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Summary and Objective
Students will understand that thousands of blacks and whites were able to come together in peaceful demonstration under the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement and how and why this was possible.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
Have the students read the article from the online collection titled, "Leaders of March Still Have Not Attained Goal" from the Greenfield Recorder-Gazette newspaper. Have the students listen to Robert Romer’s personal history account of The March on Washington, which is found on the American Centuries website. Additionally, distribute written copies of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech to be reviewed by the students.
Step 2.
Begin by questioning the students as to how they may have felt to be present that August 28th in Washington. Have the students remark regarding the black perspective as well as the white.
Step 3.
Ask why, in the students’ opinion, did the Civil Rights demonstration have to be peaceful in nature? Discuss the need for blacks to be seen as morally sound individuals who were able to love their enemies. The high moral standards set by Dr. King and his colleagues allowed respect to be fostered between the races.
Step 4.
Assign a writing activity whereby the students must chose a style of poetry and attempt to convey the feelings of the demonstrators that August day. Refer to the website below for samples of poetry styles.
Step 5.
The poems, when completed, would make a terrific display in honor of the work of Dr. King. Collect the poetry and remove the names before copying the pieces for class discussion. The teacher and/or students should read aloud some or all of the pieces, if they are suitable for continued class discussion.
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