Lessons in Social Justice
Last week, a mixed 6-7-8th grade ELA class from M.S. 296 in the South Bronx visited the Midtown Manhattan offices of KPMG, one of the Big Four accounting firms. Behind the Book was working with this class to expose them to the legal field as it applies to social justice, and this field trip allowed them to meet and work with lawyers, and see a different aspect of New York City. The class left with some new perspectives, and a new outlook on their own future.
Behind the Book’s 7-part program introduced this class to some social justice issues through reading Yummy, the Last Days of a Southside Shorty, by G. Neri, which describes the true story of a young Chicago gang member, the death of a young girl, and the consequences for the community and for Yummy. It explores concepts of crimes committed by minors, in the context of one’s environment and the pressures of peers and family.
When the class came to KPMG, it had already met and discussed many of these issues with Greg, the author. Most recently, the class had conducted research in relevant case law, with volunteer lawyers from KPMG, Mayer Brown, and Alston & Bird. The workshop at KPMG was focused on using the fruits of their research to formulate a position, and develop strong arguments, as to whether and how Yummy should have been held responsible for his actions.
Each of the students were prepared with their notes on the Supreme Court cases they had researched and reviewed, and each was paired with a lawyer volunteer to explore the similarities and differences between those cases and Yummy’s case. Together, they explored how Yummy’s age, his environment, his upbringing, and the crime itself, could and should determine Yummy’s future. They explored how Yummy’s actions following the crime should be considered by a court, and they discussed whether intuition plays a role in interpreting the law. This lesson in precedential value and critical thinking will serve these students well as they prepare for their own future, whatever that may hold.
Behind the Book and these workshops are about more than developing a love for reading. Certainly, that’s a real benefit, every time. But Behind the Book reinforces that through more specific actions, and you can see that here. The class met the author, which drew a tighter connection to the book and its content. The many workshops of the program, with steps focused on understanding, discussing, researching, and writing just further connected the students to the material and the thought processes involved in learning and applying that new knowledge. And then, of course, a field trip like this one further opened their eyes and connected pathways of development, which leads to a brighter future.
Their future is indeed bright. These students have not had a similar experience before, and they relished the opportunity to ask questions about lawyers, big buildings in the city, and how video-conferences work. We explored some sweeping views of the city (with some selfies), how the big boardroom works with lots of technology, and what we can eat at the building cafeteria, including sushi, a new experience for most. But the real beauty of this is that they were all left with excitement about the opportunity to be a lawyer, and what that can mean for them.
For instance, one of the students, Zhaebreon, said afterwards that “From this experience I’m going for a spot on the debate team to have some more knowledge about a possibility of being a lawyer.” Zhaebreon clearly knew about some opportunities out there for her development, but this experience crystalized that and gave her some additional focus. Other students, Angel and Kadidia, weren’t shy about asking for internship opportunities! And Hermary remarked that she found it interesting to discuss the cases and consequences with real lawyers.
The volunteers found it very special as well, with Aaron and some others looking for more opportunities to get involved with Behind the Book, and Spurgeon telling us that these students were “inspiring, calm, and thoughtful which provides a soothing sense of greatness in our next generation.”
This workshop was a wonderful experience for everyone involved, and we look forward to following these students into whatever their bright future holds.
by Brian Trauman, KPMG partner and Behind the Book Board member