Our Visual Art Ciphers establish the intersectionality of visual arts and literature. These Ciphers require students to read a speech, discuss the themes, and then express the themes by way of a visual representation. A facilitator moderates the session, but students have the opportunity to explain their artwork to the other students.
EXAMPLE: School for Democracy and Leadership.
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. This Cipher highlighted Ms. Chisholm and her trail blazing accomplishments distinguishing her as a leader that fought for the rights of the disenfranchised. Students were able to make connections between words and images and created a breathtaking mural.