Students from all over the Black Belt took time out from the school day to visit Selma’s Jubilee. But, just because they weren’t in a classroom doesn’t mean they weren’t learning.

The students saw and heard presentations during the Children’s Sojourn, including a display of Harriet Tubman, at the Slavery and Civil War Museum and Pickard Auditorium before crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

Sixth grade teacher Roderick West, who brought a group of students to Selma from Turner Elementary School in Marion, said the trip allows the students to bring history to life.

“This is something they read about all the time in their books, but it means so much more when they can actually come experience something like this,” he said. “My parents were a part of the movement. This lets them see those experiences come to life.”

The students were treated to a variety of shows and information. For some it was hard to choose a favorite.

Carver Middle School of Eutaw fourth grader Tikeya Lawson said she enjoyed the live portrayal of Tubman, a slave who escaped and was instrumental in the underground railroad.

“It was really neat to see what life was like for Harriet Tubman,” she said. “I enjoyed learning more about her and it was cool the way they told the story.”

Another fourth grader, Kena Means, said she was equally enthralled by the history lessons and entertainment.

“I liked learning more about history,” she said. “Plus I liked seeing the lady on stilts because it looks like it is hard to walk on stilts.”

The event’s organizer, Felicia Pettway, said they always try to make the Sojourn an effective teaching tool by presenting information to the children in a way that keeps them interested and entertained. She also applauded those who donated their time and efforts to the event.

“We could not have done this without our volunteers,’ she said. “They always do a wonderful job of telling the story on a level where the elementary school aged children can understand.”