Mr. Fox's Classroom

This video is part of the Teach for America (TFA) Show and Tell. http://teachforamerica.org/showandtell

The poem recited is pasted below because parts are difficult to understand due to editing.

We, New Orleans
a poem by Mr. Fox's English III class

We
We
We
hold these truths to be self evident
that New Orleans stands tall
within ourselves
that we all deserve to be happy
that I can be the best boxer that ever lived besides Muhammad Ali
that we didnt land on Plymouth Rock, that Plymouth Rock landed on us
that the Saints are our saviors

Monday, August 29, a day which will live in infamy
a girl named Katrina destroyed my city
New Orleans was attacked, fell off the map, but is back
my house drowned
and Northern birds flew south to sing songs of sorrow

we needed to ask
not what youre your country could do for you
but what
you
the people of New Orleans
your city
could do for
for a better future
for the U.S.
themselves

I have a dream
that my ancestors will be proud
that one day I can help my people
to be president
that being unique and different will be accepted
where our fore fathers
and mothers
can bring forth a new nation
conceived in liberty and dedicated to
my future
bounce music
real equality

think of it
as one small step for
you
me
and a giant leap for
us

I dont know what course others may take
but as for me
Give me a book
or give me a gun
Give me the chance to read
or trap me in a minimum wage job
Im going to do what I have to do

I am happy to join with
my family
New Orleans
Teach for America

today
tomorrow
ten years from now

in what will go down in history
as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history
of our nation
for every person to get where Im trying to get

the freedom of every child to get a great education
to make something of myself
to change the world
to close the achievement gap

Category:

Education

Tags:

• tfa
• teach for america
• show and tell
• new orleans
• achievement gap

[brandiXmachina]

That video brought tears to my eyes. Great job, thanks for doing what you've done and continue to do.

[pleasurality]

They Need to know this kind of stuff Its a part of growing up they're kust starting at a good age!

[dlwhorton1879]

Maybe these kids shouldn't be in school, learning this state sponsored corporate prep school curiculum, but instead, rebuilding New Orleans into a new peoples community. That video was a hodge podge of cliches. LEAVE THEM KIDS ALONE!

[defyingravity88]

this video is AMAZING. I'm from New Orleans, but will be going to San Antonio in the fall with the Charter Corps. Thank YOU for giving back to my city. This is why we give two years. THEM. THOSE STUDENTS.

and geaux saints!

[AntiEmoForceCnD]

woah mr.fox, thats a good presentation - Dylan