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Timberland Experiences Taste of Soul

An annual tradition at Timberland Charter Academy added a global service project this year – Little Dresses for Africa. During the Taste of Soul event Feb. 16, students and the community had an opportunity to make a dress out of a simple pillow case and send it to Africa.

Four seamstresses were available at the event to help students make the dresses for the organization, Little Dresses for Africa. Earlier, the staff practiced making 30 dresses. After the dresses are completed in the coming weeks, they will be sent to African countries through the Little Dresses organization.

“It’s a great way for our students to learn to help others with a tangible object they can help make,” said Timberland Principal Angelia Coleman. “It’s important for our students to know how to give to others less fortunate.”

Taste of Soul, an event each year that features a variety of African cultures that share food, performances, and crafts, was started by Coleman when she became principal at the school six years ago.

This year, in addition to making dresses, the community had an opportunity to see an “African-American Inventor’s Museum” with live actors. Six staff members dressed in costumes and gave facts about the founder of the traffic light, the ironing board, the super soaker, hair care products for women of color, the golf tee, and the cell phone.

“The kids love it because they love the food and the performances that teach them about other cultures,” said Coleman. “Parents love to see their children sing and dance at the event. Everyone has a good time.”