Brooklyn, NY, February 27, 2012 - In recognition of Black History Month, students at Medgar Evers College Preparatory School explored the topic of civil rights through a program offered by Cablevision's Power to Learn and the Smithsonian Channel.  Participating in the program were Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, as well as original Greensboro Four member Joseph McNeil and Christopher M. Wilson, Director of African American Culture, National Museum of American History. The program focused on the students' exploration of the Greensboro Four through the Smithsonian Channel's original documentary Seizing Justice: The Greensboro Four that tells the story of four college freshmen from North Carolina A&T who led a nonviolent sit-in that sparked a series of events that would help end the Jim Crow laws of the South.  Following welcoming remarks by Congresswoman Clarke, Principal Dr. Michael Wiltshire and Cablevision Vice President of Education Trent Anderson, students made presentations based on song and dance, all relating to the civil rights movement, after which the winner of the school's "Greensboro Four Essay Contest" was announced and Power to Learn awarded the winner with an iPod Nano. Mr. McNeil engaged the assembly in his true personal story and then participated in a Q&A with students.

Video of Event  (3:42 mins)

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Congresswoman Clarke applauded Power to Learn and the Smithsonian Channel for the program, noting, "Today's fascinating program about four individuals who were true catalysts for change made history come to life.  It gave students insight into the endurance of the American spirit and also helped broaden their perspective and promote social consciousness."