by Maria Marchionna
We began the day by visiting the John Lewis mural and discussing his contributions to the Movement – including the many times that he was arrested for non-violent acts of protest. We also discussed a poem by Dr. Williams Holmes Borders and the concept of humanity in the Jim Crowe era. The idea that society and white leaders in power sent the message to African Americans that they are less than, yet they and others knew within themselves that they are powerful, intelligent, talented, capable, magical. They ARE somebody (to paraphrase the poem).
The King Center was especially meaningful. The pillars of nonviolent protest on the walls and the phrases in the reflecting pool led to a discussion with one of my colleagues about the legacy that historical figures leave behind, ways to encourage activism within our students, and grappling with how to navigate working with people in our school buildings who don’t have the same views when it comes to equality and justice. We shared the sentiment that every educator and administrator should take a trip like this. When you are standing on these historic sites and discussing the events and implications, it just hits different.
Visiting the Rosa Parks Museum made me realize how reductive these great big historic figures and events can become when taught in the classroom. Either due to lack of time, resources, or knowledge. Having the opportunity to learn in great detail about Ms.Parks’ life, activism, and the chain of events set off by the Montgomery Bus Boycotts gave me a deeper understanding of the the roles that women played behind the scenes during the Movement. Reading about and discussing the nuances behind her courageous act (her previous interaction with the bus driver, that she was in the middle seats of the bus and it was not actually illegal) was eye-opening for me. It also makes me wonder if I would have had the courage to do such a thing, and to handle myself as calmly and as eloquently as she did in that pivotal moment.
The Bus Boycotts are touted as one of the events that started a chain reaction of the Civil Rights Movement. I’m looking forward to more discussion and learning about how this event fits into the bigger story. I’m also left pondering ways that I can highlight and infuse the concepts of humanity, legacy, and courage into my middle school Spanish classroom. I’m sitting tonight with immense gratitude for this opportunity to experience and to learn not just from the museums, but from everyone on this trip.