When we know our history, we know our power.

Carole Robertson Center for Learning youth, supporters, and staff came together to honor the lives of our namesake Carole Robertson, Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair during our annual Legacy Week programming, September 9-13, 2024. From creating vibrant paintings and murals to our annual peace march, we’re committed to educating, enriching, and empowering our community. Legacy Week reminds us to continually uplift our children and families by upholding a nurturing, safe place to learn and grow

Below are some highlights:

Every Brush Stroke Tells a Story: An Art Gallery of Hope and Healing

To kick off Legacy Week, our Out-of-School-Time and Early Childhood Education artists explored the stories of our namesake—Carole Robertson and her classmates, Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair—who tragically lost their lives in an act of violence. Through a variety of creative crafts and an essay contest organized by our Social Justice & Equity Committee, our students honored our Center’s legacy and reflected on the resilience and justice of community.
Reflections (on video) from Dianne Robertson Braddock, Educator and Sister of Carole Robertson

“A part of teaching children is that they have to know the truth about this country, about their culture, and all cultures that exist in this country. I believe that when children know their background, it is not a dangerous thing. When they’re educated, that gives you empathy towards others.”

Lunch and Learn: 4 Little Girls Staff Screening 

As we continued to honor Legacy Week, our staff had the chance to screen 4 Little Girls, a powerful documentary by Spike Lee on the Civil Rights Movement and the events leading up to the Birmingham Church Bombing. 

CEO and President of the Carole Robertson Center standing at a podium

Marching Toward Peace

Annual Legacy Week Peace March

Carole Robertson Center children, families, and staff at all three of our flagship sites walked in our annual Peace March. We chanted messages of peace and unity down the block with colorful signs marked with resilience and hope. One step at a time, the next generation of peace makers led the way.

Cross Cultural Literature Lights a Way Forward

Our Social Justice & Equity Committee shared copies of “The Undefeated” by Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson with children and families during Legacy Week. This inspiring children’s book highlights the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement and honors the resilience of its heroes. 

In the Press

Local media outlets, including WGN Channel 9 and Austin Weekly News, covered the Center’s Legacy Week activities, highlighting the importance of remembering our history, and empowering community members to take action by showcasing local organizations like ours that honor the legacy of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing and the Civil Rights Movement. 

An Honor and Responsibility 

Every day, the Center honors our namesake Carole Robertson, Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair by ensuring that over 2,500 children in 27 neighborhoods throughout Chicago have safe, affirming spaces to learn, play, and grow. As the Center carries on its mission to educate, enrich, and empower children and families, the memory of the four girls remains at the forefront.

Thank you for your participation and support!

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Since 1976, the Carole Robertson Center for Learning has been dedicated to educating, enriching, and empowering children and families through comprehensive child and family development programs.