Lessons in History

Fifth grade students had a special presentation in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Susan Schardt grew up in Orlando during segregated times, and offered the students a first-hand account on what Orlando was like before the Civil Rights movement. Mrs. Schardt discussed the differences between the white schools and African American schools, the jobs available to African Americans during that time, and shared details about everyday life. She recounted how there were separate water fountains and bathrooms in downtown Orlando stores, and the negative reaction white college students had to Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.