Feb. 2, 2023 - Students and staff at Neuwohener High School marched through the hallways of the building for the 15th consecutive year, emulating the 1963 March on Washington. The school march is one of the ways students and staff celebrate Black History Month and learn about a pivotal point in United States history. 

“We march to help people remember what Martin Luther King Jr. and so many others fought for during the civil rights movement,” said Audrey Winters, Neuwoehner teacher. “The March on Washington proved to be a great success and influenced President Lyndon B. Johnson to sign the Civil Rights Act.”

Participants created and held up their own signs that read, “Time for Change,” “ I am a man,” “Peace & Love,” and “Justice Now.” They marched while listening to the gospel song “We Shall Overcome.” 

“When people come out of their classrooms and see us marching, it’s a good disruption to their day,” said Joan Turner, speech and language pathologist. “It’s a reminder that we’ve come a long way and have a long way to go.” 

Leah Lee, full-time substitute teacher, participated in the march for the first time this year. She says it represents love.  

“Loving one another, that’s foreign to a lot of people nowadays,” said Lee. “Everyone deserves to be loved and receive love.”

Photos of the March on Washington and sit-in protests will be displayed throughout the building this month. Audrey hopes it serves as a reminder to students that peace can lead to change.