This year, Brownell Talbot introduced an engaging new course offering for Upper School students. The class was added to provide students with an in‑depth exploration of modern American history, spanning from World War II to the present day. As part of the course, students delved into the Civil Rights Movement, a pivotal era that shaped the nation’s journey toward equality and justice. Beyond the well-known figures like Rosa Parks, Cesar Chavez, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy, the class challenged students to research lesser-known but equally significant individuals who played crucial roles in the movement.
As part of the course, students conducted an extensive study of the Freedom Rides, a series of groundbreaking acts of civil disobedience that challenged segregation in interstate transportation. Students examined the Freedom Rides from various angles, including the routes taken, the participants involved, media coverage, political influences, lasting effects, and personal accounts.
One of the most remarkable experiences of the unit was a virtual meeting with Carol Ruth Silver, a lawyer, civil rights activist, and Freedom Rider herself. Silver, who was arrested and incarcerated for 40 days in Mississippi for her participation in the movement, shared her firsthand experiences and insights with the students, providing a powerful connection to the history they had studied.
As part of their inquiry-based learning, the students also explored the Omaha bus system, analyzing its routes and identifying areas of the city that are underserved. This local connection reinforced the ongoing relevance of transportation equity and accessibility.
The class also had the opportunity to attend a screening of the film “John Lewis: Good Trouble” at Film Streams, followed by a thought-provoking discussion with students from other schools. This interdisciplinary approach fostered a deeper understanding of the Civil Rights Movement and its enduring impact on society.
Through this innovative U.S. History course, BT students not only gained a comprehensive understanding of pivotal events but also developed a profound appreciation for the sacrifices and struggles that paved the way for progress. By connecting the past to the present, they were empowered to become agents of positive change.
