Parent Guide > Voice for Freedom

This week in class, we’re reading "Voice for Freedom" by Jodie Shull.

In "Voice for Freedom," Jodie Shull discusses the life of James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938), a Black American writer and civil rights activist who wrote "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

As we read, we will be discussing the themes of America, Resilience & Success, and Social Change & Revolution as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :

"How has America changed over time?", "How does a person overcome adversity?", and "How do people create change?"

Ways to support your child:

• Ask your child about this biography at home:
  • What was "Voice for Freedom" about?
  • What did you learn about America?
  • What did you learn about Resilience & Success?
  • What did you learn about Social Change & Revolution?
• Watch the following clips with your child at home:
  • 'Beyoncé HOMECOMING Lift Every Voice (HQ)'
  • 'Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generation'
  • 'Why we "Lift Every Voice and Sing" | The story behind the 'black national anthem''