top of page

The Hurston Initiative:

An Africana Immersion Summer Intensive

An Africana Immersion Summer Program operating near the heart of Downtown Washington, DC for ages 8 - 14 that incorporates and seamlessly integrates African-American history, culture, dance, art, folklore and literature as well as African history and African geography.

An initiative developed, organized and run by The Presley Pride House Corporation, our aim is to provide a program that fosters awareness, appreciation of self, pride and connections to the past that inspire the future. Our daily field trips will allow our participants to take advantage of workshops and educational programs offered by the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art, The KanKouran West African Dance Company, The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site and other exciting immersion and learning opportunities.

The Hurston Initiative at a Glance:

WHEN:

  • Week One: August 17th - 21st
  • Week Two: August 24th - 28th
  • Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

WHO:

  • Ages: 8 - 14 yrs (Ratio 1:10)

WHERE:

  • Washington, DC/Alexandria, VA (DMV Area)

COST:

  • Base Rate: $295 per week (9:00 am - 5:00 pm)
  • AM Supplement: $25 per week (8:00 am - 9:00 am)
  • PM Supplement: $25 per week (5:00 pm - 6:00 pm)
  • Includes travel costs, workshops, classes, daily field trip costs and one free program t-shirt

DAILY SCHEDULE:

  • 8:00 - 9:00 am Social Time
  • 9:00 - 9:30 am Quiet Reading
  • 9:30 - 10:30 am Morning Meeting & Themed Group Discussion
  • 10:30 - 3:00 pm Daily Field Trip/Workshop (includes time for lunch and recess at local playground)
  • 3:00 - 3:30 pm Wrap-Up Discussion
  • 3:30 - 4:30 pm Documentary (Mon & Tues), Research (Wed), Group Work (Thurs & Fri)
  • 4:30 - 5:00 pm Daily Passport Entry (Daily Craft)
  • 5:00 - 6:00 pm Social Time
  • Friday at 6:00 pm Collaborative Work: Parent Presentations

FIELD TRIP DESTINATIONS AND WORKSHOPS:

  • Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art
  • The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site & Tour
  • Martin Luther King National Memorial
  • KanKouran West African Dance Company
  • Sites Along the African American Heritage Trail

TOPICS EXPLORED:

  • African Geography
  • Popular Folklore
  • West African Symbolism
  • Shaka Zulu and Other African Warriors
  • Colonialism & The Slave Trade
  • Gospel Music and Slave Hymns
  • Advancements During The Reconstruction Era
  • The Harlem Renaissance
  • Civil Rights Era
  • Apartheid
  • Modern Media and Perception

BY MEANS OF:

  • Art & Photography
  • Dance
  • Music
  • Poetry
  • Literature
  • Hand-On Research Based Projects
  • Sight-seeing and Exploration
bottom of page