Who was Bayard Rustin? Pupils analyze a series of primary source documents to learn about this important figure in the civil rights movement. The instructional activity contains a short film to watch along with guiding questions and other resources provided by well-respected organizations such as PBS. Collaborative learning through whole-class and small-group discussion opens young historians' eyes to the sacrifices and struggles Bayard Rustin faced during the 1960s.

Concepts

bayard rustin, civil rights, civil rights leaders, the civil rights movement, black history month, african american history, social activism, primary source analysis

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• As an exit ticket, have middle schoolers complete a social media profile page for Bayard Rustin as if he were living in current times
• Consider teaching a class novel with your unit, as recommended in the Nonviolence vs. Jim Crow resource

Classroom Considerations

• Requires learners to read for homework; make sure to have a plan for those who did not complete their homework for day two

Pros

• Motivating exercise questions spark inquiry and interest in the lesson
• Includes a wonderful mix of print and film resources for middle schoolers to synthesize 

Cons

• Resource contains guided questions for collaborative discussion but nothing to check individual understanding at the end of the lesson

Common Core

RH.6-8.1 RH.6-8.2 RH.6-8.6 RH.6-8.7 RH.6-8.9 RH.6-8.10 WHST.6-8.1.a WHST.6-8.8 WHST.6-8.9