Al Raby Legacy Program Overview

By Kathy Raby

Summary

Welcome to the Al Raby Legacy Program, and the Ancestral History Challenge! You're about to become part of something really special.

Chapters

  1. Welcome to the Al Raby Legacy (0s)
  2. So here's the big picture, and (15s)
  3. You're going to LISTEN to a (19s)
  4. Now, this program is named after (49s)
  5. That wasn't a small thing — (64s)
  6. Al Raby actually went to this (73s)
  7. So you're not just learning history (87s)
  8. Now let's talk about who you'll (98s)
  9. And your mentors aren't just one (114s)
  10. So what happens between those Tuesday (153s)
  11. Think of it as staying warm (169s)
  12. That curiosity is exactly what turns (183s)
  13. Let me paint you a picture (188s)
  14. First, you'll join the call online (193s)
  15. It's relaxed, it's friendly, and it (211s)
  16. By the time week six arrives, (222s)
  17. Now, before we all meet on (229s)
  18. That's it... that one small post (264s)
  19. So let's take a breath and (275s)
  20. You'll listen to voices from the (286s)
  21. These are stories that might otherwise (299s)
  22. Your mentor team is genuinely looking (313s)
  23. So go explore the community, post (323s)
  24. [happily] So go explore the community, (333s)
  25. [pause] We'll see you on Tuesday... (340s)

FAQ

What is the Al Raby Legacy Program Ancestral History Challenge?

The Ancestral History Challenge is a six-week program where students listen to real stories from Chicago elders who lived through the Civil Rights Movement, choose one that speaks to them, research missing parts, and write and present their own version of the story.

Who was Al Raby and why is the program named after him?

Al Raby was a real person who grew up in the community and helped bring Dr. King to Chicago in 1966, sparking an important chapter in the city's history. He attended the same school (formerly McCosh Elementary) starting in 1939, making the program a continuation of his legacy.

Who are the mentors in the Ancestral History Challenge?

Your mentor team consists of four to five college students from DePaul University studying history, plus Peter Alter, a real historian at the Chicago History Museum. They guide you without grading, acting as teammates rather than traditional teachers.

How often do students meet with mentors and what happens between sessions?

Students meet online with mentors every Tuesday at 3:30 PM for six weeks. Between sessions, short videos and activities on Skool keep students prepared and engaged, encouraging them to ask questions and develop researcher skills.

What should students do before their first Tuesday session?

Before the first meeting, explore the Skool community and post a brief introduction including your name, school, and one thing you're curious about. This helps mentors get to know you and marks your first step into the program.

What is a typical Tuesday session like in the Ancestral History Challenge?

A typical Tuesday is relaxed and friendly: you join online, greet mentors and classmates, learn something new as a group, and get time to work on your own story. It's not a test, just a comfortable space to develop as a historian.

Transcript

Welcome to the Al Raby Legacy Program, and the Ancestral History Challenge! You're about to become part of something really special. Before you meet your mentors for the very first time, this video walks you through everything you need to know. So here's the big picture, and it's simpler than you might think. You're going to LISTEN to a real story from a Chicago elder who lived through the Civil Rights Movement. Then you'll CHOOSE the one story that truly speaks to you. After that, you'll RESEARCH the parts of that story that are missing. And finally, you'll write and PRESENT your very own version of it. Listen, choose, research, present... that's the whole journey ahead of you. Now, this program is named after Al Raby, and he was a real person. He grew up right here, in your community, and he helped bring Dr. King to Chicago back in 1966. That wasn't a small thing — it sparked one of the most important chapters in this city's history. Here's the part that gives me chills. Al Raby actually went to this very school, starting way back in 1939. Back then, it was called McCosh Elementary, but it's the same building, the same hallways. So you're not just learning history in a classroom somewhere. You're continuing it, in the exact same building where he once learned too. Now let's talk about who you'll be working with, because you won't be doing this alone. You'll meet with your mentors every Tuesday, online, at around 3:30 in the afternoon. This will continue for six weeks, one session each Tuesday. And your mentors aren't just one person... they're a whole team. You'll have four to five college students from DePaul University who are studying history. Working right alongside them is Peter Alter, a real historian at the Chicago History Museum. Here's the most important thing to remember about them. They are there to guide you, not to grade you. There's no pressure, no red pens, just a team excited to help you tell your story. Think of them less like teachers and more like teammates who've already walked this road. So what happens between those Tuesday meetings? Right here on Skool, you'll find short videos and small activities to work on. Nothing too long, don't worry... just enough to keep you ready for the next session. Think of it as staying warm and prepared, so every Tuesday feels easy and familiar. These between-session moments are also where you'll start asking your own questions about history. That curiosity is exactly what turns a student into a real researcher. Let me paint you a picture of what a typical Tuesday will actually feel like. First, you'll join the call online from wherever you are. Then you'll say hi to your mentor team and to your classmates. Next, you'll learn something new together as a group. And after that, you'll get a little time to work on your own story. It's relaxed, it's friendly, and it is definitely not a test. Just a comfortable space to grow into a real historian, week by week. By the time week six arrives, you'll be amazed at how far you've actually traveled. Now, before we all meet on that first Tuesday, there's one small thing I need you to do. Take a little time to explore this Skool community. Look around, click through, and just see what's here waiting for you. Then, post a quick hello to introduce yourself to everyone. In your introduction, tell us your name, tell us your school, and share one thing you're curious about. Maybe it's something about Chicago, or about your own family's history... anything at all. That's it... that one small post is your first step into the whole adventure. It helps your mentors get to know you before they ever see your face. So let's take a breath and remember what this really is. Over the next six weeks, you are going to become a real historian. You'll listen to voices from the past, and you'll carry their stories forward. You'll research, you'll write, and you'll stand up and present something that's truly yours. These are stories that might otherwise go unheard, and you're the one who gets to change that. And you'll do it in the same halls where Al Raby once walked as a student. Your mentor team is genuinely looking forward to meeting you. And honestly, so are all of us here behind the scenes.So So go explore the community, post that friendly hello, and get ready for something special. We'll see you on Tuesday... let's make history together. [happily] So go explore the community, post that friendly hello, and get ready for something special. [pause] We'll see you on Tuesday... let's make history together.