Facing History & Ourselves

On this day in 2020, the world lost the legendary activist and 17-term congressman John Lewis. Deeply involved in the civil rights movement as a Freedom Rider, Chairman of the SNCC, organizer of the March on Washington, and leader of the first Selma to Montgomery March—where he was a victim of police violence on Bloody Sunday—Lewis left behind a powerful legacy that continues to inspire us today. Click through to read an excerpt from his memoir Walking with the Wind, where Congressman Lewis describes the impact of Emmett Till's murder on his worldview and life of activism.

Born on this day in 1862, Ida B. Wells was an investigative journalist, early civil rights activist, and educator. One of the founders of the NAACP, Wells’ groundbreaking investigative reporting exposed the truth about lynchings and advocated for racial justice. Click through to explore a Facing History lesson plan that helps students connect Wells’ work to the long tradition of Black resistance to racial terror and violence.

Excited to partner with Facing History & Ourselves for their summer professional development series! Register here to join! https://lnkd.in/eCH-MP8R

From February 11 to July 15, 1978, the American Indian Movement led "The Longest Walk" from Alcatraz Island to Washington DC in order to protest a series of federal bills that threatened land and water rights for Native Americans. The participation of thousands—including famous supporters like Marlon Brando, Muhammad Ali, and Senator Ted Kennedy—led to the withdrawal of the proposed bills and the passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. Learn more from the National Park Service:

To help their students understand the history of disability and ableism in the United States, educators Yoni Kadden and Alex Green developed a high school course that culminated in students creating a nationally-recognized public museum exhibit. They joined us for a panel conversation with education inclusion expert Jennifer Saber to discuss inclusive learning communities, the history of disability, and more. Click through to watch their conversation in this on-demand webinar as we celebrate Disability Pride Month.

On this day in 1930, the inaugural FIFA World Cup began in Montevideo, Uruguay. Eventually won by the host nation, it began an every-four-years tradition that has brought the world together—both to celebrate athletic achievement and as a stage for peaceful protest. Click through to discover a Facing History resource that uses the 2022 Qatar World Cup as a way to examine upstanding, activism, and free speech during global sporting events.

The Pakistani human rights activist and 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai was born on this day in 1997. A powerful advocate for female education who never stopped upstanding—even when she was the victim of a violent assassination attempt—Malala has continued to have a major impact on the world with her unflinching ability to speak for the voiceless. In 2023, Facing History students in California had the chance to meet Malala at a screening of her Oscar-nominated film "Stranger at the Gate." Click through to learn more about this incredible opportunity for which we continue to be deeply grateful.

While To Kill A Mockingbird was once widely taught, many educators are now carefully considering if the novel should remain a part of their curriculum. Click through to read an Ideas This Week article offering tools that can help educators decide whether or not to read Mockingbird with their students—and how to do so responsibly.

Born on July 10, 1875, Mary McLeod Bethune was a philanthropist, civil rights activist, educator, and the first Black woman to lead a federal agency (the National Youth Association). Following a long teaching career that included the founding of what is now known as Bethune-Cookman University, she became a political leader in organizations including the National Council of Negro Women and the National Association for Colored Women. After working for the Franklin Delano Roosevelt campaign in 1932, she helped create the Federal Council on Colored Affairs—otherwise known as the "Black Cabinet"—and represented the NAACP as the only Black woman present at the founding of the United Nations. Learn more about her extraordinary life from the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Austin-area educators: We are hosting an in-person event on July 24 and 25 at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation Presidential Library to mark the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. During this two-day workshop, we will examine the historical and legal evolution of citizenship in the United States and explore engaging curriculum and pedagogical tools that bring this history to life. Registration is open and we hope to see you there!