Petition for Freedom to the Massachusetts Legislature, 1877
This 1777 primary source is an antislavery petition from a group of African Americans in Massachusetts.
“On the Equality of the Sexes” by Judith Sargent Murray, 1790
This 1790 primary source is an influential essay from a white female writer and intellectual.
John Amaechi Discusses the Importance of Being Present
Psychologist John Amaechi talks about the impact of educators' interactions with students and the importance of acknowledging their power.
Jonathan Lykes Performs "Perception"
Facing History student Jonathan Lykes presented his poem "Perception" at a Facing History benefit dinner. The poem, which won a regional poetry contest, is about how prejudice influences our decisions about helping others.
Lynda Lowery Describes Bloody Sunday
Lynda Lowery describes "Bloody Sunday" and the resolve that motivated her throughout.
“Payos for Cornrows” by Aaron Samuels
In this spoken-word poem, Aaron Samuels reflects on his experience with the identities of Black and Jewish.
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Maggid, The Four Children
Use this reading to introduce students to the Four Children featured in the Maggid, the storytelling section of a Passover Seder.
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Rev. Dr. Bernard Lafayette on Non-Violence
Rev. Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr. discusses the important practice of nonviolence.
Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth Recounts the Bombing of His Parsonage in 1956
Fred Shuttlesworth speaks about the civil rights movement's commitment to non-violence.
The Redneck Stereotype
Authors Joseph Flora and Lucinda MacKethan describe the characteristics of the “redneck,” a specific stereotype of a poor white Southerner.
Scottsboro: an American Tragedy
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In March 1931, two white women in Alabama made the shocking accusation that they had been raped by nine black teenagers on a train. The trials of the young men drew North and South into their sharpest conflict since the Civil War.