The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation is proud to support this learning experience that helps young people learn about Congressman John Lewis and other “Good Troublemakers”
ATLANTA — The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation is proud to support the relaunch of Minecraft Education’s “Lessons in Good Trouble” learning experience. First launched in 2020, this educational “walk” through history features John Lewis and Good Troublemakers including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, Mahatma Gandhi and Emmeline Pankhurst. It is available as a free download from Minecraft Education.
Click here for more background on the project
There is also a video featuring the creators of the “Good Trouble” Lesson (including educators Felisa Ford and Natasha Rachell) and Detria Everson, our President and CEO. “The chief mission of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation is to bring about a renewal of civic responsibility and encourage civic engagement, particularly among young people,” said Detria Everson, President and CEO.
Click here to register and watch the video.
“We are always looking for creative ways to reach young students in order to inspire them. Microsoft Education’s “Good Trouble” learning experience does exactly that,” Everson added.
Students can “stand with” John Lewis on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on “Bloody Sunday” (March 7, 1965), “see” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s leadership on Turnaround Tuesday, “join” the successful third Selma to Montgomery March, and witness John Lewis’ final journey across the Edmund Pettus Bridge (July 26, 2020).
Justin Edwards, Director of Learning Experiences, Minecraft Education said, “This updated world, from Minecraft Education, takes important stories of social justice and equity from global history, and brings that information to students in an immersive way. The content has reached millions of Minecraft players and this update provides even greater quality to the experience.”
In addition to walking alongside John Lewis as he leads protesters across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, students travel through history to take part in some of the social justice movements that inspired John Lewis.
- In early-1900s Britain, they help Emmeline Pankhurst spread the word about the suffrage movement that earned women the right to vote.
- In mid-20th century India, they encounter Mahatma Gandhi during one of his fasts in support of the Indian Nationalist movement.
- In 1990s South Africa, they work alongside Nelson Mandela to dismantle apartheid.
- In early 2000s Pakistan, they help Malala Yousafzai expand education opportunities for girls.
After each of these episodes, students will reflect on the ways that people have stood up for each other throughout history, preparing them to take a stand for what’s right in their own lives.
Students document their progress using in-game journals, capturing reflections, quotes, and personal insights that deepen their understanding of this pivotal moment in history and its ongoing relevance.
“Lessons in Good Trouble” includes lesson plans and resources for teachers to help bring history to life. Students don’t just learn about the past—they discover how to carry forward John Lewis’s vision of “good trouble” into their own lives and societies.
This learning experience is available through multiple channels:
- Minecraft: Education in-game Library (Equity and Inclusion category)
- Minecraft Marketplace Education Collection (free for all Bedrock version players)
- Minecraft Education free demo version
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For information and interviews:
JLMLF
Neil Parekh
206.370.0058
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As a nation, if we care for the Beloved Community, we must move our feet, our hands, our hearts, our resources to build and not tear down, to reconcile and not to divide, to love and not to hate.