Exploring Montgomery's Past

1. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Montgomery's history during the pivotal years of 1955 and 1956. Craft a series of journal entries for five individuals hailing from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Let your imagination weave the stories of both everyday folks—whether inspired by reality or conjured from your own creativity—and renowned figures, ensuring their voices resonate with authenticity as they navigate these transformative events.

Economic Exploration

2. Dive into the economic landscape of 1956 Montgomery by delving into contemporary newspapers and magazines. Construct a domestic budget for three distinct families, embodying various socioeconomic classes. Examine whether savvy saving strategies, such as coupons, could have eased their financial burdens.

Comparative Lives

3. Through the lens of historical records, local narratives, and modern online resources, draw vivid comparisons between the lives of black and white youths aged twelve and fifteen in 1956 Montgomery, and the lives of their contemporary counterparts. Reflect on which era you would choose to experience as a preteen or teenager, and ponder the reasons behind your choice.

Progress and Challenges

4. Delve deeply into the complex subjects of racism, white supremacy, and hate crimes. Craft a compelling paper that explores the strides made toward racial equality since 1956, while candidly acknowledging the ongoing inequities faced by certain ethnic and religious groups.

Epilogue of Alfa's Journey

5. Paint a vivid epilogue detailing the journey of Alfa and his family—ten, twenty, and thirty years post-bus boycott. Who do they encounter? How are they shaped by the Civil Rights Movement? Explore the tension between Alfa’s aspirations and societal expectations, charting a timeline of significant Civil Rights milestones alongside Alfa’s fictional life events. Consider the fates of the white children who crossed paths with Alfa.

Cultural Resonance

6. Tune into the musical echoes of the 1950s, curating a concert setlist infused with hymns and spirituals reminiscent of what the Merryfields might have heard in Montgomery. Enrich the collection with Alfa’s own lyrics, crafting a new anthem that celebrates the bus boycott and its valiant heroes.

Perspective Shift

7. Craft an evocative scene as seen through the eyes of Alfa's sister, Zinnia, bringing her unique voice and perspective to the forefront.

Language and Legacy

8. Compile a glossary of historical or regional jargon from the novel, defining each term. Extend your exploration to encompass key expressions from the Civil Rights Movement, delving into their meanings and origins. What is "Jim Crow," and how did this phrase take root?

Protest Through the Ages

9. Journey through history to examine diverse methods of protesting social injustices. Which approaches have proven most powerful? Imagine your own way of speaking out against perceived unfairness. Whose footsteps would you follow?

Historic Pilgrimage

10. If the opportunity arises, visit the Rosa Parks Library and Museum in Montgomery, along with other Civil Rights landmarks. Investigate the history encapsulated within your own community, using local newspapers and interviews to uncover the narratives of Civil Rights leaders and their adversaries. Did any groups akin to the Montgomery Improvement Association strive for racial justice near you?

Footsteps of Change

11. Uncover the typical distances trekked by bus boycotters from home to work. Measure and walk this path in your neighborhood for a week, chronicling your reflections. Did the journey alter your schedule or prompt any penalties? Reflect on the experiences of boycotters facing similar challenges as they navigated essential daily tasks.

Beyond the Pages

12. Engage with aspects of segregation not directly addressed in the text, such as poll taxes or the Selma-Montgomery march. Consider the connections between these events and the bus boycott, comparing the strategies,...