Jacquelyn Ruffin-Pittman, a retired media specialist from Halifax County Schools, received a Certificate of Completion on September 6 by Harvard X-Media Lab at Harvard University, School of Graduate Education.
She completed Primary Sources: Catalyst for Deeper Learning Across Media.
The Library of Congress was also one of the sponsors of the course.
The class delved into the academic, aesthetic, and ethical perspectives on storytelling.
An academic perspective involves analyzing the content, context, and impact of primary sources.
“These sources contribute to our understanding of historical events, cultural movements, or societal changes,” she said. “For example, when examining a film or book as a primary source, you might analyze how it reflects or influences historical or cultural narratives.”
An aesthetic perspective focuses on the artistic elements of storytelling. It involves examining how elements like style, form, and technique contribute to the effectiveness and impact of a story. In films and literature, this could mean analyzing cinematography, narrative structure, character development, or thematic elements.
An ethical perspective considers the moral implications and responsibilities involved in creating and interpreting primary sources. It includes evaluating how stories portray individuals and communities, and considering issues like representation, bias, and the potential impact on audiences.
An academic perspective typically involves understanding the historical and cultural context in which a primary source was created. It’s about situating the source within its time period and examining how it relates to broader trends or issues.
The website Journeys in Film helped her understand “how these perspectives intersect and enrich our interpretation of various storytelling mediums. The website assists teachers, and community organizations share in depth discussions on the film.”
She plans to use her knowledge from Harvard X-Media Lab by giving workshops to schools and community organizations.
She works with Halifax County’s 250th Commission, and she is a board member with the Halifax Underground Railroad.
Her storytelling of Piety Cotton, also known as Patsy Young, has brought much interest and Historic Halifax was able to have the story of Young filmed.
Young was an enslaved woman from Halifax County whose legacy is now honored at the Smithsonian in Washington.
Additionally, she has shared the story of Hannah Crafts, an enslaved woman from Hertford County, and will reenact Crafts' story in December at the Historic Wheeler Plantation in Murfreesboro,.
Crafts' diary, edited by Henry Louis Gates, was published as a novel.
She said other professionals are interested in creating a full documentary on Young’s life. Currently she has written a historical fiction book, and she envisions adapting the book into a film.
Her passion for storytelling and reading has led her to explore and share historical narratives. In her career, she has conducted jazz and storytelling workshops for schools and recently received a certificate of achievement from UNC's Worldview program.
This workshop focused on creating collaborative classroom experiences and addressing food insecurities in partnership with South African community members.
She has also contributed to Harvard University's X Media Lab in their Graduate School of Education, participating in Primary Sources: Catalyst for Deeper Learning Across Media, where she explored storytelling in film.
She is an author and is currently planning a film project.
In addition to her professional work, she enjoys singing gospel and jazz, and she plays both the flute and piano.
She is a member of the North Carolina Governor's Historic Murfreesboro Commission. She is also a member of the following organizations: The vice president of the Halifax Underground Railroad, the NC Democratic Women, the Vice President of the Halifax County Democratic Women, the Halifax County Arts Council, the Roanoke Valley HBCU Collaborative Association, and the Lake Gaston Area Links Incorporated.
She graduated from Hampton University in Hampton with a bachelor of arts in speech communications and theater arts, with a minor in marketing.
She also holds a masters of library and information science degree from North Carolina Central University in Durham.
