Build a Foundation With These Frameworks and Publications
When it comes to teaching the Civil Rights Movement and untold histories, having the right resources is crucial. Fortunately, there are several frameworks and publications available that can help educators facilitate a solid understanding of the struggle for Black equality. Let’s take a closer look at some of these resources.
Teaching the Civil Rights Movement: Our Civil Rights Movement framework is specifically designed for grades 9 to 12. It begins in 1877 with Reconstruction and continues the narrative of the movement for equality and civil rights to the present. This publication includes a Framework that organizes essential knowledge into four chronological periods. It also provides Guiding Principles that offer essential practices to support educators in their teaching. Additionally, there are Resources available that provide options for teaching each Summary Objective.
Teaching Hard History: American Slavery: Another important framework is Teaching Hard History: American Slavery. This framework focuses on the history of American slavery and the struggle to end it. It covers precolonial times, the earliest European settlements, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. There are detailed frameworks available for both K-5 and 6-12 contexts, along with a variety of classroom resources and professional development materials.
Advocating for Teaching Honest History: What Educators Can Do: This publication offers concrete tools for educators who want to ensure that future generations receive an accurate accounting of our nation’s history. It provides strategies and resources to help educators advocate for teaching honest history in schools.
Discuss Key Moments and Untold Histories With These Articles
In addition to frameworks and publications, there are also articles available that can help facilitate discussions about key moments and untold histories. Here are a few examples:
– Talking to Children About the History of Slavery in the United States: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers: This article offers recommendations for discussing the history and legacy of slavery and race with children. It also provides age-appropriate information to emphasize in conversations.
– Celebrate African and Indigenous Culture: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers: This article highlights the importance of conversations about African and Indigenous cultures in learning about the history of our country and making connections with the broader world.
– Teaching About the Montgomery Bus Boycott: Grounded in the Teaching the Civil Rights Movement Framework, this article offers guiding principles and suggested resources for teaching about this important campaign.
– Remembering the 1963 March on Washington: This article provides resources to help contextualize the challenges and triumphs of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
– Power of the Vote: Lifting the Veil of White Supremacy, From the Ocoee Massacre to January 6: This article recounts the story of a little-known 1920 massacre against Black voters in Ocoee, Florida. It draws connections between that moment and the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Black LGBTQ History: Teachers Must Do a Better Job
In order to present a comprehensive understanding of Black history, it is essential that curricula include the voices and experiences of all identity groups. This includes LGBTQ+ individuals. Our curricula should not present a narrow, monolithic narrative that omits certain voices. By incorporating Black LGBTQ history into our teaching, we can provide a more inclusive and accurate representation of the Black experience.
Connect Voting Rights History to Current Policies and Discourse
Understanding the history of voting rights in the United States is crucial for creating an inclusive society and realizing the democratic ideals expressed in the Constitution. By uncovering the honest history of voting rights, we can better understand the systemic barriers that have disproportionately affected marginalized communities. This knowledge can inform current policies and discourse, leading to a more equitable and inclusive electoral system.
A Supremely Historic Moment
As we celebrate the appointment of the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court, there are important lessons we can all learn. This historic moment highlights the significance of intersectionality and representation. It reminds us of our essential roles in eliminating obstacles for young people and creating a more inclusive society. The appointment of a Black woman to the highest court in the land is a powerful symbol of progress, but it also serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done.
History Moves With Us
Charles E. Cobb Jr., a veteran of the civil rights movement, reflects on the importance of teaching civil rights history. He emphasizes that history is not something that happened in the past and is over – it is something that continues to shape our present and future. By teaching civil rights history, we can inspire young people to become active participants in creating a more just and equitable society.
Reflections on a Dream Deferred
In 2008, Rep. John Lewis shared his thoughts on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream and the ongoing struggle for equality. In his inspiring essay, Lewis honors both of these leaders and calls for continued action and perseverance in the fight for justice. He reminds us that progress is not linear and that we must remain committed to the ideals of equality and justice.
Teaching About King’s Radical Approach to Social Justice
While Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work is often sugarcoated, it is important to teach the full extent of his beliefs and activism. King championed economic justice, taught Black self-love, and pushed back against neutrality, imperialism, and systemic racism. By teaching about King’s radical approach to social justice, we can inspire students to think critically about the world around them and become agents of change.
Deepen Your Knowledge and Teach With Our Podcast, Videos, Webinars, and Lessons
To further deepen your knowledge and enhance your teaching, there are several resources available. The Teaching Hard History podcast, hosted by Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ph.D., brings important lessons to light through the voices of leading scholars and educators. The podcast covers topics such as American slavery, the Jim Crow era, and the Civil Rights Movement.
There are also films, webinars, and lessons available that explore various aspects of history, including Latinx history, discriminatory housing policies, mass incarceration, James Baldwin’s impact on civil rights, and the contributions of African American women to the civil rights movement.
Engage Children With These Resources
It is never too early to start teaching children about the importance of history and social justice. There are several resources available that can help engage children in these topics. Stories such as “The Shoebox Lunch” and “The Night Before the Dream” offer age-appropriate ways to introduce children to concepts of resistance, resilience, love, and the fight for justice. Other resources highlight the significance of music in the lives of enslaved people, the experiences of enslaved individuals on George Washington’s plantation, and the contributions of African American women to the civil rights movement.
Uplift Black Voices With These One World Posters
Finally, to uplift Black voices and celebrate their contributions, One World Posters offer a visual representation of Black leaders, activists, and artists. These posters serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the ongoing fight for equality.
In conclusion, teaching the Civil Rights Movement and untold histories requires a comprehensive approach that includes frameworks, publications, articles, podcasts, videos, webinars, lessons, and engaging resources for children. By utilizing these resources, educators can build a strong foundation and facilitate meaningful discussions about key moments in history and the experiences of marginalized communities. Together, we can ensure that future generations receive an accurate accounting of our nation’s history and work towards a more just and equitable society.
