Make this year’s back to school season about more than just school shopping. If you are out buying school supplies or new clothes, swing by a bookstore and pick up a copy of Students on Strike: Jim Crow, Civil Rights, Brown and Me, by John Stokes.
Stokes gives a first hand account of his involvement in the secret planning and execution of a student walk out from their all black school in Virginia in 1951. Students bravely protested horrific conditions of their school including the dilapidated building, extreme overcrowding, and lack of indoor plumbing. This student strike was one of the events that led to going through the courts to change an unjust system, eventually resulting in the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education.
Now families can visit the Brown v Board of Education National Historic Site, an interactive museum located in the building which was formerly
There is no cafe and food is not allowed in the building, so plan your visit accordingly.
The hours are 9-5 daily. Admission is free, however, there is a donation box located inside.
Other recommendations:
I am Rosa Parks Rosa Parks (ages 4-8)
Roll of Thunder Her My Cry, Mildred Taylor (5th grade- adult)
Through my Eyes – Ruby Bridges (2nd grade - adult)
2 comments:
In our world today, where we take everything for granted, especially education, it's a great reminder for all of us to realize that there was an entire race that fought long and hard to be educated equally. If only we could appreciate and sieze the oportunity that we have every day in our classroom. Bravo for bringing this to our minds as school starts!!
last year, Char's 7th grade LA class had to write a 'children's book' on a Civil Rights person. It had to be concise, appeal to preschoolers, and teach a lesson. She chose Ruby Bridges. Talked about going to school on the first day and making new friends. Not only did she learn about Ruby, but she learned to take what she knew and make it accessible for a younger age.
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