2018-2019 Chronological Resources

(Key: E = Elementary, M = Middle, H = High, TR = Teacher Resources)

August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July

August

1     Alexander Fernando Pacheco, animal rights activist and PETA co-founder, born (1958). A co-founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Pacheco helped launch the Silver Spring Monkeys investigation in 1981, when he and Ingrid Newkirk protested the treatment of 17 macaques undergoing scientific experiments. The case led to the first conviction of an animal experimenter for cruelty and catalyzed further action by PETA and the Animal Rights movement.

TeachKind Materials, by PETA. PETA offers free classroom kits at both the primary and secondary levels that include comic books, informational leaflets and magazines on Humane Education topics, as well as sticker sheets and other materials. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2H49QM4

1     180th anniversary of the emancipation of slaves in the Bahamas and Antigua. When the British Empire abolished slavery on August 1, 1834, enslaved people over age six were still bound to slavery for up to six more years. Political and public pressure forced the islands to end this “apprenticeship” two years early, so 1838 is considered the year when slavery was actually abolished in the Caribbean.

Caribbean Histories Revealed, The National Archives. The history of the British Caribbean is explored in this exhibition through government documents, photographs and maps dating from the 17th century to the 1920s. Topics include Caribbean identities, slavery and negotiating freedom, society and welfare after slavery, and more. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2nYkOtF

1      Maria Mitchell, astronomer, born (1818-1889). Maria Mitchell was the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and was co-founder of the Association for the Advancement of Women. After learning she was being paid significantly less than her male counterparts at Vassar College, Mitchell and another colleague advocated for higher salaries in a multi-year dispute.

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World, by Rachel Ignotofsky. A charmingly illustrated and educational book, this New York Times best seller highlights the contributions of notable women to the STEM fields, from the ancient to the modern world. Full of striking, singular art, this fascinating collection also contains infographics about relevant topics such as lab equipment, rates of women currently working in STEM fields, and an illustrated scientific glossary. (E, M) https://bit.ly/2m1DjeH

2     40th anniversary of the Love Canal disaster. After years of newspaper reporting on the effects of toxic chemicals in the Love Canal area, a state of emergency was declared, closing the school that had been built over the corporate dumpsite created 30 years before. Local parent Lois Gibbs rallied homeowners, which eventually led to Congress’s passage of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability “Superfund” Act (CERCLA).

The Love Canal Debate, by C. Davis, D. Kennedy, M. Phillips, S. Sawyer and D. Taylor. This WebQuest was developed by educators in Spartansburg County, SC. In this project students research the circumstances that led to the “Love Canal” disaster in Niagara Falls, New York. Students write an essay, compile a bibliography, and make a brief oral presentation. (H) http://bit.ly/2l28441

Love Canal Digital Images Collection, University at Buffalo Libraries. This part of the New York Heritage Digital Collections presents a WebQuest that takes students on a journey to research the issues surrounding the “Love Canal” disaster. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2zmADxW

3     110th anniversary of the founding of Allensworth, CA. The first town founded, financed and governed by Black people, Allensworth, CA was established by former escaped slave and army colonel Allen Allensworth, William Payne, William Peck, J.W. Palmer and Harry Mitchell. The town flourished in its initial years, but steadily lost residents after the Santa Fe Railroad closed its Allenstown depot. In addition, an insufficient supply of irrigation water plagued the town’s agricultural viability. In 1966 the State of California discovered high levels of arsenic in the drinking water, and the few remaining residents fled. In 1976 the California Parks System approved the creation of the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park at the center of the original town.

The Water Crisis: Lesson Plans for All Grades, by The Water Project. A free, comprehensive set of lesson plans for elementary through high school that can be used as a whole unit or as individual lesson plans across a variety of core subjects. Lessons include interactive activities, research ideas, and resources to explore the water crisis and possible solutions. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2H9TjGC

6     Hiroshima Day. This annual observance is held to remember the dropping of the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

Haiku and Hiroshima: Teaching About the Atomic Bomb, by Wayne Au. Lesson for high school students on the bombing of Hiroshima, using the film Barefoot Gen and haiku. (H) http://bit.ly/1C0VTFp

Hiroshima: Why America Dropped the Atomic Bomb, by Ronald Takaki. In this book, Takaki considers the ways in which stereotypes of the Japanese influenced US public opinion and policymakers. This is useful for educators teaching about Hiroshima or US foreign policy. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/LG57Ny

7               Helen Caldicott, physician, anti-nuclear activist, born (1938). Australian physician Helen Caldicott left medical practice after the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster to focus on anti-nuclear advocacy. She served as president of Physicians for Social Responsibility until 1983, and significantly expanded the group’s reach and impact. Caldicott authored several publications opposing nuclear power and the military industrial complex.

