KALAMAZOO (MICH.)- Korie Pritchett-Evans jumped at the chance to wear an authentic Choctaw shawl. She swayed from side to side to the rhythm of a Pow Wow candance drummer. Although she and other Explorers were in a classroom, author Shonda Buchanan shared the history of native chants, Pow Wows, and more during an interactive Explorer workshop.

The workshop and author visit were sponsored through a grant from Arts Midwest to expose youth of color to the culture and heritage of the original settlers of the United States. Buchanan, a native of Kalamazoo, is the author of Black Indian: A Memoir. Her fascinating story shares her family’s trials through the attempt to authenticate their native bloodline. Despite documents and years of genealogical research, the family’s connection to the Choctaw tribe remains in the political balance.

In the meantime, Buchanan shares what she has learned about the culture over the years. Her African American and indigenous backgrounds have allowed the former Hampton University English professor to share her story with the world. She is a sought-after international speaker whose work to uncover her family roots has inspired thousands.

Explorers not only had the opportunity to learn more about such traditions as the jingle dress dance and pow-wow history, but they also learned how to celebrate their family culture and traditions through artistic poetry. Buchanan led students through a multi-sensory experience through rituals such as combing their hair for church. Students then created poems cut up by words or sentences and placed on a watercolor background they created to exemplify their poems. Students were impressed at the result, and some received copies of Buchanan’s book as a reward.

Look for the complete story, images, and photos in our upcoming Girls Can! Magazine and Merze Tate Explorers YouTube channel.