In February, a serendipitous encounter at the Black Wall Street vendor market in Newark, NJ, began an inspiring journey for math enthusiast and educator Ja'Bria Newton. Connecting with our founder and CEO, Flora, the two instantly recognized their shared passion: empowering Black children to discover and embrace their potential. Joining the Corage Crew, Ja'Bria is dedicated to igniting a spark of self-belief and motivation in the next generation.
“We all need some love and sunshine, and I’m a huge supporter of Black-owned businesses. When I met Flora and saw her Corage Cards: Music and Moods Edition, I knew they would uplift my students' spirits. I genuinely love the brand and what it brings to my kids," Ja'Bria shared.
Ja’Bria earned a bachelor’s with a dual degree in psychology and criminal justice from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and believes centering her teaching approach to focus on social and emotional learning (SEL) with Corage Cards: Music & Moods Edition as a trusted companion has enabled a well-rounded environment for her fifth and sixth grade students to improve their self image and cognitive skills.
During an enlightening conversation, Ja’Bria passionately shared insights about her classroom and the unique challenges her students encounter, particularly around themes of texturism and colorism, revealing how our Corage Cards: Music & Moods Edition has transformed her approach, fostering a playful and supportive atmosphere that empowers her students.
Dive in to discover the inspiring ways she is making a difference!
Corage Dolls: Walk us through a typical day and how you’ve incorporated the Corage Cards: Music & Moods Edition cards into your curriculum?
Ja’bria:"I let my kids choose cards by chance. They enjoy flipping them over, and often, they get excited and try to take cards from each other or pick more cards."
Corage Dolls: Given you’re teaching math, why do you think it’s important to use the cards during an academic lesson?
Ja’Bria: Before they are students, they are kids who need love and connection. Jumping straight into math without this foundation feels robotic. By incorporating SEL, I foster a sense of comfort and positivity, which brings smiles and enhances their focus on math. Starting with an icebreaker sets a positive tone for the day.
Corage Dolls: From your expertise in working with children, what perspective can you give readers on the impact of children receiving positive affirmations?
Ja’Bria: I encourage adults, caregivers, parents and anyone who interacts with children to reflect on their childhood and recall moments when they were told they were loved, smart, or had beautiful skin. Childhood is the foundation of adulthood, so fostering good habits and building confidence early is crucial. Positive affirmations during these formative years help develop future self-esteem.
Corage Dolls: How did you develop this approach to teaching?
Ja’Bria: I was fortunate to grow up in a loving family that instilled a sense of self-worth through affirmations and support. My mother taught me to always find the silver lining in situations, while my father reinforced my sense of beauty and brilliance. Being emotionally sensitive, I pursued psychology and yoga, using my teaching to promote positive affirmations and encourage emotional expression. I recognized that during the pandemic, many individuals, especially children, experienced heightened emotional distress. Acknowledging their need for care, love, and support during such challenging times is essential.
Corage Dolls: Have you noticed patterns or behaviors that you can share about your students that using the cards has revealed?
Ja’Bria: I've noticed some concerning trends around colorism and texturism among young people today. They often talk about these issues and sometimes poke fun at them, seriously impacting how they see themselves. For example, when I showed some cards with a dark-skinned girl sporting braids and an afro, a few students mentioned that they didn't relate to her because they saw themselves as light-skinned with long hair. This points to a worrying trend in how our kids view themselves and their identities.
This issue is widespread among the young girls I work with, who often feel societal pressure and competitiveness. In contrast, the boys embrace the cards enthusiastically, willing to accept affirmations they don’t typically receive. They also engage with the cards more quickly and attentively. Girls, however, tend to analyze the images critically, distancing themselves from those they perceive as having unfavorable qualities.
I was initially taken aback by their reaction, but I realized that this perspective is shaped by what they learn and see online. To address this, I asked them to write a paragraph about what their skin complexion means to them and how it relates to others who may look different.
Corage Dolls: What words would you share with parents and caregivers who are considering using Corage Cards: Music & Moods Edition?
Ja’Bria: Children today face many challenges, and by investing in their well-being through initiatives like Corage Cards: Music & Moods Edition, we can nurture a future filled with love, understanding, and kindness.
Are you ready to join the Corage Crew and help us drive representation and provide our Black boys and girls with the tools they need to succeed? If so, shop our entire Corage Cards collection here, and be sure to join our newsletter!
