On Friday, October 13, two global peace and civil rights activists visited MACL. Reverend Joseph and “Grandma” Joyce Ellwanger spoke to students about their lifelong experiences advocating for local, national, and international peace and justice.
Dedicated to improving the world, they have traveled to various countries to learn about peace and protest violence. Reverend Ellwanger worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and participated in the 1960s in nonviolent demonstrations for peace. One goal in these demonstrations was for Black and white youth to learn together.
Grandma Joyce emphasized the importance of knowing how to greet people and say thank you in their language, and Reverend Joseph stressed the importance of voting, telling the youth to spread the word and tell our families that “voting changes things.”
He ended with this message: “Keep learning. Never stop. I’m 90 years old and still learning.” Endless thanks to Reverend Joseph and Grandma Joyce for their tireless work of making the world a better place.
*Special thanks to MACL Art Teacher Ms. M for organizing this event. Thank you to all staff and students who attended.
