On Wednesday, students started the day off by learning about texts from Frederick Douglass, Frances Harper, and Sojourner Truth in class with Professor Pinsker and Professor Mealy. The group discussed how Douglass fashioned his famous “Fifth of July” speech to address specific audiences. 

Two girls looking at the rotunda

Don’t look down!

After lunch, we headed out on a mini road trip to the Pennsylvania State Capitol, complete with The Greatest Showman karaoke and the alphabet game. When we arrived, everybody was awed by the building’s paintings, glass domes, and chandeliers. Our tour guide told us the history of the building and the artists who made it, as well as showing us the Senate, House of Representatives, and Supreme Court Chambers. It was amazing to see the rooms where such important decisions are made.

Students in a balcony looking at room with desks

Learning about the House of Representatives

Students standing around statues.

Stepping into history

We also stopped at the A Gathering at the Crossroads monument to talk about some of Harrisburg’s Black leaders in the 1800s and poet Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. Students stood in the middle of the memorial, representing how today they can be part of the next generation of civic leaders who fight for what they believe is right, just like the historical figures.