FAQ

"Black Dandelion" is a 320-word internationally celebrated poem written by Semaj Brown, Flint Poet Laureate, an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellow, 2021.

Raked by Innocence, the narrative voice in the poem, “Black Dandelion” is a four-year old little Black girl who recollects the turmoil of the Civil Rights era. She associates discrimination and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the “mow down” of dandelions, her beloved flowers. View Poem Here

The Academy of American Poets distributed a video of poet laureate fellow, Semaj Brown reading her poem, “Black Dandelion” to middle and high school students. The poet laureate received letters from youth from across United States and world via the Dear Poet Project.

BDCV is a multimedia integrative literacy education platform derived from the poem, "Black Dandelion," and from the practice and pedagogy, PSL/POETRY AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: THE SEMAJIAN METHOD™. Students respond to the poem, "Black Dandelion" in a myriad of ways by the writing of poetry and prose, rendering art, and through the exploration of science and ecology.

The PSL/ S Method is a 9-framework Pedagogy/Andragogy and practice that dissolves obsolete education paradigms while constructing new realities of wholeness where the "Communal Classroom" or Communal Learning Spaces evolve the world in which we seek live.

BDCV utilizes poetry as a technology to achieve the following goals:
 

1. ​GOAL:  amplify literacy capacity, improve reading, writing, comprehension, and interpretation
    

2. GOAL: increase critical thinking skills, analysis and synthesis
    

3. GOAL: build Self-Esteem through a Public Speaking Experience, and Social Emotional Equitable Learning (SEEL) lens. 
    

4. GOAL: create a peaceful environment by utilizing BDCV and PSL/ S Method as a Violence Intervention and Prevention mechanism

Fourth grade through graduate studies, and community members of all ages.

Many subjects and disciplines are relatable: English Language Arts, History, Mental Health and Wellness, Geometry, Art Creation, Neurodivergent Learner Studies, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Ecology, Bee Studies, Digital Manipulation, Sculpting, Social Work, and more. Over twenty themes have been identified in the poem. The curriculum is designed through the lens of Semaj Brown's integrative Spectrum Education which spans across curriculums. 

1. Students engaged in BDCV experience the self-esteem boosting discipline of public speaking, presenting their writings on stage, in front of an audience of peers, professionals, and the larger community, during the annual BDCV FORUM.

2. Students engaged in BDCV enter into a global discussion with their peers, professionals, and community, studying, learning, and activating imagination to solve the problems of their time.

3. The integrative platform of BDCV offers life enhancing excursions into art, music, and science by partnering with such esteemed institutions as The Flint Institute of Arts, The Gloria Coles Public Library, Univ of Mich-Flint "Selected Departments", and Collaborations with the Mott Warsh Gallery, home to the Mott Warsh Collection.

4. Poet Laureate Semaj Brown works with an expert dedicated team: retired special education teacher, retired paraprofessional, retired Kettering University Dean, and Fenton Library Board Member, who are referred to as the RW3s Reading Writing Word Warriors of BDCV who assist in lesson facilitation, reducing the student teacher ratio below elite private school levels. 

Yes, there is a cost. Oftentimes, the cost is deferred by sponsors, grants, awards, private donations, the business sector, and additional funding sources. The cost varies, determined by the scope of services.

1. Fill out the form below and a BDCV representative will contact you.
    

2. There will be a conversation regarding student needs, services and correct course fit. 
    

3. The BDCV DESIGNER ACTION PLAN, a POETRY LITERACY SOLUTION  Proposal, reflecting the conversation, dates, selected course, payment source, will be emailed to be signed by administration. Further discussion is the norm to ensure we are crafting the perfect high level education experience for students.
   
   A BDCV action plan will be designed for you based on conversations regarding areas of focus, available dates, and selected courses. This plan, along with costs and a payment plan will be emailed for administration signatures. Further discussion will continue or will take place to ensure we are crafting the perfect high level educational experience for students.