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Abstract:
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This session examines an innovative curricular/pedagogical approach to revisiting and reexamining critical sites and passages of the Civil Rights Movement from the perspective of the youth of today. Recently, seven Wright State University students attended the 12th Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage from March 2-4, 2012 in Alabama along with Dr. Snipe, an associate Professor in Department of Political Science at Wright State University. This annual pilgrimage is sponsored by the Faith and Politics Institute, which is based in Washington, D.C. The pilgrimage included visits to sacred sites in Selma, Montgomery and Birmingham. In addition to traveling to Alabama, they toured the Lorraine Motel (site of the assassination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) in Memphis, Tennessee. Students were selected to participate based on the quality of essays written about the16th Street Baptist Church bombing or presentations on other significant passages of the Movement, especially as they relate to today’s generation. During the pilgrimage they had an unprecedented, first-hand opportunity to dialogue with pioneers and unsung heroines of the Movement, some members of Congress, and people from other walks of life throughout the nation and abroad. As such they were required to attend breakout sessions, journal, and write critical essays regarding this community-based experience in order to enhance their learning outcomes and receive academic credit. Using pictures and videos that they composed, students will share facets about this unique educational experience. This twenty minute panel should benefit observers who seek to become better informed about this vital part of history from the unique vantage point of Generation Next or the so-called ‘Millennial Generation’ as well as those young in spirit. This panel, which includes a Q & A, will be moderated by Dr. Snipe who convened it. |
