Skip to main content

March Trilogy


Summary: The 1960's were a volatile time due to the desire for Civil Rights.  So many American leaders and innocent lives were lost during this tumultuous period. America was finding itself through violence and battle, but found itself it did.  There were a myriad of individuals who became involved in the protests and rallies, but sadly only a few of them are alive today.  John Lewis, a current U.S. Representative, is one of those surviving individuals, a person who was right there on the front lines for civil rights.  The March Trilogy is his account of the events, a first hand telling of what went on during this decade.  His story is so extensive that it requires three volumes in which to tell it; yet, I'm sure there was still so much still left out.  The amount of detail information and description adds greatly to the story, so much so, that it gives credence to his struggle and fight.  For individuals like me, who weren't around during the time period, the books provide great insight into the tremendous sacrifice these "agitators" gave.

Reference: John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell (2016). March Trilogy. Top Shelf Productions. Marietta, GA. 

Why I Picked It Up:  After having read The Silence of our Friends, which was also illustrated by Nate Powell, I soon got wind of this critically-praised tome.  So, I had to read it.  Plus, with the recent tone of our country regarding race, I felt it was a poignant story to read, to see if it could be considered a good reminder of the struggle for civil rights. 

Why I Finished It: The amount of detail and first-person point of view is enlightening and educational.  I was always aware that people sacrificed their well-being and physical health when they protested, but I was never aware of the extent.  John Lewis stated that in the summer of 1964, they had endured 1000 arrests, 80 instances of beatings, 35 shootings, 35 church burnings, and 30 bombings int the state of Mississippi.  All in one summer!  All in just one state!  That type of detail is simply indispensable in order to truly appreciate the sacrifice of John Lewis and Black people living through all of this.  These are facts and data that give essential weight to their plight.  With this type of important subject and point-of-view, how could I not finish it.

Recommendation:  For anyone wanting to know about the accomplishments of John Lewis and of the civil rights activists, this book is essential.  History teachers could definitely add these books to their curriculum and, and, because of its graphic novel form, it will grab the attention of even the most reluctant of readers. With so many in today's society ignorant of our country's past struggles, these books should help to shine a light on the subject of human dignity and human rights.  Despite the many strides the United States has made regarding civil rights, we see today that there is still so much more to do.  The March Trilogy is most assuredly one story that needs to be read by everyone.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Amazing Fantastic Incredible: a Marvelous Memoir

Summary: Told through comic book format, we learn of the journey of Stanley Lieber, first as an assistant for Timely Comics then later as his current role as the Face of Marvel Comics, a.k.a. "Stan 'the Man' Lee." He is so universally recognized as Marvel comics that his cameos in Marvel's superhero movies are a way for others to pay respects to the man for all of the work he put into the company (especially after the debacle involving DC Comics and Superman creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster).  Throughout much of the history of comic books, Stan Lee has been a constant in the success of Marvel Comics.  We learn of his many roles that he played in the company, as well as the trials and tribulations/ups and downs of the comic book industry. We also get to see how Stan's personality and character helped to create/co-create so many of Marvel's heroes and promoted them. Why I Picked It Up: Having been a reader of Marvel Comics since the early 1970...
Post a Comment
Read more

Module 2: Corduroy

Summary:   Corduroy is a department store teddy bear who searches for a button that he can use on his overalls.  He searches for the button because he thinks that the button will make him complete and attractive to buy.  Earlier a young girl wanted to buy him, but her mother said that they hadn't any more money and besides the bear was missing a button.  Unfortunately, Corduroy is prevented from obtaining a button and finds himself placed back on the toy shelf by the store's overnight security guard.  The next day, Corduroy is excited to see that the girl came back and used her own money to buy Corduroy and was also able to give Corduroy a new button. Reference: Freeman, D. (1976) Corduroy . New York, NY. Puffin Books. Impression: Corduroy is a children's book that touches the heart.  The way Corduroy is drawn by Don Freeman's, with simple yet endearing qualities, helps the reader to remember their own personal teddy bears or favorite stuffed ani...
Post a Comment
Read more

Module 4: The Cat Who Went to Heaven

Summary: All pet lovers at one point in there life like to think that they will one day be reunited with their favorite pets in heaven.  Well, in this fun and interesting story, we discover a cat that practically wills itself into heaven by befriending an artist.  We initially find the cat being reluctantly adopted by the artist when his maid brings it to the artist's home.  Soon after he decides to keep the cat, the artist is hired by monks for a grand commission, to create a painting of Buddha on his death bed. With such a grand endeavor before him, the artist focuses on his creation by intricately painting various animals to join Buddha in his last days as they visit him.  Throughout his work, the cat becomes an inspiration to the artist and because of the cat's soothing demeanor the artist wants to include the feline into the painting of Buddha. Unfortunately, history has told that the cat was not included in Buddha's heaven because of its pride and aloofness....
Post a Comment
Read more