A group of fourth- and fifth-graders brought to dramatic life the courageous, inspiring journey of a brave, determined people.
At Maude Moore Wood Elementary School Thursday, 19 students dressed and acted the part of some of America’s most distinguished leaders who helped extend freedom to African-Americans.
The students performed an original composition of fourth-grade teacher Cynthia Sewell beginning with the African slave trade and the deep struggle to survive and escape. Students embodied Nat Turner, Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman from that era.
Moving on down the trail of freedom, students recited elements of the lives of Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King.
From the contributions of justice (Thurgood Marshall and Ruby Bridges) to the literary (Maya Angelou) and math and scientific contributions (Katherine Johnson and Mae Jemison), to the global fight for equality (Nelson Mandela) all the way to the trailblazing Michelle and Barack Obama, students gave powerful, poignant, precious voice to some of America’s greatest heroes.
“What’s most important to me is the history,” said Sewell. “I wanted them to have a chance in their own way to express it and at the same time enjoy it.”
The fourth-grade teacher who also leads the school’s honor society and student council, said students auditioned for the play and rehearsed before the start of school since returning to class in January.
Several of the students said they were excited to share their knowledge and to honor such important figures in history.
“It’s to show how black people represented us to stop slavery,” said fourth-grader Skylar Young, who played the role of Michelle Obama and learned about the famous former first lady.
“It is all about how black people got their rights in history and also how they got freedom from slavery,” said fourth-grader Carter Moffett, who played the role of former President Barack Obama. “It shows how important equality is.”
“To remind people of black history and to tell people that black and white are still equal no matter what,” said fourth-grader Kai Settle, explaining the purpose of the play.
“I think it’s important that black people got freedom. My favorite part of the play was me talking,” said a smiling fourth-grader Dante Porter, who played the role of MLK.
February is Black History Month nationwide and many KISD schools are observing the month with school assemblies, special guests and classroom activities.
See our photo album here: www.killeenisd.org/photos
