Black Lives Matter

Students read and think about what other students have to say about Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter and then share their own perspectives.  (Grades 3-6)

Students examine and reflect on other students’ art and writing about Covid and Black Lives Matter, and share their own perspectives, including through art. (Grades 6-12)

"This year, Juneteenth and the 4th of July arrived amidst a protest party in full swing. In my social circles, both days were heightened displays of Black love and joy, Black pain and resistance," writes Morningside Center staff developer Nicole Lavonne Smith. 

This lesson invites students to listen to and reflect on portraits of 12 Black Lives Matter protesters from across the U.S.

Meyer Levin Middle School principal George Patterson writes in Chalkbeat about how his awe-inspiring school puts students at the center of Juneteenth.

Students watch and discuss a short video about the history of Juneteenth and research their questions about the holiday.

This activity invites students to listen to and share music that can inspire and sustain them as they explore ways to battle oppression and push to survive and thrive during these challenging times.

The NFL has taken a new stance toward Black Lives Matter. Students consider videos by NFL players and by the NFL Commissioner - and the history of activism by Colin Kaepernick and other athletes. 

Educators must not be complicit and co-conspirators in the act of not allowing Black students to just BE their wonderfully made selves.

This activity has students listen to and reflect on the voices of those who are out in the street in the wake of George Floyd's murder by police. What brings them there? And what do students think and feel about it?