State Facts

Capital: Atlanta

Nickname: The Peach State

State Motto: "Wisdom, Justice, Moderation"

State Bird: Brown Thrasher

State Flower: Cherokee Rose

State Tree: Live Oak

Founded: Georgia became the 4th state of the United States on January 2, 1788.

Population: Georgia has a population of over 10 million people.

fun fact

Georgia’s highest elevation point can be found at Brasstown Bald, with an impressive 4,784 feet in height. On a clear day from the viewing platform, four states are visible: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Stops

Liberated Minds Black Homeschool Expo, Atlanta GA

Historical Landmark

Museum of Aviation, Warner Robins, GA

Wild Georgia Safari Park

Libation, inspiration and motivation. The 12th Annual Liberated Minds Black Homeschool and Education Expo 2023 was amazing! Scheduled for 3 days, It was jammed packed with informational workshops for everyone. It is a ticketed event but so worth it. You are receiving a great deal of knowledge, networking opportunities and access to invaluable resources. The weekends expo starts on Friday with a Meet and Greet, which we missed due to the weather conditions on our way up there. None the less we made it safe and just as excited for Saturdays schedule.

Before the libation ceremony started, we decided to walk through the area designated for the vendors. I had to demonstrate self-control as everything was just what I had been looking for. A set of history workbooks formulated to capture more culturally sound information left out of traditional history books. You can purchase the OURHistory Units 1-6 workbooks or choose the downloadable version if you prefer. I am sure it will save on shipping costs. Black Classical Academy has other featured products also available on their website. Expo Classes were organized by age groups. Watoto Village, ages 0-10, Sankofa Scholars, ages 11-17 and of course the Adult Masterclasses. There were several seminars/ lectures happening simultaneously, so you were free to sit in the masterclass of your choice. Each class is listed on the website and in a drop-down link has a synopsis. I must say, my 8- and 9-year-old, who were only excited at the thought of getting in the pool at the hotel, did NOT want to leave their class. It definitely kept them both intrigued and engaged. My teens however ended up in a couple of the adult master classes and did not join the Sankofa Scholars. Not for the lack of interest of course, but simply because they couldn't find the room at first. When we did find our way, they were already too involved where they were. Personally, I just received so much from the expo. The vendors were great, the speakers, were great but the energy was regenerating. My spirit was renewed. It reminded me of the reason(s) I do this. It reminded me that I am not alone and their are many more black families that have chosen this path. Something I do not share but there are places I take my children and we are the only black family or group. It can make one feel out of place, just a bit awkward. We press on despite of but here we were free and relaxed. It was a huge extended family gathering. Ase’

the melanin marketplace finds

Author of Traveling Paws, Jayla Jacobs. How could you not support this young writer. She was pleasant to speak with and was gracious enough to take a photo with my younger children.

Black Classical Academy Tanya Adkins is the inspiring founder of Black Classical Academy and a dedicated advocate for culturally affirming education. Available in print and digital, are a series of Our History workbooks, learning flashcards, a preschool workbook.

Guiding Black Children, Using the Natal Chart. Author Nia Sadé presents a unique and culturally sensitive approach to parenting, by using astrology. I was fortunate to sit in on her lecture as she explain the “what’s” and the “how’s”.

Black Education Station. If you are lookin for a safe space for your children age 0-10 to view premium educational content, subscribe to this black educators and expertly created streaming service.

Author, educator and owner of Soulful Beginnings Academy, Amanda Posey. Mrs. Posey has created a series of books that feature black protagonists and black culture. Also available was her multiplication flash cards, that my students/ children use today.

The Queen of Black Homeschooling and

Founder of the Liberated Minds Institute, Queen Taese. The Liberated Minds Black Homeschool and Education Institute assists Black parents in using homeschooling to guide their children.

where we ate- umma’s korean and japanese

Decided to take a drive through midtown Atlanta, my old stomping ground. I have not been in the Atlanta area since the early 2000's. So now we’re looking for something to eat, over two decades and I am not quite sure what’s in the area anymore. Don’t have taste for anything specific, but we don’t quite feel like the regular fast food grub joints. The older children chose this Umma’s Korean and Japanese Restaurant as it was something different and yet familiar. They are into Asian pop-culture. They are a bit more adventurous than I am, which is great.

After we find parking, feed the meter, we walk up a few blocks and find Umma’s in a corner suite. This time of day is quiet and empty, so we are able to order with no waiting. Lalah notices they have bubble tea and immediately decides she is going to try it. Instead of ordering at the counter, 3 kiosks are placed, it seems impersonal, but that just my “old school” way of thinking. It doesn’t seem to phase the teenagers.

umma korean and japanese restaurant

75 5th St NW, suite 170

Atlanta, GA 30332

hours mon- sat. 11 am - 9 pm and sunday 4- 10 pm

Now I really appreciate that there isn’t a crowd as it takes me a minute to navigate through the menu and decide on what I can get for the younger ones. I guess MY lesson for the day is learning to use this kiosk :) I want to get something new but also something to their liking and also satisfying. For them, I decide on the CHICKEN TERIYAKI BENTO. It is served in a sectioned plate, it consists of rice, 2 pieces of sushi, teriyaki chicken, a salad and an egg roll. In short Bento is a single portioned box meal.

