INDIANAPOLIS — Thursday, hundreds of Indianapolis Public Schools students took over the American Legion Mall downtown to learn the full scope of the heroes who fought in the Civil War.

This is the 27th year for "The Spirit of Freedom Celebration," which connects children in grades 4 through 6 with historical reenactors demonstrating the crucial role African Americans played in the war.

"We feel it is critical for students to know and understand who they are and where the come from. And this means all students, because we can't disconnect white history from Black history from brown history. It has to go together so students can make sense of their world," said Dr. Patricia Payne, the director of strategic educational excellence at IPS.

IPS set up different stations along the American Leg

See Full Page