Muhammad Ali: Setting Goals + Achieving Greatness

Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born | Cavalier House Books

Image description: a hand holding a copy of the picture book Muhammad Ali: A Champion is Born by Gene Barretta

This week, we discussed the importance of considering what goals we might want to achieve in our lives. We read about how Muhammad Ali was inspired to begin his boxing career from an experience he had as a 12 year old child. Despite the mockery, prejudice, and injustice that he faced, Muhammad Ali trained and persevered and achieved so much in his lifetime! He was crowned the heavyweight champion of the world an astonishing 3 times, medaled in the Olympics, and, perhaps most importantly, was known as the “People’s Champion” because of his commitment to speaking out against injustice.

Take a look at the short memorial video, below, commemorating Muhammad Ali’s lifetime:

Segregated Schools: Separate is Never Equal

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards)) eBook : Tonatiuh, Duncan: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store

As we learn about schools in the past and present, it is important to acknowledge the racist history of segregated schools. We learned about Sylvia Mendez and her family’s fight to integrate schools in Orange County (USA). Through their bravery and perseverance, the Mendez family were able to unite with other Mexican-American families to overturn the law that allowed students to be separated into schools based on their skin color and cultural heritage. Here is an interview with Sylvia Mendez about her experiences:

We also want to affirm that September 15th-October 15th is Latinx Heritage Month (though it is importance to celebrate influential Lantinx people throughout the past and present every month of the year)! Our class will continue exploring examples of Latinx artists, politicians, advocates, and authors.

 

-Ms. Ward