One Rider

In the New Jersey section of the Star Ledger dated 4/2/08, I read an article called “A Modern Pioneer’s Lesson. This was about a Newark, N.J., Social Studies teacher, Miles Dean. He began a cross-country journey of more than 4,000 miles on his 9-year old Arabian stallion on September 22. He wanted to heighten awareness of black cowboys and the African-American role in frontier history. His journey ended at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles where he was greeted with the same ceremonial blessing his ancestors used to send him on his way from the African Burial Ground in New York City six month ago. Three local riders escorted him on the last part of his trip through the streets of Los Angeles.

I would use this article to emphasize that all people settled the frontier. I would then have students’ research on the different ethnic groups that helped develop our frontier; I have them show how this diversity enriched our landscape. As I read this article, I realized what a love this man has for our country. He saw a wrong and did something constructive about it. This social studies teacher has a passion for the American black cowboy and brought some recognition to them by active participation. I wonder how many teachers are this dedicated to a cause!