A Personal Perspective

 

The 7^th grade is studying the Civil Rights Movement and recently met with Congressman John Lewis at his office on Capitol Hill. The trip was a great opportunity to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement from a personal perspective. Hearing stories from someone who took part in this movement is more real than hearing the stories from a teacher or reading them in a textbook.

 

When we arrived at Capitol Hill we walked to the Supreme Court. On the way there we walked through a pro-choice protest because an abortion case was being argued in the Court that day.

 

Next we headed into the Library of Congress. We were very happy with the warm welcoming air. We peeked into the reading room from the balcony above it. The room was filled with thousands of books and very few people. Then, we went straight to the Cannon Building where John Lewis’s office is. He kindly greeted us with a smile on his face and shook hands with each of us.

 

John Lewis was a wonderful speaker. He started by sharing memories from his childhood. He told us how he grew up raising chickens. John Lewis learned to care for them and even tried to baptize them. He showed us a picture of each memory he was sharing, which made it much easier to visualize. He shared one memory of how he and Hosea Williams tried to peacefully protest for their rights on a bridge in Selma and were met by brutal opposition. He goes back to that bridge every year. After his moving presentation we were all given a chance to ask questions. Before he went off to a meeting we grabbed him for a quick photo and then thanked him for spending his time with us.

 

Next we went to the WONDER exhibit at the Renwick Gallery. We walked through several rooms filled with wonderful art. When you looked at the art it made you wonder many things, like how long did it take to make this? Or, how much of this material was used in this creation? The WONDER exhibit has very unique artwork that is hard to explain. The 7^th graders recommend this museum!

 

Overall the trip was intriguing and educational at the same time. John Lewis was very lovely to meet and hearing him talk was amazing. The Renwick was especially interesting. This was one of those special trips that we will remember throughout our entire lifetimes.