Milton Elementary students visit Bryan Stevenson exhibit

Milton Elementary fourth- and fifth-graders took a walk into greatness Feb. 21, when they toured Lydia B. Cannon Museum’s exhibit on Bryan Stevenson as part of their Black History Month celebration.  

The Walking Into Greatness: Bryan Stevenson exhibit traces Stevenson’s life from his youth attending an all-black school in Milton, through graduation at Cape High, and his launch of the Equal Justice Initiative organization, which provides legal representation to people who were illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced or abused in prison. 

School social worker Gloria Ho said students and staff were eager to learn about the life and work of the Milton native during the tour guided by Stevenson’s sister, Christy Taylor.

“Students were excited to learn that Stevenson went to school in the very same building where they attend,” Ho said.

Taylor told students her brother has helped exonerate more than 150 death-row prisoners.

“It’s important we learn about social justice and how we can become better people,” Taylor said. “I want all of you to consider being purposeful as my brother was when he was young. Think about what you can do to be a better witness to what’s right and wrong.”

Students completed a worksheet on Stevenson, and shared their impressions of the social justice activist.

“It was cool he lived in Milton and went to school here,” Ava Locust said. “I liked how he was trying to help people who went to jail that don’t belong there. I liked his sister telling us his story.”

Sadeem Miller said he learned how Stevenson helped people who weren’t supposed to be in jail.

“He thought this wasn’t right and did something about it,” Sadeem said. “It taught me to stand up when things aren’t right.”