Why does the Constitution matter? Dive into this question with New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie in this sneak peak of our new course with Khan Academy launching in September 2024. Learn more.

Civil Rights Resources

Live from the Museum: The First Amendment and the Civil Rights Movement

Tuesday, January 23 | Noon ET

Run time: 45 minutes

Students are invited to celebrate the First Amendment and the Civil Rights Movement during a virtual tour of the National Constitution Center’s newest gallery, The First Amendment. Protecting some of our most cherished freedoms—religious liberty, free speech, a free press, the freedom of assembly, and the right to petition—the First Amendment is a pillar of democracy and the American way. We’ll take a closer look at how leaders of the Civil Rights Movement used the First Amendment to create constitutional change.  

Blog Post: Happy Birthday, 24th Amendment!

Read time: 5 minutes

At the time the Constitution was ratified, many states limited the right to vote to property owners. States wanted a sufficiently interested electorate, and they believed that property owners were not only the most interested, but also had the most at stake in the outcome of an election.

Some states moved away from property ownership as a voting qualification and instead required that voters pay a tax, often known as a “poll tax.” Head over to Constitution Daily to learn how poll taxes returned as part of a successful effort to undermine the 15th Amendment and reestablish limits on the franchise. 

Civic Stories: Four Harriets and the Fight for Abolition

Friday, February 2 | Noon ET

Run time: 20 minutes

Live ASL Interpretation Available

Explore the lives of four American women—Harriet Robinson Scott, Harriet Tubman, Harriet Jacobs, and Harriet Beecher Stowe—who confronted slavery through literature, lawsuits, and direct action in their efforts to free themselves and others from bondage.

Professional Learning for Educators

The 14th Amendment and the Battle for Freedom and Equality Featuring Valinda Littlefield

Wednesday, February 21 | 6:30–8 p.m. ET

During this session, participants will explore the 14th Amendment and the battles for equality in America. Educators will examine the clauses of the 14th Amendment and the battle over their meaning from Reconstruction to the Supreme Court’s landmark decision on marriage equality in Obergefell v. Hodges. We will also explore America’s first and second civil rights movements, the Constitution and women, and modern interpretations of the 14th Amendment. Professor Valinda Littlefield of the University of South Carolina joins us. 

Thank you for being part of our community of educators. If you have any questions we’d love to hear from you. Please email the education team at [email protected].

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