In place of a traditional summer reading program, we rolled out a multi-media, summer exploration plan. This plan featured a variety of suggestions and choices for reading, watching, listening, and experiencing that covered a wide range of media options….from podcasts and movies to novels and works of visual art. As students browsed, they were asked to consider the theme connected with their grade level.
Life has never been easy for Blacks in America. After being oppressed for 400+ years you’d think change would be here, but unfortunately it is not. We have had little to no change.If you think racism stopped when segregation ended you’re far from right. Furthermore, if you think it’s hard being Black now imagine how it was for 12 year old Marguerite Johnson in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. This book is filled with memories of her days in the South and in the North. From being raped as a child, to finally starting to find herself. I didn’t naturally feel connected like I probably should have, but that doesn’t mean I can’t reflect or relate. Marguerite was mute and silent for a period of her life, just how I am feeling right now. But once she let herself go and change started to happen, she started to find herself again. She is living proof that a period of sadness doesn’t last forever.
–Micah Owens. 9th Grade
Crosstown High Project Gallery 