Third-grade students at Woodcock Primary School received a special treat on February 9 when they viewed “A Might Times, the Life of Rosa Parks”, a film focused on the African-American Civil Rights Movement.

Nassau. Bahamas - More than sixty third-grade students at Woodcock Primary School received a special treat on February 9 when they viewed “A Might Times, the Life of Rosa Parks”, a film focused on the African-American Civil Rights Movement.  The children were enthralled by the testimonials of the activists including Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King and the scenes depicting the leaders’ struggle for equality.  The screening was led by U.S. Embassy volunteer, Santoya Edgecombe, during the students’ weekly “Read to Lead” session to commemorate Black History Month.  The U.S. Embassy adopted Woodcock Primary School in 2005 and volunteers have been mentoring students ever since through the “Read to Lead” program.  

For many of the children, the film was their first exposure to the African-American Civil Rights Movement characterized by major campaigns of non-violent civil resistance during the period 1955–1968.  Through the film students learned about Rosa Parks’ courageous decision not to move from her seat on a segregated Montgomery Alabama bus, which inspired peaceful actions by Americans of all races aimed at addressing racial inequality.  Noted legislative achievements that followed included the passage of Civil Rights Act of 1964 that banned discrimination based on "race, color, religion, or national origin" in employment practices and public accommodations; the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that restored and protected voting rights; and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 that banned discrimination in the sale or rental of housing.

File photo Civil Rights Activist, Rosa Parks.

The Rosa Parks film contained many themes that the students could relate to. During the bus boycott, African American activists carpooled with the help of white Americans, demonstrating the values of team work and helping others.  Students also learned about the importance of patience and perseverance when they heard Dr. Martin Luther King preach nonviolence in the face of adversity.

Following the screening, U.S. Embassy volunteer, Santoya Edgecombe, asked the children questions about the film to gauge their understanding.   The children’s answers were impeccable; students understood that Rosa Parks stood up to discriminatory laws, and that her simple act inspired a movement with the goal of ending racial discrimination in America once and for all.

 

The screening was led by U.S. Embassy volunteer, Santoya Edgecombe, during the students’ weekly “Read to Lead” session to commemorate Black History Month. She is pictured with some of the third graders following the screening.