Classroom Happenings: Pivotal Moments

As part of Steward’s Middle School English curriculum, eighth graders recently read the graphic novel “March: Book Two” in English class. The book, based on Congressman John Lewis’ memories of the Civil Rights Movement, covers the 1963 March on Washington — the day that Dr. Martin Luther King made his “I Have a Dream” speech — and the freedom rides that focused on civil disobedience and nonviolence. 

To deepen students’ understanding of this historical event, Grade 8 English Teacher Danny Spiziri recently led a field trip to Washington, D.C. There, students retraced the steps of those who participated in the 1963 March on Washington and visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 

The day began with a private walking tour along the March on Washington route. 

“I thought it would be a powerful experience to relive a part of history,” said Mr. Spiziri. “Storytelling is foundational to who we are as people, so having an opportunity to take an active role in that can make learning come alive.” The group split into two and each trekked the 90-minute guided tour, the bulk of which was along the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial.  

Along the way, a guide shared stories about the many people behind the scenes who made the March on Washington possible, including Bayard Rustin and Mahalia Jackson. Students also learned about the Lincoln Memorial and how it was made and finished the tour at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

Afterward, the groups stopped at the Lincoln Memorial, and each student recited a statement of purpose from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee of 1960, or a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail.” 

Zee Mehta ’29 recited, “The reason for the urgency of our actions relies on the reality of our situation,” a quote from Dr. King. 

“Reading that quote aloud stirred something deep,” said Zee. “It’s one of those lines that makes history feel immediate, not just something from the past. It’s a reminder that waiting isn’t an option when people are in pain because of injustice.” Zee said the trip to D.C. “amplified what I’ve learned by making the Civil Rights movement feel real. Seeing historical places and reflecting on quotes helped me connect the lessons from class to actual history and the ongoing fight for justice. It was a chance to move beyond facts and truly understand the impact of words and actions.”

The field trip touched on several of Steward’s six core values, including inspiration, care & respect, and civil discourse. Mr. Spiziri said, “This was a powerful exercise in empathy. Students imagined stepping into the shoes (and hearts) of the people who understood the true value of freedom and the sacrifices one must make to truly be free.”

Aaliyah Ladak ’29 recited a quote from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee of 1960: “Through nonviolence, courage displaces fear; love transforms hate.” She found the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial awe-inspiring. 

“It was like a pathway … something you step through and can experience as well as look at,” she said. “Going to Washington after reading and learning about all the history that took place there made the experience really special.”

At the museum, students toured the history galleries, going back in time to the early 1400s and learning how pervasive slavery was in America and around the world. They then walked forward in time, where the focus was more on slavery’s impact on the United States and its culture, economy, and legislation. 

During the Civil Rights section of the tour, students recognized the historical figures they had been learning about and sat at a lunch counter to learn more about the sit-ins that took place in the 1950s and 1960s. “Several students were also very excited to see a photo and information about a piece of music they had studied in class: Billie Holiday’s ‘Strange Fruit,’” noted Mr. Spiziri.