Exploring The Backroads: Public History with Jessica Hanson

+ MLK Jr. should not just be remembered on his "birthday week" or black history month. http://childcareclassroom.com/childcare-classroom-10-mlk-quotes/ Here is one of his other speeches; many are ONLY taught the "I Have a Dream" speech.  "On September 12, 1962, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a speech at the Park Sheraton Hotel in New York City to honor the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation on the eve of its centennial anniversary. At a dinner organized by New York's Civil War Centennial Commission, Dr. King spoke on the importance of the Emancipation Proclamation in American history, arguing that the document proved that government could be a powerful force for social justice. He urged Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller and President John F. Kennedy to hasten integration and progress towards full civil rights."

It is so important to continue learning about history; to some-- media may be the only opportunity/version people see regarding these important events.  So, although there may be mixed opinions about these "Simpsons" images, I commend them on their unique tribute to the 70th anniversary of Auschwitz' Liberation (Jan. 27, 1945):  "First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—  Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—  Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me" (Niemöller).  It could have been any of us! Learning & teaching novels on the Holocaust last semester was saddening, engaging, and eye-opening for all. We are never too old to learn! Never forget. Never again.  Keep in mind, the "proper name" Holocaust did not exist...

I have kept up my goals for 2015, so far! I have worked out (unless I was sick or super busy) everyday since my goals began anew at the end of 2014. #personalaccountability on Instagram EVERYDAY! I even doubled up to play "make up" if I missed a day. I began my semester again today (my last one-for my Ed.S) & taught my first class for Spring tonight for Motlow . Even with a google hiccup, I always feel completely rejuvenated meeting new students. They can truly brighten my day. I LIVE for the classroom. Though my goals have drastically changed since I moved to TN (Ph.D. to Ed.S.) and currently higher education to elementary education with TNTP, I am now excited about changes-- I used to be terrified of. I got two pieces of excellent news tonight regarding a new adventure in my education. I can't wait to move forward! I also love learning about history and politics more and more daily (therefore, extremely excited to be teaching American Literature again th...

I've had my first week teaching again. The new country commute is beautiful. Wandered into town a day or two before beginning last week to do some last minute lesson planning. I'm having my students do a genealogical research project. I am allowing them to choose between three cemeteries. The first is called Maplewood Cemetery (35.35,-86.21); within that graveyard, there is a special monument/ section dedicated to (407 specifically now known) Confederate soldiers. They were buried there either after dying on the fields of Civil War battle, in one of the hospitals established when Tullahoma (TN) was headquarters for the army of Tennessee during the first six months of 1863 (following the battle of Murfreesboro and preceding the withdrawal of the army to Chattanooga), or were re-interred. Originally, more than 500 southern soldiers were simply buried with wooden headboards, but soon all vestiges of individual markers were lost in what essentially became a mass grave. In...

Short & sweet is usually not me, though I am only 5' 0". ;) I need to learn to forgive myself (and others) for more than just my rambling though.  In our viral, personal, & professional worlds, we all usually wear different masks. I had an idea mapped out for my life: go to college (work really hard while doing so), marry, have no kids, and travel! I mean, the theme of my blog is all about travel. However, over the past two years, I have been taken on a much different journey.  I have found out who true friends are, through hardships of my own and some I have most likely brought upon myself. I'm human though (and so are they). Forgiveness #1 .  I found that when I truly begin to look around me, the surroundings do not make a lot of difference. Ideally, many would enjoy scouring every inch of the gorgeous world we all call home (yet ultimately take for granted). But sometimes it is not possible. I moved to a new state (with a higher cost of living), bega...

For the English 1010 courses I'm teaching this semester, I've asked my students to write a (4-6) page research and exemplification paper. It is about detailing the importance of remembering events, people, historical places, etc...  I am a nerd and as my boyfriend, family, friends, students, and some co-workers can even tell you, if I see some historical landmark or a plaque/ sign even hinting at a nearby location, I will definitely make it a point to go on a trek or even an "adventure" to find it. This probably came about because my mom MADE me stop and read every single sign at museums! She didn't want me to do anything without getting something out of it, learning (if you will). Many people do things "nowadays" <<<I'm sounding old...because they have to (for work or a school assignment) or for entertainment. Rarely do people do EXTRA things in their already jam-packed schedules to learn. I want to encourage my students to always do t...