Pennsville’s Pioneering Kids of SJ Celebrates Black History Month with Children’s Workshop
Photo by Frank Santos
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was produced as part of the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University’s South Jersey Information Equity Project fellowship and supported with funding from the Independence Public Media Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the NJ Civic Information Consortium.
BY FRANK SANTOS | South Jersey Information Equity Project
PENNSVILLE — On Friday, Feb. 21, Pioneering Kids of South Jersey, a homeschooling co-op dedicated to enriching the educational experiences of families across New Jersey, hosted a vibrant and interactive children’s workshop at the Pennsville Church of Nazarene.
The event celebrated the ingenuity and contributions of African American inventors and pioneers, bringing history to life for young learners in a dynamic and hands-on setting.
Photo of Pennsville Church of Nazarene, Photo by Frank Santos
Led by Patti Lewis, the founder of Pioneering Kids of South Jersey, and Tonya Barnes, co-owner of Zoagies—a well-known food truck from Salem, New Jersey—the workshop provided an engaging exploration of Black innovators whose inventions have shaped everyday life. Barnes captivated the children with fascinating stories about notable figures such as Lewis Latimer, the inventor of the light bulb filament; George Crum, who is credited with creating the potato chip; Lyda Newman, the inventor of the hairbrush; and John Love, who designed the modern pencil sharpener.
Photo of Patti Lewis Owner of Pioneering Kids South Jersey and Tonya Barnes, Co-Owner of Zoagies, Photo by Frank Santos
The children lit up with excitement as they interacted with real-life examples of these inventions from looking into a lightbulb with newfound appreciation to sharpening their pencils while discussing John Love’s impact, the young participants gained a tangible understanding of these innovators’ lasting influence. Through interactive storytelling and hands-on activities, Barnes made history feel present and personal, ensuring that each child walked away with a deeper respect for these groundbreaking contributions.
Photo of Pioneering Kids South Jersey, Photo by Frank Santos
But the learning didn’t stop at history lessons. The workshop also encouraged creativity and innovation by allowing the children to become inventors themselves. Equipped with an array of materials—pipe cleaners, cardboard, rubber bands, small motors, and colorful craft supplies—the young minds were challenged to brainstorm and build their own imaginative inventions. Giggles and excited chatter filled the room as children worked together, testing ideas and bringing their creative visions to life.
Some crafted whimsical contraptions inspired by past inventors, while others dreamed up brand-new gadgets, proving that innovation knows no age limit.
Photo of Pioneering Kids South Jersey wall activity, Photo by Frank Santos
Pioneering Kids of South Jersey has long been a cornerstone of the local homeschooling community, offering diverse programs such as game nights, teen socials, holiday parties, and book clubs. The co-op also hosts informative sessions for parents on navigating homeschooling laws and curriculum planning. Lewis, a passionate advocate for alternative education, described the families in her community as those who appreciate traditional schooling but find homeschooling better suited to their family dynamics.
According to recent U.S. Census data, homeschooling is on the rise, with approximately 3.69% of students in New Jersey educated at home during the 2023-24 school year. Pioneering Kids of South Jersey aims to expand its reach, offering more families the opportunity to participate in enriching events like the African American Inventors Workshop, game nights, outdoor activities & classes for parents interested in home schooling.
As the workshop wrapped up, children proudly displayed their inventions, beaming with a sense of accomplishment and newfound inspiration. It was more than just a history lesson—it was a celebration of creativity, perseverance, and the power of knowledge.
Thanks to the dedication of Lewis, Barnes, and the entire Pioneering Kids community, the event not only honored the past but also encouraged the next generation to think boldly, dream big, and perhaps one day become pioneers themselves.
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