The Chicago Project

Chicago Trip

Page 6

Marshall High School

Marshall High School is a predominantly (99%) African American urban high school in North Lawndale, Chicago.  Going to Marshall brings to the surface many deep rooted negative stereotypes students have about urban schools.

Perceptions Before Going

“I expect that there will be a lot of racism and fights.  I also expect see kids disrespecting teachers.”

Mary Hess-Tackett, 2008

“I think they will make fun of us.”

Timothy Lawson, 2008

“I’m gonna be real scared at first.  They might yell things at me and call me names.”

Victoria Wright, 2008

Friday morning we visited Marshall High School, with an approximate enrollment of 1,400,  99% of which are African American.  Before we arrived, some of us were hesitant to go because we have never been the minority in a school before and had very negative expectations about our welcome.  We reflected on many of the images of inner city schools we have seen in the media and agreed that they are mostly negative.

We arrived at the High School at 8:00 A.M. and waited in a conference room for our activities to begin.  We sat there nervously when  students began to file in and sit down next to us.  We wondered what they thought of us being there and how we would be received.  Our anxiety was relieved one by one as they leaned over, introduced themselves, and we started talking about High School stuff.  We quickly discovered our interests were very similar and we became eager to get out of this room and into the hallways! 

We were able to attend three classes, pass through the halls, and eat lunch in the cafeteria. Our student chaperones introduced us to their friends, and we asked, as well as answered, questions all morning long.  We learned two valuable lessons that day.  First, many of the images of urban schools are false stereotypes.  Second, in any situation, it is important for those in the majority to reach out and extend a warm welcome to those in the minority and let them know they are welcome.

Perceptions After Going

“My day was awesome!  None of the stuff I said earlier was true.  I did stand out, but in a good way!

Robbie Binder, 2008

“I had a blast.  No one was mean at all.  The teachers were great.  I wish some of them went to our school.  You know they enjoyed teaching.  People have the wrong idea about public schools in big cities.”

Kiri Youngblood, 2008

To be completely honest, I LOVED IT!  My student was really open to talk about anything.  (Keep coming to this high school!!!).”

NaTasha Smith, 2008