Making Curriculum Pop

QUESTION: How do you teach about emotionally charged historical events?

I am teaching literature at the post-secondary level; however, the particular works I am teaching require that I introduce the literature with a unit on African American history, particularly the early years of Reconstruction and the the history of lynchingWhat do you think is the best way to teach students about this inhumane and uncivilized treatment of African Americans?  So far, I found some photos and a short movie by James Allen on a website from his book and exhibit called Sanctuary.org  and the song Strange Fruit sung by Billie Holiday.  I am looking forward to your ideas  about how to approach this "loaded" topic.

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Replies to This Discussion

Debra,

This is exactly what I am looking for, particularly the story of Angela Whitaker. What a wonderful story about race and class, and what a tribute!!! An outstanding positive example!!! Just what I need. Thank you so much for contributing this, Debra.

Warmly,

Ingrid
This article is so perfect and so humbling! Thank you, Ryan. Why is this information missing from our world history books???!!!!
Ingrid - see this old post for additional "Strange Fruit" resources - RESOURCES: American Studies + Popular Music
A wonderful grouping. Could you comment on your view of the phrase "Strange fruit"? I know the history of the song and its Jewish schoolteacher composer of the lyrics, etc. but I have a great deal of difficulty with the metaphor itself, let alone teaching it. I'd love some discussion about approaching the metaphor with more advanced students. I have spoken about my discomfort with the phrase, but that has not helped much. Any thoughts on this organic image for something so unnatural as lynching?????
I'd suggest using Thurgood Marshall as a centerpiece for much of this discussion. You can find some good documentaries about him and a shelf full of books (including one by me). Marshall didn't deal directly with Reconstruction, of course, but he certainly was influenced by it and spent much of his career working to overturn the legacy of Reconstruction and Jim Crow. Using Marshall allows you to connect the social events (segregation in all its forms, lynching, bogus trials, etc) with the legal actions that eventually led to lasting reform.

It might also benefit students to learn the legal definition of 'lynching,' that it had nothing to do with hanging. They could do their own research to discover why and when hanging became associated with it.

The PBS documentary "The Lynching of Emmett Till," is another great, powerful resource on a particular moment in US history.

Chris Crowe
Thanks for letting us know about your book, Chris. It's always great to support one of our member's work! Yes, it is important that our students learn that lynching is about people taking justice into their own hands in a vigilanti-esque fashion, so to speak, and not about hanging; there are too many misconceptions about this. That is very important for students to know. The PBS documentary is a good source I've not thought about. Great suggestions. Thanks.

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