The struggle for Black liberation in the United States is older than the nation itself and continues into the 21st century. In this three-part seminar, we will explore key and often underrepresented voices of the Black liberation movement.  We’ll investigate the environments in which ideas about Black liberation emerge, take root, and are set into motion. By engaging with the works of a variety of activists from diverse intellectual and artistic traditions, we will immerse ourselves in the ideas and emotions that fuel calls for justice and change in America. These sessions will include opportunities for reflection and conversation about intentionally bringing these voices into the classroom to inspire civic engagement and democratic discourse. 

Whether it’s calls for environmental justice, navigating a fast-paced and constantly evolving media landscape, or understanding the implications of Supreme Court decisions or local legislative agendas, civic participation demands civic knowledge. In order for students to become active and informed participants in democratic life, they need to understand their rights and responsibilities as members of local, state, national, and global communities. This requires an appreciation of history, politics, and the different perspectives that shape opinions and competing political agendas. Join us as we explore the knowledge students need in order to act as empowered members of communities and citizens of the world. We’ll model and practice student-centered approaches to civics that make learning relevant, meaningful, and culturally affirming.

Come and prepare with Primary Source and your colleagues for the more inclusive approach to elementary social studies featured in the MA elementary Social Studies framework! We will explore the voices and experiences of marginalized populations through an exploration of Indigenous lives within and beyond New England, African American histories of the 17^th to 19^th centuries as well as the Civil Rights Movement, and children’s literature from diverse world traditions. As we go, we will feature sessions that blend skill-development approaches with content by modeling inquiry, cultivating historical thinking and civics skills, and incorporating primary sources.  We’ll investigate how to teach geography with maps and other tools, and consider how to connect local history to bigger themes. Grade-level breakout sessions will allow smaller groups of peers to focus on curricula, resources, and strategies relevant to each K-5 year.