ML Students Study Unsung Heroes of Civil Rights Movement

In order to dive deeper beneath surface-level celebrations of MLK Day and Black History Month, Galloway’s Chief DEI Officer Dr. Karen Bradberry has designed a set of culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate lessons for students in Middle Learning. With the help of Middle Learning Guidance Counselor Mary Giattina, the curriculum, which focuses on "upstanders", has been implemented in 7th and 8th grade advisory groups and will continue with 5th and 6th graders.

By the time Galloway students reach Middle Learning, many are already familiar with the concept of upstanders: individuals who stand up to bullies or support students who are on the periphery of social dynamics. The concept can quickly be applied to marginalized groups and people in society. The goal of an “upstanders” curriculum is to promote empathy and courage to intervene on others’ behalf.

For the 7th and 8th grade program, Bradberry identified unsung heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. Students learned about Audrey Hendricks, who at nine years old was the youngest protester against segregation to be arrested, or Viola Liuzzo, a Detroit housewife who volunteered for marches in Alabama and was killed by the KKK. Ask yourself: have you heard of Audrey or Viola before?

In large and small group discussions in advisory, students identified the challenges these and other upstanders faced, the qualities they demonstrated, and the cost of their actions. Through meaningful conversations, students not only identified and analyzed the beliefs, values, and attitudes that influenced the heroic actions of key Civil Rights upstanders, but they also assessed and evaluated their own personal beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors while considering their own character and conduct.

Dr. Bradberry has compiled the following resources for parents interested in continuing the conversation at home!