Student Lesson Reflections

Students Want to Know, "WHO ARE YOU and WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR"?

Student reflections inspired by the book "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson, A4E classroom curriculum 

"On any given day thousands of students across Chicago arrive at school each morning to build on their education and futures.This is our story which takes place in a Chicago Public Middle School.

As we race through the hallways to get to class, we look around at all the faces and think “Who Are You”?

SUPERHEROES

"We are international superheroes! Our roots originate from all over the world! We are brave and compassionate individuals, we love our families, and friends. We speak many languages and celebrate our cultures. We embrace our differences and likenesses."  

WHO WE ARE

"Our school is our home away from home where we can be our true selves and feel proud about who we are. It is our hope to be leaders in the fight for social justice, ending hunger and clean up our planet. We find strength in our chosen faith and strive to show compassion and mercy for others. Just remember we can all make a difference. Just look deep inside and find that superhero within you."

THE FIGHT! 

No Escape, 

They leave us in jail with no room to recover 

Reduces the chance for us to be discovered 

Protesting absurd rules

With high hopes of getting rid of fools

We must stand and fight to make things right

Turn a new chapter to make things bright 

My brother and I joined together 

To say whatever to the aggressor

People like Brian Stevenson and Loving fused to make an impact for me and you.

Activism,

Activism enhances a sense of control over your life and combats helplessness and hopelessness. To improve our sense of mattering in the community, and support others in their quest, we must join a cause.

The Reason

Why would people become activists?

No, why wouldn’t they fight for what is wrong?

Why would they have to sit and watch, knowing it’s not right?

Why would they have listened to what only one person says?

Why would I have to sit and watch?

Why wouldn’t I fight for what is right?

These aren’t questions, They’re the reason.

LETTERS OF HOPE

Dear Mom, 

Don't give up, there is still light where you see dark. You do so much for me and my brothers. You provide food on the table, clothes and help when needed.  Things can get hard, but never give it your last. If it is overwhelming you, give it a break and come back to it when you’re ready and able to function right. I see light in you when you’re down, so express it.

Dear Walter McMillian,

Walter, I know that it’s really hard in death row. It feels lonely at the death row, and you can’t see the outside of the world. Try to think something that’s fun while you are there and try to remember the time that you saw the world and sun, and don’t lose hope.

Dear Mom,

I love you so much with all my heart. No matter how many mistakes I make you will always forgive me. I know you’re struggling right now but I promise that one day I will become a millionaire and give you whatever you want no matter the price of the object or thing that you need.

Dear Me,

I just wanted to tell you that everything is going to be okay you are going to figure out what to do like you always do. It gets hard but that doesn’t mean you stop there. You have to get up do better and don’t look back. You are extremely smart and beautiful to be treated like that and for someone we aren’t going to stop everything you worked so hard to accomplish. Better things are coming dream and be better.

Dear Someone,

 In need of this, I truly understand what it feels like to completely lose hope. Being honest with myself it happens so darn often, with people, pretty much everything. It doesn't take too much to get me upset, even if it's just a stain on the floor. But each time I realize something, I have the ability to do something. Being broken is a blessing in disguise because its more interesting and fun when you build yourself back up. When you do, it feels so great to look at yourself and see a masterpiece. So, remember just because your broken doesn't mean you have to stay broken.

Dear Me,

Always remember that Walter McMillian was on death row for many years yet never lost hope. Also remember that "Everyone is bigger than the worst thing they have ever done, and everyone deserves a second chance" Bryan Stevenson