Exploring the Concept of Identity (en español)
In Spanish, this informational text introduces students to the relationship between social identity and personal identity. It includes instructions for annotating, a sketching activity, and connection questions.
We also have an adapted version of this reading designed for English Learners and readers who benefit from scaffolding.
![Student storytelling in a classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/San%20Francisco_Classroom_2017_FH152797.jpg?h=119335f7&itok=KFfy5naO)
The Artist and His Mother by Arshile Gorky
This image, which is on the cover of Facing History's publication Crimes Against Humanity and Civilization: The Genocide of the Armenians was painted by the artist Arshile Gorky. It is based on a photograph of Gorky and his mother, Sushan der Marderosian, taken in 1912. Although Gorky is generally identified as an American artist, he was born Vosdanig Adoian near the city of Van in what was then the Ottoman Empire. A few years after the photograph was taken, Gorky and his mother were victims of the Armenian Genocide. While he survived, Gorky remembers his mother dying in his arms. As an artist Gorky returned to the subject of the 1912 photograph many times throughout his career.
![Painting of artist Arshile Gorky and his mother.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-09/GenocideOfTheArmeniansArshileGorky.jpeg?h=83a548ea&itok=vPFn3ux0)
The Artist and His Mother by Arshile Gorky (en español)
This image, which is on the cover of Facing History's publication Crimes Against Humanity and Civilization: The Genocide of the Armenians was painted by the artist Arshile Gorky. It is based on a photograph of Gorky and his mother, Sushan der Marderosian, taken in 1912. Although Gorky is generally identified as an American artist, he was born Vosdanig Adoian near the city of Van in what was then the Ottoman Empire. A few years after the photograph was taken, Gorky and his mother were victims of the Armenian Genocide. While he survived, Gorky remembers his mother dying in his arms. As an artist Gorky returned to the subject of the 1912 photograph many times throughout his career. This resource is in Spanish.
![Painting of artist Arshile Gorky and his mother.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-09/GenocideOfTheArmeniansArshileGorky.jpeg?h=83a548ea&itok=vPFn3ux0)
Brown Girl Dreaming
Through using free-verse poetry, the author shares her childhood memories of growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement.
![A girl leans against a wall while reading a book.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/iStock-1209693972.jpg?h=7bbcb45e&itok=b5N9XQ_7)
T.S.A. and Cinnamon Buns
In this personal narrative, a young adult shares their experience of going through security at the airport.
![Two students concentrate at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101623.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=HV6pCaZ1)
T.S.A. and Cinnamon Buns (en español)
In Spanish, in this personal narrative, a young adult shares their experience of going through security at the airport.
![Two students concentrate at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101623.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=HV6pCaZ1)
The Danger of Silence Transcript
This is a transcript of Clint Smith's TEDtalk about finding the courage to speak up against ignorance and injustice.
![Students work at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-08/Somerville_Massachusetts_Classroom_2017_FH256559.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=tO-PWoKO)
The Danger of Silence Transcript (en español)
In Spanish, this is a transcript of Clint Smith's TEDtalk about finding the courage to speak up against ignorance and injustice.
![Students work at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-08/Somerville_Massachusetts_Classroom_2017_FH256559.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=tO-PWoKO)
The Man Box
In this personal narrative, a young person shares their experience of being vulnerable with their male friends.
![Two female students work together at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Somerville_Massachusetts_Classroom_2017_%20FH256803.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=74WEpHMh)
The Man Box (en español)
In Spanish, in this personal narrative, a young person shares their experience of being vulnerable with their male friends.
![Two female students work together at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Somerville_Massachusetts_Classroom_2017_%20FH256803.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=74WEpHMh)
Safia’s Story
In this personal narrative, a young person reflects on her experience participating in pageants and being a Black, Muslim, woman growing up in the Midwest.
![A student highlights a paper at their desk.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Roosevelt_Classroom_2017_FH260867.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=Du27Tsuf)