Introduction

In recent years, there have been many changes worldwide in terms of economic and more important, social life including the increasing interaction between various racial, ethnic and cultural groups.  For instance, take a look around your classroom and observe the many differences amongst you and your peers.  Did you ever wonder and consider the possibility of differences there are between you and your friends ?

Only a mere forty to fifty years ago, back in the 1950s and 1960s, African-Americans, especially those dwelling within the United States, did not have equal rights as citizens.  Indeed, whether an individual was a man or a woman, black or white, one could feel the social tension during that period.
 

Your Task . . .

For this purpose, you are to place yourselves in the shoes of a character from the harsh 50s & 60s, keeping in mind that your primary goal is to understand how and what life was like for your chosen figure.  Not only must you form an idea of what it was like to be that person, but you must also provide an understanding and description of their social status (role) along with their social interactions.  Be sure to include a brief, page or so, journal explaining  some of the hardships faced and/or conquered. (Note: your final work should be approximately 2 pages in length)
 

The Process . . .

•  You may choose to work with a partner, however, remember that you will then have to submit twice the amount of work! 

•  Choose one of the characters for your project from below and click on the numbers to visit informational sites regarding your character:
 

Martin Luther King source: The Seattle Times 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6

Rosa Parks source: TIME Magazine 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 •5 • 6

Mohammed Ali source: TIME Magazine 1• 2 • 3 • 4 • 5

(*Note:  Be sure to also visit the sites linked on the pages you look at)

•  Once you've visited all useful sites and have gathered information, proceed by collecting additional information on the time period, that is, the 1950s & 1960s. (Try using valuable Search Engines on the internet, such as: Google, Yahoo, Excite, InfoSeek...).  You will have to perform some research on the era in order to effectively complete the assignment.  As you put your thoughts together, ask yourself some of the following questions:  i) What was it like to be a minority during the 50s/60s ?  ii) What key events occured in that era ? (example: the Civil Rights Movement)

•  To have a better understanding of your character's life and times, get some extra details on their background prior to their recognition in society i.e.: What daily problems did they face which led them to become activists ?  How and why were they oppressed in society ?

•  While you are doing your research on this character, keep in mind the following points:
        -  What are some of their achievements ?
        -  What key event(s) led to their recognition ?

•  To help you with your final work, you should submit an outline prior to the due date with the following points:
        -The character's name/background
        -The character's social status/role
        -The character's tribulations
        -The character's achievements/recognitions
        -The events taking place during that era
 

Evaluation

•  You will be evaluated on the following:
        -Content (the character's background, clear and thorough description of the events during that time period)
        -Originality/effort
        -Comprehension (the link between the character and that time period)

•  Each count for 10 points, for a total of 30 points.

•  If you choose to work with a partner you will be graded as a group, not individually.
 

Conclusion

In completing this activity, you may have accomplished the ability to undertsand how one was treated differently based on their color of skin, nationality, language, or religion, during a different time period.  Now that you have placed yourself in their shoes, how do you feel?  Can you think of any ethnic group in our society that has not been or is not treated fairly?  To help you with this question you may want to consider looking at these sites for further information on the aboriginals: