Pike Roads School issued an apology on Thursday after posting a student's artwork, part of a partnership with the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail and Durr Lecture Series, that featured five hooded Ku Klux Klan members to social media.
The project showcased work from Pike Road Junior High School students, which the system maintained was not an endorsement of the Ku Klux Klan but "an artistic reflection" of historical realities.
The post has since been deleted from the Pike Road Schools' GW campus Instagram.
Entire statement as follows:
Pike Road Schools shared a picture on social media showing students and their artwork depicting events surrounding the civil rights movement.
First and foremost, we sincerely apologize for any concerns the artwork may have caused. That was never our intention, nor the intention of the artist.
Please allow us to give you some context to the pieces of artwork mentioned.
Pike Road Junior High School partnered with the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail and the Durr Lecture Series to provide students an opportunity to connect art and history through the "From Struggles to Strength" Student Art Show. This initiative invites students to explore themes of resilience, history, and community through their artwork.
This year's exhibit holds special significance as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Selma March. Students drew inspiration from the work of renowned civil rights photographer Danny Lyon, whose images documented the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and pivotal leaders like John Lewis. Through this lens, students were encouraged to examine historical events, struggles, and triumphs, using art as a medium for storytelling.
As part of this process, students researched and interpreted historical moments-both painful and powerful—that shaped the civil rights movement under the guidance and supervision of Pike Road Schools faculty. One of our learners created an image that included the Ku Klux Klan. While this imagery is deeply unsettling, it was not intended as an endorsement but rather an artistic reflection of the historical realities that African-Americans have had to overcome.
The purpose of the piece was to shed light on the injustices of the past and to foster dialogue about the resilience and strength of those who fought for equality.
Jeff Poor is the editor-in-chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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