I teach enthusiastic students who are excited to make their marks in the world. Like so many communities across the United States, we have endured economic upheaval and redefinition over the last few decades. Nonetheless, my students are resilient and eager to learn everything they can about writing, literature, rhetoric, and life. They are also eager to do good in our community and in our world. By giving students constant opportunities to do amazing things, we empower them to change anything and everything.
My Project
I teach a graphic novels course that has two main thematic focuses: superheroes and identity. This year's big superhero focus has been on Black Panther. Though Black Panther first arrived in the Marvel scene in the late 1960's, the recent movie has brought this character to the forefront of pop culture.
I would like to go to the "Wakanda" to learn more about the themes that underpin the Black Panther comics and movies.
Of course, Wakanda isn't a place on the map. Rather, it's a place that exists in the Marvel Universe. It's a place of possibility and science and wonder. If we were to map it out, however, it would be in eastern Africa, a place of beauty and mystery.
Among other things, the 2018 movie poses questions about what would have happened had history unfolded differently. For example, what would have happened had Europe not colonized Africa? Of course we'll never know for sure, but I'd like to learn as much as I can about the area of the world that gave birth to the Black Panther mythology.
The study tour opportunity that I am requesting will take me to Rwanda and Uganda where I will visit and study the land, the people, and the culture.
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. Krieger and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
