my little blue bead

During the Fall 2023 semester, students enrolled in two of my classes at the University of Alabama created “Unessay” assignments inspired by a blue bead found our campus. The bead is believed to have been once owned by an enslaved person who worked in a kitchen near present-day Gorgas House Museum.

I created a website showcasing the students’ discoveries. The website even has a catalogue allowing the reader to see the students summarizing their efforts.

There are even links to my reading the beautiful poetry some students wrote, a student reading her own poetry and a student explaining her process.

Some students share their names. Others participated anonymously. I applaud them. This assignment involved difficult issues.

I am proud of them all for making the effort!