The Rising Stars Everglades Experience: Echoes of a Forgotten Chapter is an immersive educational program that brings middle‑school students into the heart of the Ten Thousand Islands to explore the Everglades ecosystem and its connection to Black Seminole history. Through a guided boat and swamp‑buggy tour in Everglades City, students experience the unique landscape while learning how geography shaped the lives of the Black Seminoles—descendants of free Africans and Seminole Native Americans who sought refuge and community in the region. The experience is anchored by interactive storytelling from Matthew Griffin, a Black Seminole reenactor, who brings to life the cultural resilience, heritage, and historical significance of this community. Each attendee also received a curated informational folder highlighting the historical connections between HBCUs and Native American schooling, along with materials explaining early trading systems as a form of economy.

This multidisciplinary outing blends environmental science, cultural education, and historical reflection, encouraging students to draw meaningful connections between people, place, and legacy. The folder materials provided an added academic layer, helping students understand broader themes of education, cultural exchange, and economic survival strategies across communities of color. Aligned with Jack and Jill’s programming thrusts—including cultural awareness, leadership development, STEAM, financial literacy, health, and social engagement—the experience promotes critical thinking, empathy, and deeper appreciation for local history. Through hands‑on exploration and guided discussion, Rising Stars gained insight into how the stories of the Everglades and the Black Seminoles continue to shape the present-day world around them.

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