The Visual Art Reading Cipher incorporates the visual arts and literature. These Ciphers require students to read a speech at the site, discuss the themes verbally, and then express the themes through visual art.
The speech used in this Cipher is one that was given by Shirley Chisholm in May 1969 on the floor of the House of Representatives to urge colleagues to pass the Equal Rights Amendment.
The Cipher highlighted Ms. Chisholm and her trail blazing accomplishments that distinguish her as a leader that fought for the rights of the disenfranchised. Students were able to make connections between words and images and took an imaginary journey.
The artwork produced individually created a mural that was displayed at the School for Democracy and Leadership.