MediaGrimes Special Edition

A Conversation about Race, Civil Rights, and Juneteenth

Purpose/What: to discuss a bit about the Civil Rights Movement, Juneteenth, and Race in America. 

Why: in response to the recent protests, which are part of the longtime Black Lives Matter movement, that came alive after the death of Mr. George Floyd, Mrs. Brianna Taylor, and so many others. 

Who: Participants include Dr. Jody Allen, an Assistant Professor of History at the College of William & Mary and Director of The Lemon Project; Dr. Charles Ford, a Professor of History at Norfolk State University (NSU); Dr. Elizabeth Wood, a lecturer at Christopher Newport University in the Department of History; Jonelle Brown, a 2020 graduate of Christopher Newport University; William "Billy" Tucker, a senior in the Christopher Newport University Class of 2021; Samantha Willis, an award-winning journalist, and writer in the Richmond region; Scott McKeag, a Social Studies instructor at Cosby High School in Chesterfield County; Kendra Hughes, a counselor at Cosby High School in Chesterfield County; Dana Johnson, a Civics teacher at Tomahawk Creek Middle in Chesterfield County; and Ellen Neville, a History teacher at Tomahawk Creek Middle in Chesterfield County. The Moderator is Josh Grimes, a sophomore in the Christopher Newport University Class of 2023 and former "Mayor of Cosby". 

When: The conversation took place on Friday, June 19th; Tuesday, June 23rd (twice); and Friday, June 26th. It was in a span of three days because I allowed the participants to choose the one day and time that works for them. It was mostly done on June 23rd. 

How: Zoom 

Questions

Question 1: Explain the Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement 

Question 2: On Monday, June 15th, the Supreme Court made a landmark decision involving the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Could anyone elaborate on the significance of the court's decision?

Question 3: What does Juneteenth mean to you? 

Question 4: What is the best way to talk to kids about racism? 

Question 5: How can anyone be prepared for these moments? (this was up to their interpretation) 

Question 6: What seems to be the legacy the current generation will leave in the racism epidemic? 

Question 7: What things does the audience need to know about Juneteenth? 

Question 8: What things does the audience need to know about the Civil Rights Movement? 

Question 9: What are some similarities and differences between the Civil Rights Movement and racism in America?  

Resources Mentioned

UnmaskingCville (program created in partnership with Virginia Humanities in 2018), with resources for educators, school counselors, staff, and parents on talking with young people about race/racism.  

Unmasking Hampton Roads (program created with Virginia Humanities and the Hampton Roads Community Foundation in 2019), with print and digital resources on facilitating dialogues about race/racism for people of all ages. 

March on Washington (from Google Images for noncommercial use)

Juneteenth (from Google Images for noncommercial use) 


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