My students are activists. They used their voices to speak up about having an African-American literature course at our school because they wanted to read books reflecting their culture, books that are prideful, engaging, and informative of the truth. They are beautiful human beings full of love, full of thirst for knowledge, and full of a desire to make our community a better place.
My students are leaders in and out of the classroom and so deeply eager for books that will help them learn more about themselves and inspire them to fight for equity.
They know that the right book has the power to save lives; they know that reading is a way to fight oppression; they know that reading is how we become free. I am humbled to be their teacher.
My Project
Mr. Damon Young, who grew up on a street in the same neighborhood as many of our students, has written a memoir about his experiences as a black man in our city. My students deserve the chance to read his words, enjoying a beautiful and humorous work, to connect to his words, to reflect upon their own lives and communities, and to be galvanized to tell their own stories.
Reading Mr. Young's memoir will allow my students to know their humanity matters and will not be silenced.
A classroom's curriculum should be reflective of place and reading this memoir is the most timely and apropos way for students to learn in a culturally responsive manner, accelerating their academic and personal growth. This memoir is the epitome of a compelling, illuminating, personal and political voice and will teach my students how to cultivate theirs. While reading the memoir, students will be expected to lead small group discussions and will also be expected to advance their writing skills. Ultimately, students will be able to take an active role in engaging with a renowned writer.
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 Ms. Barbas and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
