Share their own views and experiences on race in America today by responding to the Learning Network questionnaire about race. This lesson plan focuses on issues related to race. Because the topic of race is often incendiary, teachers should be particularly mindful in guiding the lesson. Additionally, teachers should be prepared for students coming across extremely derogatory racial terms in the article that may be upsetting or confusing. Upon entering class, students read the text of this famous speech.
Students then share their responses.
Explain to students that they will be reading a New York Times article that discusses the integration of a church in Atlanta, Georgia - the same city where Martin Luther King, Jr. was raised and preached in his early years as a reverend. Although the integration of this church has been gradual over many years, many of the black and white congregants still harbor deep-rooted feelings against members of the other race, though many have embraced the other congregants. The article illustrates many of these different viewpoints. As students read the article, each should use a highlighter, and pen or pencil to mark the different views represented. In round-table discussion format, analyze and evaluate some of the passages from the article that express the viewpoints of different people involved in the church community.