Discover Essential Resources
Establish a Strong Foundation with These Frameworks and Publications
Teaching the Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement framework for grades 9 to 12 offers a comprehensive look at the struggle for Black equality. It starts from 1877 with Reconstruction and traces the journey for civil rights up to the present. This publication includes a framework organizing key knowledge into four chronological periods, guiding principles for educators, and a selection of resources for teaching each objective.
Teaching Hard History: American Slavery
The Teaching Hard History Framework delves into the history of American slavery and the efforts to abolish it, covering precolonial times through the Civil War and Reconstruction. It provides detailed frameworks for teaching this subject in K-5 and 6-12 settings, along with a range of classroom resources and professional development materials.
- Teaching Hard History: American Slavery | Classroom Videos
Historians and scholars explore the less-taught history of African and Indigenous enslavement in the United States in these concise videos. - Teaching Hard History in Grades K-5 (webinar)
This webinar explains how the K-5 Teaching Hard History framework focuses on the stories of enslaved individuals to teach American slavery’s history in a manner suitable for younger students. - Teaching Hard History: American Slavery (webinar)
Featuring Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ph.D., this webinar explores Learning for Justice’s Teaching Hard History materials for grades 6-12, designed to address the limitations of textbooks and state standards in teaching American slavery’s history.
Advocating for Teaching Honest History: What Educators Can Do
This publication equips educators with practical tools to ensure future generations receive an accurate portrayal of the nation’s history.
Explore Significant Moments and Lesser-Known Histories Through These Articles
Talking to Children About the History of Slavery in the United States: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers
This resource provides guidance on discussing the history and impact of slavery and race with children, emphasizing age-appropriate information for conversations.
Celebrate African and Indigenous Culture: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers
Conversations highlighting African and Indigenous cultures are essential for understanding the nation’s history and connecting with a broader global context.
Teaching About the Montgomery Bus Boycott
This article, aligned with the Teaching the Civil Rights Movement Framework, offers guidance and resources for teaching about this significant campaign.
Remembering the 1963 March on Washington
Resources are provided to help comprehend the achievements and obstacles faced during 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 delves into the little-known 1920 massacre of Black voters in Ocoee, Florida, drawing parallels between that event and the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
What Is Our Collective Responsibility When We Uncover Honest History?
Advocates for local history stress the importance of preservation, education, and healing, emphasizing community revitalization and respecting the decisions of descendants of enslaved individuals.
Enhancing Black LGBTQ History Education
It’s essential for educators to include diverse voices, including LGBTQ+ individuals, in Black history curricula.
Linking Voting Rights Past and Present
Understanding the history of voting rights in the United States is crucial for promoting inclusivity and upholding democratic principles.
Historic Appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court
The nomination of the first Black woman to the Supreme Court offers lessons on intersectionality, representation, and breaking barriers for future generations.
Reflections on the Ongoing Civil Rights Movement
Civil rights activist Charles E. Cobb Jr. shares insights on teaching civil rights history.
Examining the Uncompromising Vision of Martin Luther King Jr.
Teaching King’s radical stance on social justice, emphasizing economic equality, self-worth, and opposition to systemic racism.
Resources for Deeper Understanding
Teaching Hard History podcast
A podcast series covering critical topics such as American slavery, the Jim Crow era, and the Civil Rights Movement for enhanced learning.
An Outrage
A film shedding light on past instances of violence through the lens of lynching, prompting reflection on historical tragedies and future progress.
Latinx History Is Black History (webinar)
An educational webinar exploring Afro-Latinx identities, historical context, and teaching resources like the poem “Afro-Latina” by Elizabeth Acevedo.
The Color of Law (Lessons, Grades 9-12) (Lesson 1, Lesson 2, Lesson 3)
Lesson plans based on “The Color of Law” by Richard Rothstein, delving into discriminatory housing policies’ impact on the racial wealth gap and U.S. segregation.
Exploring The New Jim Crow Curriculum
A guide for teaching “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” and a complementary webinar with author Michelle Alexander.
James Baldwin’s Legacy in Art and Civil Rights
Insights into the life of James Baldwin, emphasizing the intersections of gay rights, civil rights, self-expression, and activism.
Highlighting Women’s History: Cathay Williams
A narrative for middle schoolers spotlighting Cathay Williams, the first African American woman in the U.S. Army.
Inspiring Figures in Civil Rights
Introducing lesser-known African American women activists who have contributed significantly to the fight for social justice, beyond the familiar story of Rosa Parks.
The Landmark Battle for School Integration
The pivotal moment in Little Rock in 1957, where African Americans challenged the segregation policies following the Supreme Court’s ruling on Brown v. Board of Education.
Engaging Educational Materials for Children
“The Shoebox Lunch”
A young boy stumbles upon an old metal toolbox and his grandmother shares the story of resistance, resilience, and love it embodies.
“The Night Before the Dream”
A poetic story where Bea’s family embarks on a journey to hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., planning to fulfill his dream with determination and family unity.
“Freedom Riders”
An introduction to the history of the Freedom Riders, portraying the challenges they faced, including a violent encounter upon reaching Montgomery, Alabama.
“Songs of Zion”
A tale designed for younger audiences, featuring a story and video emphasizing the significance of music in the lives of enslaved individuals and the enduring impact of African American spirituals in music history and resistance.
“Hercules’ Daughter”
Young Delia learns poignant lessons from her father about the realities of slavery on George Washington’s plantation.
