Sussex Academy sixth graders researched, wrote and presented speeches to peers and families honoring important civil rights leaders in celebration of Black History Month.

Each year, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, students write speeches on a variety of topics related to King’s life, including the lives and activities connected to the civil rights movement, said social studies teacher Jon English, who has spearheaded the event for years.

Leading up to the Feb. 10 assembly, students first presented their speeches to classmates, who then selected the students who should present at the event held during the school’s observance of “kindness week.”

“The theme for today is peace, chill and kindness,” English said. “I think it’s an appropriate theme for our assembly today as we honor Dr. King and others who struggled and continue to struggle for civil rights.”

While some students chose similar topics, they put their own spin and personalities into their speeches while providing insights and reflections on historic subjects and events.

Students Brody Pegelow and Laurence Curry delivered biographies of Martin Luther King Jr., and classmate Anna Mariotti spoke on Coretta Scott King. Zoe Sexton and Easton March discussed the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and Nishk Mendonza spoke about the March on Washington.

Sarah Kamara, Brycen Nock and Sael Despinasse each discussed the impact of Rosa Parks, and CJ Denis presented the ideas of Malcolm X. Fiona Nehrbas and Genevieve Taylor both spoke about the murder of teenager Emmett Till.

Allison Gulab discussed King and the idea of civil disobedience, while Mary Bowe detailed the Birmingham Children’s Crusade.