The Ann Arbor District Library has unveiled a series of short documentaries spotlighting pivotal moments in the city’s history as part of Ann Arbor's bicentennial celebrations. One of these documentaries, Right to Read: The Ann Arbor King Case (directed by Aliyah Mitchell), examines the groundbreaking 1977 lawsuit that addressed the linguistic rights of Black students.
The case was brought on behalf of eleven Black students from Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, arguing that their education was hindered by the teachers' inability to understand Black English varieties. The ruling marked a turning point in recognizing linguistic diversity and its role in equitable education.
The documentary features a conversation with University of Michigan alumna and faculty member Jessi Grieser, a sociolinguist deeply engaged in issues of race and language. It also includes insights from former U-M faculty members such as Geneva Smitherman, showcasing the profound influence of U-M scholars on this landmark case.
Through this project, Jessi and her colleagues continue to highlight the importance of linguistic justice, reminding us of the critical intersection of language, identity, and education.
