WESTON — D.C. Everest Area School District students involved in an oral history club will unveil their 23rd professionally published book next week.
About 60 students spent time during more than two years interviewing hundreds of people across the country who were involved in the civil rights movement to create the book, titled “The Nation’s Longest Struggle: Looking Back on the Modern Civil Rights Movement.”
Everest social studies coordinator Paul Aleckson began the Oral History Project club 15 years ago as a way for students to build upon what they learned in eighth- and 10th-grade U.S. History classes.
“We do the books because it’s the best way to learn history,” Aleckson said. “I call it authentic learning. If you want to learn about World War II, talk to a vet. Want to learn about civil rights? Talk to someone who was knee-deep in the movement.”
The students tracked down interview subjects using online databases and civil rights organizations, then put ink on paper to share their stories with the Wausau area.
The 527-page book is divided into 50 interviews on topics including the desegregation of schools, sit-ins and voter registration. It begins with a 13-page transcribed speech given by Martin Luther King Jr. on May 12, 1967, at the University of Wisconsin Marathon County. In a question and answer session after the speech, also included in the book, King said he visited Wausau after working in Chicago, and made it a priority to visit colleges and universities across the country.
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Ashley Martino, 14, left, and Alexis Abrego, 16, work on an upcoming oral history book Wednesday at D.C. Everest Senior High School. The group\'s next book will be available for purchase Monday and is titled, \'The Nation\'s Longest Struggle: Looking Back on the Modern Civil Rights Movement.\' / Katie Hoffman/Daily Herald Media
Alexis Abrego, 16, joined the Oral History Project in eighth grade. She always has been interested in history and reading historical fiction books. She said she’s learned a lot not only about historical events, but also about the publishing process and the editing work that goes into creating a book.
“Everyone has their own stories to tell, and although they might seem small, they’re really important and special; connected to a larger story,” Abrego said. “These people (we interviewed) have amazing stories and amazing lives.”
Katie Hoffman can be reached at 715-845-0772. Find her on Twitter @katielhoffman.
Written by
Katie Hoffman
Daily Herald Media
Source: wausaudailyherald
