Bra Fie (translates from the Ghanian Language- Akan to “Come Home
Students will explore the history of Blacks in America with an emphasis on why some organizations urge African Americans to journey back to their roots.
Lesson Created By: Shaquetta Moultrie
Lesson Partners: Center for the Education & Equity of African American Students (CEEAAS)
Essential Question
- How has slavery influenced racial issues today?
- How are the philosophies of MLK and Malcolm X similar and different?
- What laws are instituted to diminish injustice in America?
- What are some examples of injustice against Blacks?
- Why would some people believe that Blacks should embrace their roots and in some cases, even migrate to Africa?
Grade(s):
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Smartboard or playback device, computer
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Lesson Progression
Day One
- A message through Music- Students will listen to “Bra Fie”- students will be asked to jot down messages they hear within the lyrics that relate to the treatment of Blacks
- Direct Instruction on slavery (bringing Africans to the Americas), Jim Crow, and civil rights era- and even to present day. I would suggest a timeline method for the sake of time
- Students will be asked to answer the question- How has slavery influenced racial issues today?
Day 2
- Students will examine and compare the philosophies of influential leaders who promoted justice for African Americans (MLK, Malcolm X)
- Students will compare the ideologies of the Black Panther Party and the Black Lives Matter Organization.
- Students will research one person outside of MLK and Malcolm X that was significant in the fight for justice for blacks
Day 3
- Student will read as a class, the article, “How Ghana Made Itself the African Home for a return of the Black Diaspora”
Fishbowl discussion centered on: Should African Americans consider returning to their roots, Africa, or should they embrace the culture here in America”.
Standards
- This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into the impact of Transatlantic interaction with Europeans, Africans, and others on the indigenous populations of the Americas.
- 7.1.6.AG Gather evidence and construct a map or model to investigate a significant contemporary cultural, economic, or political issue facing Africa at the local, regional, or global scale.
- HG.1.2.PR Explain the cultural, economic, environmental, and political conditions and connections that contribute to human migration patterns.
- MWH.5.CX Examine the Holocaust and its aftermath in providing the context for subsequent developments in international efforts to recognize and protect human rights.
Assessments
Input in Fishbowl discussion
Students will create a poem, song, or short speech describing their thoughts on the meaning of the following quote by MLK Jr, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to Justice Everywhere”.