson River Sailing and Fishing  Newburgh is Liberty Street Walking and Seeing  Newburgh is Town Hall Meeting and Improving  Newburgh is  The Armory Working and Serving  Newburgh is  Newburgh Mall  Viewing and Shopping

Newburgh is  Broadway  Parading and Dancing  Newburgh is  Playgrounds Lemonade playing, jump roping Newburgh is Outdoors Cook-outs and summer partying Newburgh is Living in Jesus Ministry  Dancing and Singing   Newburgh is  Family  Loving and Respecting

 Story and photos submitted by Michell Wright-Jumpp

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!