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A Civil Rights Sojourn Through the American South
A Civil Rights Sojourn Through the American South
New Orleans. Selma. Birmingham. Montgomery. Atlanta—These are not just cities, but settings for some of the most consequential social justice movements and moments in American history, and places to which a contingent of Agnes Irwin Upper School students and faculty traveled in March as part of this year’s Special Studies Program (SSP).
A signature experience of the Upper School is the opportunity to participate in an SSP. Launced in 1971, SSPs aim to enrich education outside of the classroom with experiential or project-based learning opportunities. Recent SSPs have seen our students immersing themselves in subjects including civil rights, sustainability, animal rights advocacy, archival research, art, constitutional law, personal empowerment, and more.
Melanie Hayes ’22 reflected upon what she learned and was exposed to following the trip: “I would say that my point of view has changed dramatically. When I first thought about Civil Rights, the first thing that would come to mind were struggles within the Black community rather than the amazing individuals who fought for the rights that I and other Black people have today.”
Anahla Thomas ’23 added, “This trip changed me in the best possible way. What I learned and lived first-hand helped me comprehend history in a new way. The opportunity to understand the gravity of what Civil Rights means—not only in Black culture, but for the world—makes me want to continue educating myself on my culture and staying true to who I am as an individual.”
Hayes, Thomas, and fifteen other students started their SSP in New Orleans with their faculty and staff guides, led by Upper School Director Joy Prince and History Department Chair Jake Stein Greenberg. They started their trip by connecting with members of Studio Be in New Orleans, a place for community
workshops and large-scale street art. The group also completed service work and made time to taste Café du Monde’s world-famous beignets and chicory coffee.
Hayes encouraged all AIS students to consider the Civil Rights trip. “This SSP is for everyone—I think everyone was impacted by the [Civil Rights] movement, and it is an extremely important part of Black and American history. I think by having an open mind you will allow yourself to fully partake in the experience and you’ll have a great time if you do.” Fellow trip participant Avery Thomas ’24 shared these sentiments, commenting, “It has become my favorite Upper School memory. Not only was it educational, it was really fun. We had the opportunity to learn outside the school setting while still being engaged and enjoying ourselves.”
Select sites on the itinerary:
• The Presbytère Museum in New Orleans, LA
• The Whitney Plantation in Edgard, LA
• Ebenezer Baptist Church in Bogalusa, LA
The only church in this city that permitted Civil Rights leaders to hold community meetings of the civil rights activists during the 1960s
• Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL
The location of the March 7, 1965 attack on Civil Rights demonstrators.
• The National Museum for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, AL
A national memorial to commemorate the Black victims of lynching in the United States.
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park in Atlanta, GA
