Author: Shawnette Brown

Walking through Chicago’s Chinatown was a wonderful cultural experience. From the iconic Chinatown Gate to the vibrant shops, restaurants, and public art, the neighborhood reflects more than a century of Chinese American history and community. I enjoyed learning about the traditions, architecture, and contributions that continue to make Chinatown an important part of Chicago’s story. It’s a place well worth visiting for both the food and the rich cultural experience. 🇺🇸🇨🇳

One of the highlights of my trip to Chicago was visiting the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center with my two sisters. The three of us share a deep appreciation for African American history, art, and culture, so experiencing the museum together made this visit especially meaningful.

Located in historic Washington Park, adjacent to Chicago’s famed Bronzeville neighborhood. The DuSable Museum is the nation’s oldest independent museum dedicated to African American history. Founded in 1961 by artist and educator Dr. Margaret Burroughs, the museum has long been a place where history, culture, and community come together.

Our visit came just days after the Fourth of July, making the experience even more poignant. As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, I wanted to intentionally visit places that celebrate the richness, resilience, and contributions of African Americans—stories that are essential to American history but are sometimes overlooked or underrepresented.

The museum does an outstanding job of telling those stories.

One of the highlights for me was the galleries celebrating the Harlem Renaissance. The artwork, literature, music, and cultural achievements of that era reminded me how powerful creativity can be in shaping identity and inspiring future generations.

I also appreciated the exhibits honoring African Americans who served in the military. Their courage, sacrifice, and patriotism deserve far greater recognition than they often receive. Learning about these men and women was both inspiring and humbling, and it reminded me that Black history is deeply woven into every chapter of our nation’s story.

The museum also features exhibits highlighting Chicago’s Black leaders, the Great Migration, civil rights, community activism, and the many artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and innovators who helped shape both Chicago and America. As someone from Pennsylvania, I always enjoy finding connections back home, and I loved discovering familiar names and stories that linked Chicago’s history with my own experiences.

Another favorite part of my visit was the museum’s impressive art collection on the lower level. The artwork was both beautiful and thought-provoking, encouraging visitors to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the many ways artists tell stories through their work.

Of course, no museum visit is complete without a stop in the bookstore! The DuSable Museum’s bookstore is filled with outstanding books, educational resources, gifts, and works celebrating African American history and culture. It’s definitely worth spending time exploring.

The museum itself is beautiful. Its architecture, welcoming galleries, and location within Washington Park create a space that invites learning, reflection, and conversation.

If you’re planning a visit to Chicago, I highly recommend adding the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center to your itinerary. Whether you’re an educator, history enthusiast, artist, or simply curious to learn more, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the countless contributions African Americans have made to our country.

For me, this was much more than a museum visit. It was an opportunity to celebrate history, honor those who came before us, and reflect on the stories that continue to shape America. It’s a place I believe everyone should experience at least once. I am definitely going back sooner than later to Chicago.

One of my favorite back-to-school traditions is introducing my students to books by Shannon Olsen. Over the years, several of her books have become staples in my classroom because they help establish the kind of learning community I want to build from day one.

I always begin with A Letter from My Teacher. It’s a wonderful way to reassure students that I care about them, believe in them, and want each of them to be successful. It sets a warm, welcoming tone for the school year and helps ease those first-day jitters.

Next, I read Our Class Is a Family, which reminds students that our classroom is more than just a place to learn—it’s a community. We support one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and understand that when one person grows, we all grow together.

This year, I added Collaboration Station to my classroom library, and I’m so excited to share it with my students. The book emphasizes the importance of working together, listening to different perspectives, communicating respectfully, and solving problems as a team.

What I especially love is that these lessons extend far beyond our classroom. My students will use these collaboration skills during STEM challenges, in physical education, during partner and small-group activities, and in everyday interactions throughout the school. Learning to work well with others is a lifelong skill, and this book provides a fun and meaningful way to introduce it.

I’m excited to add Collaboration Station to my back-to-school book collection and continue building a classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed together.

This year’s Fourth of July looked a little different for me. I was still adjusting to the time change after returning home from Asia, and with the heat and thunderstorms looming, it seemed like the weather might put a damper on many of the holiday celebrations.

Instead of the usual festivities, my family decided to keep things simple and head out for Korean barbecue. It turned out to be the perfect choice! The food was absolutely delicious, the service was outstanding, and there were so many great options to choose from. I would definitely recommend this restaurant at the King of Prussia Mall in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

I did feel a little disappointed that so much planning and money had gone into Fourth of July celebrations across the region, only for the weather to interfere with many events. Even so, it was encouraging to see people make the best of the situation. Whether gathering with family, enjoying a great meal, or catching fireworks where they could, it was still a meaningful holiday weekend.

Sometimes the best memories come from the unexpected changes in plans.

My journey home was a long one—from Taipei, Taiwan, to Tokyo, Japan, then to Los Angeles, California, before finally arriving in Newark, New Jersey. After such an incredible experience, I was more than ready to see my family. I missed them deeply, but I am thankful that technology helped us stay connected throughout the trip. Daily texts, WhatsApp messages, and video notes allowed us to share everyday moments even while we were thousands of miles apart.

This is also the perfect time to give a huge shout-out to my husband, Darren Brown. For the past nine summers, he has supported my passion for learning by encouraging me to participate in professional development opportunities around the world. Whether I’ve been away for a few days or several weeks, he has faithfully held things down at home, allowing me to grow personally and professionally. That kind of support is a gift, and I never take it for granted.

Through these experiences, I have traveled to learn about the history, cultures, and educational systems of people around the world. Along the way, I have also met remarkable educators from across the United States who share the same passion for teaching and lifelong learning. Each fellowship, workshop, and study tour has challenged me to think differently and has given me new ideas to bring back to my students and school community.

To my husband, my family, my colleagues, and every organization that has invested in educators like me, thank you. Your encouragement has made these life-changing experiences possible.

As I unpack my suitcase, I know the greatest souvenirs I brought home are not the items I purchased, but the relationships I built, the perspectives I gained, and the renewed commitment I have to helping my students become thoughtful, informed, and compassionate global citizens.