Sussex Academy sixth graders present speeches to celebrate Black History Month

In what has become an annual tradition, Sussex Academy sixth graders researched, wrote and presented speeches to their peers and families honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and other important civil rights leaders in celebration of Black History Month.

Social studies teacher Jon English has spearheaded the initiative for years, and school librarian Jennifer Leonard assisted students with their research. All students first presented speeches to their classmates, who then selected which students should present at the Feb. 19 assembly.

Students put their own spin and personalities into their speeches, English said, while providing insights and reflections on historic subjects and events.

“Dr. King said, ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,’” English said. “I was so pleased that our sixth graders have spoken out about things that matter and that they will continue to speak out in the future.”

Ella Muldrow and Jonathan Dutton spoke on the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and Giluliana DiMeglio talked about the importance of religion in King’s life. Patrick Keller discussed John Lewis, who continued the fight for justice after King’s assassination, and Diego Chaplin and Callie Joseph spoke about the bravery of Ruby Bridges.

Mikaela Proudfoot detailed the Birmingham Children’s Crusade, which comprised young people working for a just cause. Bailey Passwaters spoke to the importance of a holiday in King’s honor, and Anthony Mariotti outlined King’s opposition to the war in Vietnam.

Levon Culver talked about King’s assassination, Lulu Perez-Perez spoke about the famous March on Washington, and Gail Gaston spoke about King and civil disobedience.

Student Clara Zimmerman was also selected to speak, but was unable to attend. Clara wrote a speech about civil rights pioneer Claudette Colvin who was arrested at age of 15 in Montgomery  for refusing to give up her seat to a white woman on a crowded, segregated bus.

Gathered before the ceremony are in back (l-r) Jonathan Dutton, Callie Joseph, Bailey Passwaters, Diego Chaplin, Ella Muldrow, teacher Jon English, Makayla Proudfoot, Gail Gaston, Patrick Keller, Anthony Mariotti, Giuliana DiMeglio and Luciany Perez Perez. Levon Culver is in front.