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Civil Rights Movements: Then and Today
By Sarah Austin
Engage your students in having them draw important connections between the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s and contemporary grassroots movements taking place in the United States. This lesson will prompt students to analyze short documentary video clips that focus on six different contemporary grassroots movements:
1) Women’s March
2) Immigration
3) Standing Rock
4) Black Lives Matter
5) Climate Change
6) Teacher Strikes
With the corresponding video clips, students will fill out a provided T-chart that will identify the following aspects of each movement:
1) Desired Outcome/Changes
2) Group(s) involved
3) Strategies
4) Obstacle/Challenges
5) Questions
Hands-on activities: Two relevant, critical thinking activities follow that involve having students take their prior knowledge of the Civil Rights era (1950/60’s) and;
1. Using a Venn diagram, students will compare this time period with current day grassroots movements.
2. Each group will then discuss what issues are relevant and meaningful for them. Students will choose an issue that they wish to see change, and then as a group, will create a poster that promotes their cause.
Time frame for lesson:
Materials:
*Note:
Students will have already learned about the Civil Rights era. This lesson serves as a critical thinking extension activity that encourages students to draw connections to contemporary grass roots movements & the Civil Rights movement.
Civil Rights Movement, current events, grassroots, racism, controversy, poster, Trump
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Civil Rights Heroes & History Engaging Reading Comprehension Worksheet Bundle
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Civil Rights Heroes & History: A Bundle of Engaging Reading Comprehension Activities
This compelling bundle offers 11 captivating reading comprehension activities that bring the Civil Rights Movement to life for your students.
Uncover the inspiring stories and enduring legacies of iconic figures like Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and countless others who bravely fought for equality.
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This activity goes beyond the Montgomery Bus Boycott, exploring Rosa Parks' lifelong activism, leadership, and enduring impact on the movement.
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Students will examine Malcolm X's life philosophy, analyzing his critiques of American society and his calls for self-determination.
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This activity delves into Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s commitment to nonviolence, social justice, and systemic change, analyzing excerpts from his speeches and exploring his lesser-known campaigns.
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The story of the Freedom Rides unfolds, highlighting the courage of participants and the impact on desegregation efforts. Students will create timelines, analyze firsthand accounts, and discuss the significance of nonviolent resistance.
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This activity examines the Selma to Montgomery marches, analyzing primary sources and comparing Selma to other pivotal events to understand its lasting impact on voting rights.
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This comprehensive activity highlights the role of young people in the movement, showcasing their courage and impact through sit-ins and other forms of protest. Students will learn about specific youth activists, analyze speeches, and discuss the importance of youth involvement in social change.
8. Freedom's Song: Music as a Weapon in the Civil Rights Struggle:
Explore the power of music in the movement, analyzing anthems like "We Shall Overcome" and artists like Nina Simone. Students will analyze lyrics and historical context of protest songs, understanding how music served as a powerful tool for change.
9. From "I Have a Dream" to Action: The Enduring Legacy of the March on Washington:
This activity examines the historical context, key figures, and lasting impact of the March on Washington, with emphasis on Dr. King's iconic speech and its call to action. Students will analyze primary sources, compare the March to other pivotal moments, and discuss its relevance to contemporary social justice movements.
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This resource explores the historical struggle for voting rights for Black Americans, highlighting key milestones, discriminatory tactics like Jim Crow laws, and ongoing challenges to voter suppression. Students will analyze timelines, primary sources, and discuss the importance of protecting voting rights.
11. The Civil Rights Movement:
This resource provides a broader context for the movement, encompassing additional figures, events, and ongoing issues related to social justice.
12. The Black Panther Party:
This resource discusses the political movement advocating for self-defense and social justice.
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Common Core Standards Alignment:
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Unleash the Power of Black History: 18 Guided Reading Comprehension Worksheets
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Black Americans in Military, Science & Technology Reading Comprehension
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Women of Color & Cold War Oppression: 1 Reading Comprehension Worksheet
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