Action Project Spotlight: Revitalizing South Baton Rouge

The Humanities Amped students continue to engage in research and action in preparation for the April 11th Conference.

Two teams of McKinley High School juniors have been working with alumni and community members on projects focused on South Baton Rouge, the neighborhood around the school. The students identified a need in the area--the lack of a grocery store offering fruits, vegetables, and fresh meat--and are taking the necessary steps to bring in such a business. Their process to realize this huge and important dream for the area has involved several meetings with city development professionals and representatives from the mayor’s office. On Monday, March 31st, the team canvassed the area of South Baton Rouge along with members of the South Baton Rouge Civic Association to gather input from those in the neighborhood. They have also been considering the potential impact a new grocery story could have on local businesses.

Humanities Amped students and mentor Christine Sparrow

Humanities Amped mentor and Advocate columnist Ed Pratt wrote an exciting article about the team’s project last month, which you can read at this link. In the article he remarks, “Listening to these students and watching them as they were schooled by the representatives from the mayor’s office, I reflected on conversations I’ve had in recent years about the negative direction of some of our children. These young people, though, encourage me each time I meet with them.”  He acknowledges the difficulty of what the students are working to achieve, but concludes “I believe in these students. You ought to also.”

If you would like to see these students and other members of Humanities Amped present their research and action, please join us at our 5th Annual Research Conference on Thursday, April 11 at the LSU Student Union.