Educational Opportunities

In the Shadow of Stone Mountain: Historicizing Shermantown

“In the Shadow of Stone Mountain: Historicizing Shermantown” is a free summer program for 12-18 year olds. From June 10-14, students will meet from 10 AM - 5 PM at the Historic Bethsaida Baptist Church (853 4th St, Stone Mountain, GA 30083) to investigate the largest Confederate monument in the world and how the adjacent historically African American community of Shermantown has resisted the hate it represents. Then June 15, participants will share their discoveries with the community. Find more information and sign up here. https://forms.gle/VnXEP8xt2NnQ5MaS9

Celebrate the Dream Art Contest

The Stone Mountain Action Coalition (SMAC) has launched its second annual Celebrate the Dream Art Contest to encourage two through eighteen year-old artists to explore what Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream would look like at Stone Mountain in the twenty-first century. Last year, for the first contest, students submitted visual art representations and poetry that reimagined Stone Mountain. The first Black woman mayor of the City of Stone Mountain announced the three winners at the city’s 2024 celebration of King’s birthday.

This year we look for a wider array of art entries: dance, song, slam poetry, etc. Entries must be submitted by December 2, 2024, and SMAC will announce winners to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025: Monday, January 20. The art entry form provides basic educational resources for youth artists. We also look to partner with classroom teachers, cultural institutions, community educators, libraries, and parents to guide youth artists' exploration of the history of Stone Mountain and Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision for America. Please contact Sally Stanhope at sallystanhope@gmail.com for additional education resources or to arrange a workshop. Please share this information with your network of influence.