Eighth-graders learn about the African American experience during the Jim Crow era

Last week, eighth-graders heard from two generations of the Reese family about their experiences in the South during the Jim Crow era.

James Reese II—father of eighth-grader Ishan and sixth-grader Ayanthi—discussed his frequent experiences of being turned away from establishments due to the color of his skin. Grandfather James Reese I (born in 1924) spoke about conversing with Martin Luther King Jr., participating in the March on Washington, and hearing King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Reese’s message: be yourself, and do what you can to help ensure that others have the opportunity to be themselves.

Thank you to the Reese family for sharing your family history.

Pictured below, from left to right: James (Ishan) Reese ’24, James Reese I, James Reese II,  Ayanthi Reese ’26, Jared Reese (cousin), and  Neola Reese (grandmother).