Through the study and research of the Civil Rights Movement (particularly 1959-64) and influences of jazz music during that era, students will gain and develop skills of creativity and personal expression, and apply these skills to 21st century global-thinking. Students will be exposed to, engaged in, and experience the literature, culture, oral history, social commentary and trends of the Civil Rights Movement and influences of Jazz music through an integrated approach to teaching and learning. Arts partners include Richmond Shakespeare, the Elegba Folklore Society, and Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Jazz Studies.