Banned In The USA:

A Study of American Freedom

Washington, D.C.
February 9-11, 2007

On February 9, 2007, the students of the American Culture Program had the opportunity to meet with the Junior Legislative Assistant of Congressman John Lewis of Georgia. Lewis' assistant, Jesse Uman, answered questions for the students about Mr. Lewis standing on many current political issues. The Students have read Congressman Lewis' book, Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement.  The Students have been studying American freedom and the Civil Rights movement. Although Congressman Lewis was able to meet with the students, Mr. Uman was very helpful in relating some of  Congressman Lewis' viewpoints on current issues.

Later that day, the Program visited the Nation Museum of the American Indian, which is a part of the Smithsonian. It was established by Congress in November of 1989. The goal of the museum is to tell visitors what it means to be an American Indian. Visual presentation is an important part of the museum because it helps to break down stereotypes that some might hold about American Indians.

The students met with Candice Gingrich, the leader of the Youth Outreach Program for The Human Rights Campaign. Candace informed the students on issues such as Gay Marriage and adoption. She shared some of the HRC's goals for the grassroots campaign coming up. One statistic she shared is that 99.3% of all US counties have same-sex households.  

Saturday brought more adventures! The group went to the National Archives where they were joined veteran and intern of the program Rebekah Pauli! The students visited the National Archives to learn the roots of freedom. Also, the students spoke with a student form Georgetown about DC Voting rights and what that will mean for the government.

The final adventure of the weekend was when the group went to the National Rifle Association Museum. There the students gained another perspective on the Second Amendment.

Check back in for the next adventure! It will take us to Philadelphia, PA!