Help me give my students the opportunity to experience the incredible new film Just Mercy, which is based on the true story of Bryan Stevenson and the founding of the Equal Justice Initiative.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
Students in College English 12 are hard-working, dedicated, motivated young people. All of them are pursuing a college education in search of a productive career path. Their interests range from nursing to computer engineering to graphic designer to sports agent. They are engaged in work in their communities at youth programs, activist organizations, and places of worship. Many students work part or full-time jobs in addition to being successful with a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum.
These students described above have also experienced extraordinary obstacles and trauma in their lives.
Some have lived through the deaths of close relatives, including parents and siblings. Others have survived catastrophic natural disasters and the loss of their homes. Many students speak English as a second language, and some of these students are trilingual. The majority of these incredible young people come from low-income households. Despite these many challenges, each student shows up every day ready and willing to take on their educations and attain the future they desire.
My Project
It's critical for young people who are almost adults to become engaged as citizens in our society. By learning about powerful heroes like Bryan Stevenson, my students can begin picturing their own journeys towards making our world a better place. Some students in these classes will be attending a trip to see the Equal Justice Initiative's museum and memorial in the spring.
By experiencing the new film Just Mercy, students will connect course themes to their own lives and an exciting modern example of social justice.
Many students have strong opinions about the injustices facing people of color in our society; seeing this film will help them hone their analysis and prepare their own interventions in our final unit.
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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. Andrews and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
