Sponsored by the Hoosier State Press Association Foundation Board, “The Birth of The First Amendment” launched Nov. 4 at Shortridge High School, paying homage to the school’s seminal role in high school journalism as the nation’s first high school daily newspaper.
Books are now available for purchase with interactive author event and discussions on the relevance of the First Amendment for young people today. Copies are also available at https://birthofthefirstamendment.org/
This 48-page graphic novel, now on sale nationally and internationally, is the first in a series published by Griffin Media + Publishing LLC and distributed by IngramSpark’s network of national and international partners.
Griffin is CEO of Griffin Media andPublishing LLC, publisher of “The Birth of the First Amendment. She is also the author of “The Twelve Days of Christmas in Indiana,” 2014 (Hardcover) 2017 (Board Book), a student media adviser at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis and director of the Urban Media Project, an initiative of her non-profit organization, Dani’s Dreams Innovation in Education Corp.
Varvel is a national award-winning syndicated editorial cartoonist who worked for The Indianapolis Star for 24 years of his 40-year career. He is a member of the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame and author/illustrator of “The Good Shepherd,” 2014.
“THERE IS A REAL REASON THE FIRST AMENDMENT IS AT THE TOP OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS. . .” said author and publisher Donna Griffin.
“Birth of The First Amendment’ is designed to engage youth with information and tools to think critically, communicate responsibly, and participate as active citizens in our democracy,” Griffin said.
What does BOTFA mean for young people today? Find more information in the special Back Matter section:
- CHECK OUT the “Journalism by the Numbers” section that explains the importance of the Fourth Estate
- FIND OUT how the First Amendment became at the top of the Bill of Rights and key events and trials that have shaped our country’s laws
- BE INSPIRED by stories of First Amendment superheroes and New Voices who are speaking their truth
Join us!
Stay updated on all the details of our mission and how you can be involved. Sign up here:
Here’s what the Federal Hall website says about the Peter Zenger trial:
“The monumental trial of John Peter Zenger took place on the historic site where Federal Hall National Memorial now stands. The case inspired the entire city and helped to further the cause for freedom that led to revolution, forty years later. The John Peter Zenger trial would lead the way for the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America, which reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
