Maria Victoria Moreno Stifano

Veronica mentions the importance of teaching students how to make connections throughout history. March: Book Three provides educators with an informative, personal outlook on the Civil Rights Movement. By learning of the struggles that African/ Black Americans had to overcome to get their voting rights, students can make connections to the present day movement, Black Lives Matter. Just as Veronica mentioned how the government did not acknowledge or react to the death of young Black American girls in the church nor the death of Black American boys, the Black Lives Matter movement wants the government to acknowledge and do something about the wrongful killings of innocent Black men and teenagers.

As an educator, I would introduce this comic with the purpose of making connections from the past to the present. March is extremely informational but provides more than a normal history textbook would. It provides a Black American perspective which students of all backgrounds need to learn so that everyone can understand what the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Lives Matter Movement is all about. I believe the best way for students to learn is to have themselves imagine what it would have been like to be an Black American woman, man, and child. I would have students share any fears they may have during the Civil Right Movement and even what they currently fear about the Black Lives Matter Movement.

Similar to the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Lives Matter movement wants the nation to accept that the government does not react the same way towards Black communities when White children die. Students aware of history can now make informed decisions about whether they support movements, what a difference marching or protesting can make, and how learning about different perspectives can change your view.  On page 195, the writer and illustrator collaborated so no words were said. This spread shows the peaceful protest against brutal police officers during the Civil Rights Movement.

Overall, before introducing March, I would talk to my students about social issues and tell them that what they are about to read is a heavy topic to digest. I would encourage students to voice any concerns or questions they may have.  Also, as an educator I must maintain a neutral stance on any socio-political issues because I would not want to influence my students politically and instead will deduce their own opinions.