Board honors Doc Cunningham for See America In Color civic-engagement project

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The Franklin Township Board of Education recognized Doc Cunningham on May 23 for founding See America In Color, a civic-engagement project that has included student essay contests, virtual forums and an in-person civics forum at Franklin High School.

The board cited the district’s collaboration with See America In Color and honored Cunningham for work the agenda described as efforts to “advance civic leadership, social change, and community development.” The first essay contest, themed “To Reach Higher for a Better Nation,” drew on civic ideals and focused discussion on the Black experience in America and civic engagement. The board also presented Cunningham with a school innovator award.

Why it matters: District officials said the program offers students new avenues to discuss civics and social-justice topics and extend classroom work into public-facing activities, including virtual panels, social-media outreach and media projects.

What Cunningham said: In brief remarks to the board he described the project’s origins and purpose, saying the effort grew from personal study and conversations with district leaders. He told the board that See America In Color is intended to broaden civic perspective for younger audiences and to combine multiple streams of American history and local comeback stories into a fuller picture of civic life. “This honor…is gonna give me another push to run even further,” Cunningham said.

District partners and staff: The presentation noted that Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Daniel Loughran and other district staff supported program events. The district presentation said student winners’ essays reflected the program’s stated purpose of encouraging civic-minded leadership and attention to diversity and social justice.

Ending: Board members thanked Cunningham for the work and for in-person engagement with students during the spring civics forum.