Old Court Middle School Hosts One of the First

Dr. Christian explains the competition’s rules and procedures

Parents and friends crowded into the library at Old Court Middle School recently to watch three teams of students compete in the opening rounds of the Black Saga Competition.

Initiated by Dr. Charles Christian, author of the book Black Saga: The African American Experience and a social geography professor at University of Maryland College Park, the Black Saga Competition challenges teams of students throughout Maryland to answer more than 800 questions about the African American experience.

The challenge begins with students competing against other students at their school, then against teams from other Baltimore County schools, and ultimately against teams from other Maryland counties. Challenges within schools are just beginning. The Baltimore County final for this school year will be held on January 8, 2005, at Randallstown High School at 4000 Offutt Road in Randallstown.

At the Old Court competition on November 23, Principal Lynette Woodley welcomed Dr. Christian, who served as moderator, and Barbara Yingling, coordinator of social studies elementary programs for Baltimore County’s schools, who served as scorekeeper.

“We had three very competitive teams,” says Woodley. “They were equally prepared and motivated to excel. The winning team prevailed only after breaking a tie with one additional correct answer.” After the final tallies, each team member received a trophy and certificate.

“Black Saga,” explains Yingling, “was designed to build a pride in all of the ethnic backgrounds of our students, to help underscore that all races and cultures have been a part of our American history. In addition, Black Saga helps build study skills and discipline and strengthens community involvement. It is great to have parents at the competitions to show that they are behind our students.”

Dr. Christian presents Black Saga Competition as Barbara Yingling, social studies coordinator, looks on

This year, 32 Baltimore County schools - including 21 elementary schools and 11 middle schools -- are participating in Black Saga, up from 18 elementary schools and just one middle school last year.

“One reason for the increase in middle school participation,” says Yingling, “is that some of the students who participated in elementary school have now moved up to middle school and want to continue their involvement.”

Yingling also notes that students are participating in Black Saga from all areas of the county and that they represent a wide range of races and cultures.

In addition to Black Saga, students in grades four through eight will learn more about the African American experience beginning next year, when the new state curriculum developed in conjunction with the soon-to-open Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture is implemented statewide. Dr. Christian, creator of Black Saga, also led the team that researched and wrote this new curriculum. The curriculum will ultimately expand to reach all grades.

Participants study before the competition begins.

By Diana Spencer, BCPS Communications Officer Photos by Carolyn Samuels of Old Court Middle School