TAKE THE SOUL TRAIN TO CHRISTMAS
Two days before winter break, Nate, Ida, and Rosa are assigned to write a research paper that chronicles how African Americans have celebrated Christmas throughout history. When they arrive at Nate’s house, they find his grandfather –Granddad – napping in a living room chair. They tiptoe quietly toward the kitchen, but not quietly enough.
When Granddad awakes, he’s immediately interested in the children’s assignment. A former Pullman Porter, Granddad summons the magical Soul Train, to transport them all into the past so that they can witness, firsthand, how African Americans celebrated Christmas.
Their first stop is during the 1850s, where they watch enslaved Black people celebrate with African drumming and dancing. Next, they find themselves at a holiday party during the Harlem Renaissance, where they jam to jazz music. In the 1950’s, they’re swept up in a Civil Rights rally. In the 1970s they’re dazzled at a holiday disco party. And in the 80s they witness two New York hip-hop crews battle it out for the Christmas crown.
This holiday spectacle is a time machine through the evolution of the African American Christmas experience.