Solomon Middle School “Great Migration” students (from left), Ricarsha Mobley, Semoria Doss, Dakayla Allison, Jimmy Barber and Dashaun Johnson discuss their travel plans with teacher Greg Claus. Twenty-five students from Solomon are anticipating making the trip to Chicago in mid-March. The group will leave by train and return by rail similar to the experience made by the Blacks who fled the South 80 years ago.
EVERETT CHINN
everettchinn@ddtonline.com
GREENVILLE – Twenty- five students from H. W. Solomon Middle School have their eyes set on the
school’s second annual passage to The Windy City to trace this country’s Great Migration.
The Great Migration occurred 80 years ago when seven million African Americans left Mississippi and surrounding southern states and moved north. The students need to raise $16,000 by March to go on the field trip. Students began raising money by selling 6,000 Krispy Kreme Donuts, 2,000 chocolate bars and hosting a school dance.
Time is ticking down and the students only have about six weeks left before deadline. “I feel that it is extremely important for students to have educational experiences outside the classroom that challenge and inform their perspective,” said Greg Claus, trip organizer and Solomon Art Teacher. “It is our goal to
have Solomon students to be inspired about other places and cultures after traveling to Chicago and learning about the Great Migration. Education is more than memorizing grammar and facts – it is about inspiring the mind. We hope to inspire the students through this field trip.”
Samuel Evans, principal of Solomon, said he is pleased to have his students exposed to life and various opportunities outside of Greenville and the Delta. Evans said students can only grow from events such as this.
According to Claus, the class will spend four days in Chicago, seeing the neighborhoods where southern migrants settled, and learn about their heritage.
Prior to departure, students will research their family’s personal connection to the Great Migration by
interviewing family members and loved ones.
The students are scheduled to travel on Amtrak and arrive in Chicago by way of the Illinois Central Railroad just like it was done roughly three generations ago. Upon arrival, the students will spend time visiting the Chicago History Museum, the Bronzeville Neighborhood, the Art Institute of Chicago and three
colleges. When the students return, they will present their experiences with a photo exhibit.
“We plan to show the students historical sites and let them try different types of food,” said Claus. “They will
try many different foods that they may never had tried before including: Greek, deep-dish pizza, Cuban and authentic Italian.”
Students are excited at the chance to travel to Chicago.
“I’m excited to visit all the colleges,” said Breonna Edwards, who is in the eighth grade.
Dashaun Johnson said he is ready to see the different exhibits. “I am very excited about going to an
art exhibit, “ said Johnson. “I love art and I have always wanted to go to an exhibit.”
Fellow eighth-grader, Ricarsha Mobley said she can’t wait to see Chicago.
To make a donation, send it to CMEF, Solomon’s Great Migration
Attn: Greg Claus, 556 Bowman Blvd. Greenville, MS 38701.
For more information call (662) 334-7051.
Read the full article here.
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