February 25, 2020

Honoring the History of Black Civic Engagement

The official theme of Black History Month 2020 is “African Americans and the Vote.” Black changemakers and activists have been fighting for equal rights since before our nation began. This week, we’ll be sharing resources on the history of Black civic engagement and the continuing fight for full equality under the law.

 Charlottesville’s Zyahna Bryant Shall Lead // Coshandra Dillard

Browder v. Gayle // Jonathan Gold

They Deserve Better // Jey Ehrenhalt

Teaching Beyond the Little Rock Nine

Your students might be familiar with the Little Rock Nine—a courageous group of Black students who integrated Little Rock’s Central High School in 1957. But are they aware that the same scenario played out again and again across U.S. cities for the next several decades? Connect history to the present by including lesser-known events and milestones when you teach the history of school integration. Read how here.

Rep. John Lewis Reflects on a Dream Deferred

“We have come a great distance in this nation since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. … On the other hand, there are still millions of Black people in this country, and people of color across the globe, who are left out and left behind.” Rep. John Lewis takes a look at the legacy of Dr. King’s ideals—and how his dream has still not been realized.

Text: Obama’s Address on Bloody Sunday Anniversary

Former President Barack Obama’s 2015 speech on the Edmund Pettus Bridge honors the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, when hundreds of voting rights activists were brutally attacked by state troopers as they began a march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. In this speech, President Obama reminds us of the spirit and struggle associated with the marchers in Selma, or any group of people challenging injustice.

Who Decides What’s “Civil”?

What does it mean to be civil? It’s more than pleasantries or politeness. TT Staff Writer Coshandra Dillard explains how the concept of civility has also been used as a tool of oppression, and why it’s important to give students some historical context about the concept. Mapping the ways in which racism persists today will help students evaluate how far we’ve come and how far we have to go.

Check Out What We’re Reading

“The bottom line is that even when you control for kids’ math and reading abilities through their test scores, we find that teachers’ perceptions of their students’ non-cognitive and academic skills differ by race, ethnicity, and gender.” — YaleNews

“The comments made me realize I wasn’t alone. I was never alone.” — EdSurge

“All children should experience the power and joy of self-discovery, and the expansion of the mind and heart to become their most excellent and brilliant selves. The lessons of our ancestors provide a perfect place to start.”  — ASCD
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