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Black History Month
February has been designated by Congress as African-American History Month. We have
planned several activities to help our students grow in their understanding of African-American contributions to
our society. We will also focus on the obstacles African-Americans had to face and struggle against.
The true story of American democracy is one of change, as more and more people fought for and were granted the rights
and privileges as citizens of this country.
Parent Letter and Permission
Slip Below
February 9, 2007
Dear Parents/Guardians:
February has been designated by Congress as African-American History Month. Several activities have been planned for this month to help us grow in our understanding of African-American contributions to our society and the obstacles they had to struggle against
and overcome to gain greater equity in our society.
FIRST, we will begin
our study with the presentation Mighty
Times.
Mighty Times is the story of how Rosa Parks inspired a community to oppose segregation and change America.
Students will also complete a brief
reflection assignment after viewing the program.
SECOND, as part of our study, we will view a video tape program, A Time for Justice,
which introduces the civil rights movement
through ordinary people who risked their lives -- many of them young people. It also challenges us to understand the fundamental democratic
principles behind the civil rights movement,
to identify sacrifices that were made, and to reflect on the meaning of individual sacrifice.
The 38 minute video uses the voices
of movement participants and historical photography to tell the story of the movement from 1954 to 1965. Some of the content and
scenes includes acts of violence against the
non-violent protesters.
THIRD, another excellent program we will watch and discuss is The Long Walk Home. This movie portrays the struggle during the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott to end segregated transportation practices. Due
to the nature of the content, which is historically accurate, some of the language used may be considered offensive.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 215-943-0360 during
school hours.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Lea Barr
Kristin Cressman
Jackie Gordon
Steve Simons
Ronnie Walters
Cc: Mrs. Kelly, Principal
The Explorers
Team
7-1
Carl
Sandburg Middle School
30 Harmony Road
Levittown,
PA 19056
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
TEAM ACTIVITES
I, the legal parent/guardian
of ____________________________________, have decided:
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to view the program
Mighty Times
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NO
I do not give permission
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to view the program
Mighty Times
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to view the program
A Time for Justice
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NO
I do not give permission
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to view the program
A Time for Justice
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to view the program
The Long Walk Home
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NO
I do not give permission
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to view the program
The Long Walk Home
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__________ ___________________________
Date
Parent/Guardian Signature
In-School Enrichment Activities
Additional Resources
"The Ernest
Green Story" (1993, Walt Disney Films)
Tagline:
1957.
Plot Outline:
The integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, was a nightmare
for the brave students who broke the color barrier.In this film, young people can get a sense of the courage of teenagers in extraordinary circumstances. The
performances are first rate and even young viewers will understand the story.
"Mississippi Burning" (1988, Orion Pictures)
Tagline:
1964. When America
was at war with itself.
Plot Outline:
Two FBI agents with wildly different styles arrive in Mississippi to try to uncover the mystery behind a murder of
three activists and as they go along they realize that a big part of the town shares its views with the KKK, especially the
people in high places.
"Mississippi
Burning" tries to show us a part of such sad times when black people were treated with immense hatred and differences.
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