Scottsboro Boys Museum

By: Keyra Aguilera Coronado

  The 10th grade went on a field trip to the Scottsboro Boys Museum in Scottsboro. After learning about the Scottsboro Boys for a week in their English classes, they were excited to see the museum and learn even more about this significant historical event. At the museum, they were able to dive deeper into the details of the trials, which were significant in the American Civil Rights Movement. The students were shown collections of photos, old newspapers, artwork, and audio recordings that brought the trial to life.

      As they explored the museum, they could see the effect of the Scottsboro Boys' trials on American society and the legal system. The exhibits provided a portrayal of the racial injustices faced by the nine African American teenagers who were falsely accused of raping two white women in Alabama in 1931.The Scottsboro Boys went through several trials and retrials, despite evidence proving their innocence, they spent many years in prison. The case became a significant event in the civil rights movement, showing the need for legal reforms and equal rights for all.

     The presenter at the museum stated, “We need to know what happened in history to know how much we’ve progressed.” After spending time gathering the information, the students participated in a scavenger hunt organized by the museum staff. They had to pair up with a partner and answer 10 challenging questions based on what they had learned from the exhibits. The scavenger hunt was both educational and fun, encouraging the students to engage with the material. In the end, Mallory Smith and Jasmine Gregory were announced as the winners, after correctly answering all the questions. Their prize was a set of t-shirts from the museum, which they were given as a reminder of their fun trip.