This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
About My Students
When Alexis and Joel read The Bluest Eye, it opened their eyes about the shared minority experiences of African American and Latino students. They read a review of Between the World and Me and saw that Toni Morrison said it was a "must read" and that is where the idea began.
The students brainstormed a list of ideas that would have an impact on their generation and society. Most of their ideas stemmed from their experiences with race, discrimination, colorism, poverty, and the media constructs of beauty. So, they decided they wanted to document their journeys with varying minority perspectives of 8 additional students.
The students want to use their shared reading of Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates an inspiration for their open letter documentary to their high school using 2 Kodak PlayTouch video cameras to film their interviews and individual commentary. This project prepares them for real world social activism and collaborative skills needed to work in teams in college and beyond. They will learn to be critical thinkers and doers by attempting to solve a problem that impacts their daily life the future lives of their children.
In Their Own Words
The goal of the project is to increase unity between the minority populations as my high school. So many times we separate our selves and we only see our differences. We have so many shared experiences here in America and to make a difference we need to unite.
Ever since I was a 9th grader, I've always wanted to make a difference in my community. When my teacher asked for our ideas, I stepped up because this is something that I am passionate about and I am excited about the outcomes of the interviewing, editing, and final product.
In order to increase all race relations, we need to talk and see our commonalities and respect our differences. The media portrays so much negativity that I want to show that we are intelligent and our collective voices matter.
This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Tillman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
