Celebrating Black History Month: Storytelling, Reflection, and Connection at Alta Heights

Alta Heights Elementary students had a memorable and meaningful Black History Month experience as they welcomed Vintage High School graduate Wotna Dos Santos for a special reading of Growing Up African: Wotna’s Journey. Written by Wotna’s brother, Ben Cabral Dos Santos, the book offers a vivid depiction of childhood in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, where Wotna and Ben grew up before moving to the United States. More than a reading, this event became an interactive journey into culture, curiosity, and shared experiences.

Wotna read the book to an engaged audience of 4th and 5th graders, pausing throughout to share insights and invite reflection. “What do you notice about the way kids in Guinea-Bissau go to school compared to here?” he asked, pointing to an illustration. Hands shot up. “They walk together,” one student observed. “They eat different food at lunch,” another added. Wotna nodded, explaining how fresh lemon juice made from backyard trees was a daily treat in his childhood.

The book also sparked conversations about creativity and resourcefulness. As students learned how Wotna and his friends made their own toys from discarded materials, one asked, “What was your favorite thing to build?” Wotna smiled. “We made our own cars from scrap metal and flip-flops for wheels,” he said. “It was a competition—who could build the best one.” Students were fascinated by this contrast to store-bought toys, which sparked a discussion about creativity, innovation, and perspective.

Following the reading, Wotna and Ben hosted a lively Q&A session. Students asked thoughtful questions, ranging from cultural differences to personal experiences. One student asked, “When you got to the U.S., what surprised you the most?” Wotna shared his first impression of seeing city lights from an airplane, thinking the city was on fire because he had never seen so many lights before. Another student asked, “Do kids in Guinea-Bissau have zoos?” Ben explained that while Africa is home to many wild animals, zoos exist to protect and showcase species.

The discussion also connected the book to Black History Month. “Black American history is African history,” Wotna shared. “It’s important for people to understand the deep connections between cultures.” Ben added that he chose to publish the book on Juneteenth to honor those connections and celebrate resilience, Black history, and shared heritage.

As the Q&A wrapped up, eager hands remained raised, signaling that the conversation could have continued for much longer. Principal Ted Ward reassured students that Wotna, who works on campus, would be available to answer their questions in the days ahead. He also encouraged students to check out Growing Up African: Wotna’s Journey from the Alta Heights library to continue exploring the story.

This special event exemplified NVUSD’s commitment to cultivating a culture of belonging, a key focus of the 2024–2029 Strategic Plan. Through storytelling and discussion, students gained a deeper appreciation for global perspectives, cultural identity, and the shared joys of childhood. The event reinforced NVUSD’s Core Values of Equity and Access, Partnerships and Collaboration, and a Future-Ready Culture of Innovation.