This unique story took place when slavery ended in New York in 1827. This is based on an unpublished memoir the Author found in a rare book collection. The dynamic of the story surrounded social issues such as classism and racism in the Civil War era. Even though this book may be challenging to some young readers, it had the potential to create "spaces" by reflecting on the overall theme of defining social justice and action. When the Union decided to start an unpopular decision to draft able bodied white men, New York faced serious riots in the summer or 1963. (Blacks who wanted to serve as soldiers in the Union Army were not yet being accepted.) So angry mobsters targeted pro-war politicians, the wealthy (since they were able to buy themselves out of the draft), abolitionists (since freeing slaves was seen as increased competition among the working class white), and Blacks of all classes. I wonder how a student can truly understand the scope of this disenfranchisement and injustice and apply it to their own lives?
Whats particularly interesting about Maritcha's life is that she suffers both from being a girl and being Black in the 19th century. Going to school was a struggle, as shown by the fact that she was denied from going to an all White school. This had to go in the hands of the legislature. Even though they ruled that she had the right to attend, the school fought back by questioning her aptitude. Despite all these setbacks, she had the support and influence of her family who was aquatinted with powerful abolitionists such as Fredrik Douglas. They family had a history of helping newly freed slaves in their boardinghouse. Could this be used to help students create space by reflecting on influential people in their own lives ? and if so, how can students use them?
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