A key element of the Creating a Usable Past program, in addition to teaching young people the deeper history of the Civil Rights Movement, has always been to encourage students to think critically about the past, present, and future and to provide them opportunities to improve their writing skills. The classroom portion of the program began on April 15 and has met for successive Thursdays (and will continue until the tour commences). Two weeks ago, I borrowed an activity suggested in the resource guide Putting the Movement Back into Civil Rights Teaching, eds. Deborah Menkart, Alana Murray, and Jenice View. The activity asked the simple question, "In whose footsteps are you following, and why?" The question related to Movement history in that the recognizable leaders of the movement and the struggles for change did not emerge in a vacuum. Each had a series of influences and catalysts. Students responded in writing and shared aloud in small groups - making an effort to provide constructive feedback to their peers and to revise and polish their own work. The group selected four "top" responses. They appear below:
from Bryanna Norwood
I am following in my mother's footsteps. She is musically gifted in piano and singing. These are two of my favorite things to do. I hope to go to college and major in music just like she did. Music is a way for both of us to get away from things like stress. When we sing, it's like we get really into the music and no one can take us away from it. I am truly my mother's daughter. God gave us both instruments and we are using them for His glory.
from Nevahl Nixon
I am following in my own footsteps because I am my own person. I want the younger generation to follow the same path I took and have a new leader to look up to, not just your everyday hero. I also choose not to follow in someone's footsteps because I want to make my own personal strides and mistakes.
from Tiarra Price
If I could follow in anyone's footsteps it would be my nana's. Everyday I see her it makes me love her more to know that she is a hard-working woman. Even though she's married she is very independent. My nana taught me at a young age that no one is going to give me anything. I have to go get it myself; work for it; and be the best I can be. [She tells me to] show my FULL potential and not just half of it. No matter what anyone says I will be the best I can because of my nana. She worked HARD for ALL that she's got, and she has never quit anything. My motivation is and will always be my nana.
from Ayana Daniel
Everyone has someone they may follow or look up to, but as for me, I am not following in anyone's footsteps. So far no one out of my family has attended a four-year college. So therefore I have set my own pathway. I plan to attend a four-year college so I can be the first one and have my nieces and nephews follow in my footsteps. Another reason why I do not follow in anyone's footsteps is because I am not much of a follower. I would prefer to take action and lead. Although I may not follow in anyone's footsteps, I do structure my furture from previous legends such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Daisy Bates.
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