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LEXINGTON, Ky. — A simple brown paper bag has helped Lexington’s Yates Elementary School continue their annual humanity art project that shines light on the work and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Yates Elementary School art teacher Michelle Thomas is helping her K–5 students bring civil justice art to Lexington’s grocery shoppers.
Thomas said the project is something the students look forward to every year. It helps teach them new topics regarding kindness and equality.
“What great work our kids at Yates are doing and what wonderful artists they are and the great conversations we’re having here,” Thomas said. Her students painted quotes and portraits of the leader and more, all uniquely express the teachings.
It’s a project Thomas says helps define diversity for the students.
“[Students learn that] if you see something that you don’t agree with, how could you speak up for yourself? So it really is more about them navigating through their world using a leader like Martin Luther King to inspire them,” Thomas said.
Thomas, who started her teaching career in South Carolina, has worked on the brown paper bag art-project with her students for over 15 years and says that it’s imperative to bring different aspects of history and other cultures into the classroom.
“I always want my students to see themselves and not just one race or not just men. I want them to see female artists—artists from all different cultures,” she said. “I really try to bring that, and I think it’s important for kids to see themselves in every aspect of their world and their teachers and their art and their music in everything.”
Once the bags are completed, they will go to the local Kroger on Bryan Station Road.
Brown Paper Grocery Bag The brown paper bags will be available for shoppers at that Kroger location from Jan. 14–16.