Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/939681
rights movement through the American South for a program called Sojourn to the Past (sojournproject.com). Founded by Jeff Steinberg, a San Bruno teacher (now retired), the program is aligned with state and national curriculum standards, pro- vides participants with an opportunity to earn college credit, and is made available to underserved students. It has been honored by the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities, the National Edu- cation Association, and the U.S. Congress as a social justice education outreach program for youth. " The connection between Sojourn and ethnic studies means learning about history and turning it into some sort of action," says Ramroth, a member of the Sequoia District Teachers Association who went on the Sojourn in high school. "We ask students in both programs to learn about the work and sacrifices of the past to motivate, encourage and empower them to address issues in the present and future. I know Sojourn had that impact on me, and I have seen the same impact on my students." is year, students will go to Jackson, Mississippi, to learn the story of Medgar Evers, who worked to overturn segre- gation and voting rights before being murdered by a white supremacist; Birmingham, Alabama, to learn the story of the Children's Campaign and the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church; Little Rock, Arkansas, to learn about the Little Rock Nine; and Memphis, Tennessee, to learn about the last days of King and the Poor People's Campaign. Elysia Wright, a senior going on the trip, isn't sure what to expect. "I don't know a lot about civil rights, but I want to become involved. I'm an introvert, and I'm hoping that seeing these things will give me courage to participate more in the movement." ethnic studies essentially decentralizes the narrative of white Americans and is inclusive of everyone. It's a way to go beyond Black History Month, Latino History Month , Asian Histor y Month and Women's Histor y Month. In ethnic studies, we do it all year round." Making history more inclusive doesn't just benefit students of color — it also benefits white students, says the Sacramento City Teach- ers Association member. "It helps to raise awareness and empa- thy, so they know other peoples' stories. Whether students are from different cul- tures, countries, income levels, or are LGBT, they deserve to be validated and feel they belong in the learning environment." She encourages her students to make a map of their lives and highlight major moments, which often have to do with race, culture and trauma. "I want my students to see they have agency and they are a part of history. History is still happening, and they belong in it." Seeing black history firsthand Students at Carlmont High School in Belmont will travel this spring with ethnic studies teacher Karen Ramroth, during a weeklong journey along the path of the civil This spring, Karen Ramroth will travel with students to Sojourn to the Past, a weeklong journey along the path of the civil rights movement in the American South. " students learn about the work and sacrifices of the past to empower them to address issues in the present." — KAREN RAMROTH, SEQUOIA DISTRICT TEACHERS ASSOCIATION 23 F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 018 Karen Ramroth