The Birth of The Dream: A Civil Rights Story

One year I had a very interesting class. It was an inclusion class where I had a mix of gifted students, typical students (but is anyone actually typical?) and special needs students. This class soaked up all we had to teach and asked for additional chances to do extra projects. The students told me that they wanted to do an extensive Black History month project. It turned into a living museum. These students questioned so much of the learning and asked for more information on every subject.

A line in a text book changed their lives and mine. It said During the Civil Rights Movement there were riots in Los Angeles and Detroit. The students knew I was from Detroit and asked me what had happened during the riots. I told the students I would speak to my mom and aunts who were adults during that time and get back with them. I was a small child during this time period and only remember bits and pieces. I was actually interested myself and I knew that this was the class that would not let me forget about it. I started with some research online and then moved on to questioning my relatives. As I learned more about what happened I knew that I had to write this story. That was the beginning.

It is really amazing how a book comes to life. I never intended to write a book but the story would not leave me alone. Many students and book clubs have enjoyed the dream. I hope many more will enjoy this historical fiction story that brings the riots right to the front door.