...Understanding Civil Rights

It's been a while. Years. Since I've sat down to write about what state my classroom was in; I've reflected, of course, but not sat down to write.

Since the last time I sat down to write and reflect, I'm at a new school. The last three years I've had to completely relearn a new community and assimilate to a new culture that is very different than where I came from.*

At my first school, it would have been unheard of for a student to have a cell phone wallpaper that said "Make America White Again..." but at my new school, that's exactly what happened. Similar things happen often.

Don't get me wrong; my new school is racially and culturally diverse. 51% of the students are military transplants who come from all over the country and all over the world. We are not at all lacking diversity. But this culture is new to me. Students have much different political views than what I'm used to, and in turn, their sensitivities and tolerances tend to be a bit less sensitive and less tolerant than my past experiences.

I know none of my students are purposely racist or offensive. I'm sure none of my students' families are, either. I like to think that none of my families or students have hate in their hearts. But over the last two years (yes, more prevalent since Donald Trump started running for the highest office in our country), I've heard things uttered and seen things written that are shocking and terrifying. "Make America White Again" is one of those sentiments. Others include "Build a wall." "White Pride."  "Keep them out."

In response to these comments, and in a desperate attempt to address the happenings of our country in a way that is both sensitive to the parents of my students and still articulates why what's happening is NOT OK, I decided to utilize some "curriculum time" to discuss the Civil Rights Movement with my classes.

In the Spring of 1963, students in schools all over Birmingham, Alabama walked out of their classrooms and converged on 16th street in an act of defiance against racism and injustice. Though they didn't immediately change the mind of those that segregated them, they were able to get the attention of the rest of the nation, including President Kennedy. They were a catalyst for policy changes that attempted to end segregation and get us to a point where we actually treat all men, women, and otherwise as equals.

photo credit:

http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/09/uab_to_host_photographer_bob_a.html

I was proud, to say the least, at the immediate responses and feedback from my students.

"Dude, that's like Donald Trump."

"That looks like the Women's March. I went to that."

"That's messed up. We can't let that happen again."

No, you sweet thirteen year old, we can't let it happen again.

I am so glad that we took the time to compare the sixties to today. I didn't need to tell these kids that what's happening now is reminiscent of the Civil Rights Movement. They made the connection all on their own.

Don't stop talking. Don't stop remembering.

Dear world, despite what's going on, there is hope. My seventh graders proved it to me this week. The loudest voices are scary. Terrifying. But when we come together, whether it's a children's march during a movement, a Women's March at the capitol, a sit-in at the airport, or another show of solidarity, there is hope.

There is hope.

You can find the Children's March documentary, as well as some other fantastic teaching resources, on www.tolerance.org. Mighty Times: Children's March http://www.tolerance.org/kit/mighty-times-childrens-march