I don’t remember what the teens ordered but whatever it was, they seemed to think it was the best. I thought maybe it was the food plus the new atmosphere, perhaps? I was just pleased that they enjoyed it. However, I sampled a bit and it was very good. I tried the bubble tea or boba tea and it was interestingly good. I had no idea of what to expect flavor wise. Apparently, it’s Taiwanese cold drink made with tea, sweetened milk or other flavorings, and balls or “pearls” of tapioca. The texture of the “bubbles” were not as off putting as I anticipated. It was like a treat at the end of a sip. Lalah of course, new all about it and was happy to “school” me. I personally learned a lot that day.

Zoey trying her hand at the chop-sticks. Eventually she opted for a fork, so her lack of experience didn’t over shadow the experience of her food.

museum of aviation

The Museum of Aviation is a treasure trove. The exhibits span the rich tapestry of aviation history, from the early days of flight to modern aerospace technology through the Virtual Reality ride. The museum does an excellent job of showcasing a diverse collection of aircraft from iconic military planes.

MUSEUM OF AVIATION

1942 HERITAGE BLVD.

WARNER ROBINS, GA 31098

HOURS OF OPERATION

My youngest son has a natural curiosity of most things, but his fascination with airplanes and how they work was the catalyst for this trip.

We started reading books and watching different Youtube videos about airplane mechanics, sizes, types etc. Our curiosity peeked when someone posted a video of a visit to an airplane museum in Texas that looked like a place we would want to visit. Soon after, I did an internet search for the closest aviation museum to us and The Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, GA was listed. From where we are in SC, it’s about a 3-hour drive and that is doable! I immediately went to their website museumofaviation.org to start planning. The website is very easy to navigate, there is a link to planning a visit, coordinating a field trip or information about the educational programs offered was featured on the homepage.

The next step would be to reach out as homeschoolers to the coordinator and that was a quick email away. Once the date was chosen, fees were paid, the tour guide was confirmed, it was set! I received a confirmation email a few days prior the trip date. Warner Robins is an approximate 3-hour drive from where we are in SC so I contemplated if I would want to drive right back home the same day. I wasn’t feeling that, so I decided I would plan for an overnight stay. Because our tour was scheduled for an early hour, and the complete tour was about an hour or so, I could have very well driven back home right afterwards BUT honestly, I just wanted to rest and enjoy the rest of day finding something to do, or do absolutely nothing.

the Museum of Aviation is the 2nd largest Airforce Museum in the country with 51 acres and more than 85 aircraft.

The Tuskegee Airmen exhibit at the Museum of Aviation is a poignant tribute to a group of trailblazing African American pilots and support personnel who played a crucial role during World War II. The exhibit provides a compelling narrative that goes beyond aviation, delving into the challenges and triumphs faced by these remarkable individuals. The museum's commitment to preserving the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen is evident in the attention to detail and the thoughtful curation of the exhibit. It serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the history of aviation and the broader context of military service. We left that area with a deeper appreciation for the courage, skill and determination of these pioneers, who not only had a significant contribution to the war effort but also paved the way for greater equality in the armed forces. This is just a miniscule portion of the wealth of facts and particulars held on this campus.

Whether you're interested in the technical aspects of aircraft, the stories of heroic aviators, or the broader historical context of aviation milestones, the Museum of Aviation has something for everyone. It's a must-visit for anyone, children and adults alike with a curiosity about the skies and the incredible machines that have conquered them.

Admission is free; however, I would recommend the guided tour to get a fuller experience. Some spaces that are included in the tour are not available for the general public's viewing.

Virtual Ride, $10 per person, discounted for members of the military. There is a choice of six to nine simulations. We chose Apollo 11 & Beyond, which places you in the ride as an astronaut. Cool Stuff!

wild georgia safari park

If you told me that on my way home, just off I-16 in Metter GA, I would see a llama, I would give you major side eye. What I pleasant surprise and treat right off Exit 98, I saw the sign for the upcoming exit and asked Jace and Zoey, “Hey, do you want to make a quick stop?” Of course, they are all in and so we stopped.

We didn’t do the safari tour because I wasn’t aware of it at the very moment we parked. I think I saw a camel too!

PETTING ZOO

7 Days a Week, Daylight til Dark

No Appointment Needed

SAFARI rIDES

Monday- Friday

By Appointment Only

Saturday-Sunday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

No Appointment Needed

Please contact Leigh Anna at wildgeorgiaanimalpark@gmail.com for all school and church groups, summer camps, and groups of 20 or more.