Students in New York City will soon get the chance to learn about a vital person part of the Civil Rights Movement, as a graphic novel that outlines Rep John Lewis’ life will be taught to students.
51 years ago today, I joined Dr King, Rev Abernathy, and 3000 more to begin the March to Montgomery–our 3rd attempt pic.twitter.com/jgGHdKeZG8
— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) March 21, 2016
The novel is called March and is a part of a series that will be added to the“Passport to Social Studies” program. Eighth graders will learn lessons developed by teachers that outline the civil rights initiatives.
I was arrested for the first time 56 years ago today during a nonviolent sit-in to protest segregated lunch counters pic.twitter.com/Xp2C9K8oLa — John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) February 28, 2016
“I am deeply moved that New York City Public Schools are adding March to the Social Studies curriculum. This is a major step to ensuring every young person receives the best possible education about Nonviolence and the Civil Rights Movement,” Lewis revealed on Facebook.
Lewis, who was born in Alabama, was the chair of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee from 1963 to 1966 and helped organize and spoke at the March on Washington. In 1965, he was brutally beaten during “Bloody Sunday,” a voting rights demonstration in Selma, Alabama.
Marching along the highway from Selma to Montgomery, we were met by hatred and intimidation. We did not turn back. pic.twitter.com/mjQHSrFPMz
— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) March 21, 2016