Paired Texts > Empowering the Black Power Movement

by USHistory.org 2016

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

The Sit-In Movement
The Sit-In Movement
USHistory.org

This informational text discusses the different forms of peaceful protests that civil rights activists employed during their struggle for equality.

Pair “Empowering the Black Power Movement” with “The Sit-In Movement” and ask students to discuss the differences between these two civil rights movements. What are the goals of the movements? How are those goals achieved? Is one movement more effective than the other at achieving its goals?

8th Grade Informational Text 1020L
Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
USHistory.org

The informational text "Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott" explores one moment of resistance that inspired countless others and resulted in breakthrough changes in the United States.

Pair “Empowering the Black Power Movement” with “Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycotts” and ask students to compare the civil rights leaders in the two pieces. How different are these leaders and how do their differences inspire different groups of people?

7th Grade Informational Text 920L
For King's Adviser, Fulfilling The Dream 'Cannot Wait'
For King's Adviser, Fulfilling The Dream 'Cannot Wait'
Michele Norris

On August 28, 1963, approximately 250,000 people participated in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was at this event where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous, "I Have a Dream" speech. In this special series from NPR's Morning Edition, reporter Michelle Norris looks back on this important moment in Civil Rights history.

Pair “Empowering the Black Power Movement” with “For King’s Adviser, Fulfilling the Dream Cannot Wait” and ask students to discuss the difference between what King’s peers and Carmichael’s peers considered essential for achieving racial equality. Ask students to discuss how black lives have been bettered by both the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power movement, as well as how society can continue to improve.

8th Grade News 1130L
The Chicano Movement
The Chicano Movement
Jessica McBirney

In this informational text, Jessica McBirney explores how the Chicano Movement emerged in the 1960s to empower Mexican Americans and created lasting change in education, workers' rights, and politics.

Pair “Empowering the Black Power Movement” with “The Chicano Movement” and ask students to discuss the similarities and differences between these two civil rights movements. What were the goals of these movements? Was one movement more successful in achieving its goals?

7th Grade Informational Text 1250L
Malcolm X
Malcolm X
Barrett Smith

In the informational text "Malcolm X," Barrett Smith discusses the life and contributions of the civil rights activist.

Pair “Empowering the Black Power Movement” with “Malcolm X” and ask students to discuss how they see the ideas of Malcolm X reflected in the movement. Why do students think that some African Americans rejected ideas of integration and peaceful resistance? How do you think Malcolm’s murder in 1965 influenced civil rights movements that followed?

8th Grade Biography 1120L
Transcript of Full Joseph McNeil Interview
Transcript of Full Joseph McNeil Interview
Newsday

In "Transcript of Full Joseph McNeil Interview," Joseph McNeil describes his involvement in the Civil Rights movement, most notably, his participation in the Greensboro Woolworth's sit-in.

Pair “Empowering the Black Power Movement” with “Transcript of Full Joseph McNeil Interview” to learn about the term “Black Power” and how this concept impacted the fight for civil rights. In what ways are the two approaches, Black Power and nonviolence, similar? In what ways are they different?

8th Grade Interview 970L
What Kwanzaa means for Black Americans
What Kwanzaa means for Black Americans
Frank Dobson

In "What Kwanzaa means for Black Americans," Frank Dobson discusses how Kwanzaa unites the Black community.

Pair “Empowering the Black Power Movement” with “What Kwanzaa means for Black Americans” and have students discuss the relationship between the Black Power Movement and the creation of the holiday of Kwanzaa. How were Carmichael’s views of Black Power in “Empowering the Black Power Movement” similar to Karenga’s views in “What Kwanzaa means for Black Americans”? How did both men inspire African-Americans to celebrate their culture?

9th Grade Informational Text
"We Shall Overcome" Speech
"We Shall Overcome" Speech
President Lyndon B. Johnson

This rousing speech by President Lyndon B. Johnson was delivered right after civil rights protesters were brutally beaten on "Bloody Sunday." This speech is considered one of the best presidential speeches in history, and eventually led to The Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Pair “Empowering the Black Power Movement” with “'We Shall Overcome' Speech” and ask students to compare the themes Johnson shares with the themes of the Black Power movement, particularly in regards to unity and responsibility.

10th Grade Speech 1070L