Still Striving for a More Perfect Union in the Age of Black Lives Matter

What does Ralph Ellison see as stumbling blocks hindering Black Americans from entering the middle class? Have these stumbling blocks changed throughout time?
a crowd of people holding signs. some signs read "Black Lives Matter" and "End Police Brutality" and Defund the Police"

This lesson seeks to explore the contemporary stumbling blocks which impede the actualization of the goals of many Black Americans.  Students will read and evaluate modern source materials, explore the achievements of African Americans in the past 45 years, and view a groundbreaking speech on race given by our first American president of color.

Teaching Standard
NCSS Themes: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10.
Teaching Area
African American History
US History since 1877
Grade Level
9-12
9
10
11
12
Downloadable Files
Adena Barnette-A More Perfect Union-LessonPlan.docx
Worksheet One-Timeline Evaluation Rubr.docx
Worksheet Two- News Article Analysis Sheet.docx