The Brothers bring Rowan Academy gym to life

A musical trio brought a lasting message to the students at Rowan Academy Wednesday as part of the charter school’s Black History Month education.

Ken Carroll, Rebecca Stinson and Joe Ponds — who are part of a local group called the Brothers — brought the gymnasium to life Wednesday, telling stories, singing songs and playing music.

Carroll opened the program with a lesson about “the people that can fly.”

He told the students a story about slaves who rose above the struggles they had to endure.

“I don’t expect you to (literally) fly up out of your seats,” Carroll explained to the schools 85 students. But he told them if they use their minds, “it takes you anywhere you want to go.”

Carroll said one of the many things their ancestors have given to them is music.

“The idea came with them over on that boat,” Carroll said. “We are all part of a beautiful gift that came across that ocean.”

Stinson led the children in singing “America the Beautiful” as well as some spiritual songs such as “I Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray” and “Down By The Riverside.” She explained that songs like these helped motivate the slaves.

“I’m telling you, you can dream something and make it happen,” Stinson said. “Don’t you ever stop dreaming.”

Carroll spoke of black leaders who influenced society, such as Alex Haley, who wrote Roots.

“I don’t know how many Alex Haleys I’m talking to today,” he said. “All you have to do is believe. If Alex Haley can raise his wings and fly, so can you.

“When we talk about black history it’s not over with until you yourself make your contribution to whatever history has to offer,” Carroll said. “You were given a set of wings just as those folks were years and years ago.”

Rowan Academy Headmaster Eugene C. Perry Jr. thanked the students for the various displays they made about black history month which were displayed in the gymnasium. He said this year was probably the best black history month because everyone in the school participated.

Contact Jillian McCartney at 704-797-4253 or jmccartney@salisburypost.com .