Fall 2023 Recap: Empowering Young Scholars at Raleigh Egypt Middle School

Fall 2023 was nothing short of AMAZING! At Raleigh Egypt Middle School, we had the privilege of serving 25 exceptionally gifted 7th-grade students who, despite being at the top of their class, lacked the resources to broaden their horizons. Thanks to generous funding from Literacy Mid-South and the Tennessee Valley Authority, we were able to transform this semester into an unforgettable journey of learning, exploration, and empowerment.
A Semester to Remember
Our programming went far beyond traditional literacy lessons, offering hands-on experiences and real-world connections that brought history, government, and civil rights to life. Here’s how we made this semester extraordinary:
Bringing History to Life
Through a partnership with Mrs. Elaine Lee Turner and Heritage Tours, students embarked on a fascinating tour of downtown Memphis. They visited historic sites that shaped our nation’s civil rights movement, including:
The Civil Rights Museum, Lorraine Motel and Mason Temple, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous and final “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech.
Auction Row, where enslaved individuals were sold, and the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum.
The W.C. Handy Museum and Hunt-Phelan House, rich with African American history.
The campus of St. Jude, learning about Danny Thomas’ vision for a children’s hospital in Memphis.
These experiences provided students with a deeper understanding of Memphis’s role in history and the fight for equality.
Exploring Civil Rights Through Literacy
In the classroom, students delved into key moments in the civil rights movement:
The 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama.
Bloody Sunday and the march from Selma to Montgomery.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the sit-in movement.
The Sanitation Strike and assination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The legacy of Ida B. Wells and Malcolm X.
We also explored the impact of literacy, from its role during slavery to present-day literacy data. Shocked to learn that their local literacy rates lag behind others, students reflected on these lessons in journal entries and used art—original paintings and comic scripts—to express their thoughts.
Civic Engagement and Real-world Learning
We didn’t stop at history. Students witnessed the 2024 Presidential Election unfold in real-time, analyzing voter turnout and discovering that less than 30% of voters in their neighborhoods participated compared to more affluent areas in Shelby County.
Local government came alive with visits from Shelby County Commissioner Britney Thornton, who provided an introduction to local governance, and Commissioner Charlie Caswell Jr. and School Board Member Stephanie Love, who hosted a mock session at the County Commission. These activities showed students how government works and how they can be active participants in their community’s future.
Impact Beyond the Classroom
Throughout the semester, we provided daily snacks, field trips, and opportunities for students to immerse themselves in literacy and history in ways they had never experienced before. They learned not just through books but by walking through the places where history happened and engaging with leaders shaping their community today.
Our students closed the semester with deeper knowledge, heightened awareness of their community, and a renewed commitment to shaping their future. In addition, every student received a new book written by a diverse author.
Thank You to Our Supporters
This unforgettable semester would not have been possible without the support of Literacy Mid-South and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Your investment in these students is already yielding remarkable returns as they grow into informed, empowered young leaders.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff at Raleigh Egypt Middle School for welcoming our program for a second year. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Curry, we have been able to create a life-changing impact on students. A special shoutout goes to Mrs. Thigpen-Phillips, the incredible librarian, and Mrs. Simmons, the passionate family engagement liaison, for their unwavering support and commitment to our mission. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
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