Loving This Planet: Leading Thinkers Talk About How to Make a Better World, edited by Helen Caldicott. This book is a collection of conversations with Helen Caldicott, a leading anti-nuclear activist, and more than two dozen internationally recognized advocates. Topics include our dependence on nuclear energy and nuclear arms, deforestation, the privatization of water resources, and more. Loving This Planet offers an informative and accessible overview of the chief environmental and social issues of our time. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2sp1aga

9     International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous people around the world are dispossessed of their land and resources, discriminated against and denied basic human rights. On this day, these conditions are acknowledged as challenges to be resolved by all people, and the richness of Indigenous cultures is celebrated.

An Indigenous People’s History of the United States, by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. Acclaimed historian and activist Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz offers a history of the United States told from the perspective of Indigenous peoples and reveals how Native Americans actively resisted expansion of the US empire for centuries. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2iunON4

Standing with Standing Rock: A Role Play on the Dakota Access Pipeline, by Ursula Wolfe-Rocca, Bill Bigelow and Andrew Duden. This role play helps students recognize the issues at stake in the historic struggle of the Standing Rock Sioux to block construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2j9JkW3

10     30th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. After two decades of activism by the Japanese American community, the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 provided for reparations for US citizens of Japanese descent who had been interned during World War II. Surviving internees or their heirs were awarded $20,000 in restitution and letters of apology from President Reagan, despite his and his party’s strong resistance to the bill.

Fred Korematsu Speaks Up, by Laura Atkins and Stan Yogi. The first in a new series of middle grade books about civil rights and s/heroes, this book covers how Fred Korematsu first evaded and then fought the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II all the way to the Supreme Court. (E, M) http://nbcnews.to/2jCou1U

12     International Youth Day. This UN holiday recognizes efforts of the world’s youth to change global society for the better, and promotes ways to encourage their active involvement in making positive contributions to their communities.

The Kid’s Guide to Social Action, by Barbara A. Lewis. This five-part book gives elementary and middle school students the tools and knowledge they need to take action on issues that are important to them. A summary of the book and activity suggestions for its use in the classroom can be found on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which contains an annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/KiWXiH

12     50th anniversary of the Architectural Barriers Act. The Architectural Barriers Act was one of the first legislative efforts addressing physical access and inclusion for people with disabilities. It required that all buildings financed with US federal funds be accessible to those with physical handicaps. Military owned buildings were excluded from the requirements.

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, by Laurie Ann Thompson. Born in Ghana with one deformed leg, Emmanuel was dismissed by most people – but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. He hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, and eventually became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing 400 miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability. (E) http://bit.ly/2G32lUs; Curriculum Guide here: http://bit.ly/2nTrp9A

12     120th anniversary of the annexation of Hawaii to the United States. In 1893, an armed coup led by US businessmen, and later supported by US Marines, overthrew the Queen of Hawaii, with plans to officially annex Hawaii as a US territory. At the time of the coup, anti-imperialist President Grover Cleveland ordered the return of power to Queen Liliʻuokalani, so the miscreants simply waited for his term to expire, and continued with their illegal plot when Republican President McKinley pushed for annexation in 1898.

Teaching with Documents: The 1897 Petition Against the Annexation of Hawaii. This lesson plan uses original documents about the Native Hawaiians who organized resistance against the annexation of Hawaii by the United States. (H) http://1.usa.gov/12DDOR

Night is a Sharkskin Drum, by Haunani-Kay Trask. A lyrical evocation of Hawaii by a Native poet whose ancestral land has been scarred by tourism, the American military and urbanization. Grounded in the ancient grandeur and beauty of Hawaii, this collection is a haunted and haunting love song for a beloved homeland under assault. (H) https://amzn.to/2I2aRnp

14     110th anniversary of the Springfield riot. As thousands of White Springfield residents demanded the lynching of two African Americans accused of crimes against Whites, the sheriff sent the accused men out of the city. Discovering this, the mob rioted, burning and destroying Black homes and businesses and attacking people in the street. The violence led thousands of Black residents to flee the city and helped catalyze the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The Springfield Race Riot of 1908: Curriculum Materials, by Don Cavallini. These lessons invite students to explore multiple perspectives on the 1908 riots, helping them to understand the relationships between segregation and racial strife and how geography affects racialized historical events. The lessons are based on an article by Roberta Senechal, which can be found by clicking the link below. (H) http://bit.ly/2CeIIq1

14     10th anniversary of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Responding in part to deaths and injuries sustained by children using recalled or dangerous toys and products, this law was passed by Congress to set stricter standards for safety testing of children’s products and to regulate the use of lead and other harmful materials.

Consumer Protection Safety Lesson Plans, by Young Minds Inspired. This Consumer Product Recall Effectiveness Program teaches children aged 8-12 how they can help protect themselves, their families and their friends by identifying product safety warnings and keeping an eye out for recalled products. Includes standards-based activities that reinforce language arts skills and encourage creative thinking. (E, M) http://bit.ly/2H644bR

15     70th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Korea (South Korea). After 1,000 years of a unified Korea, Japan annexed the Korean Peninsula in the early 20th century. Following Japan’s surrender in WWII, the administration of Korea was awarded to the Soviet Union in the North and the US in the South. This “temporary” arrangement was supposed to end with a unified Korea; however, differences in economic political governance led to entrenched separate states in North and South Korea.

Year of Impossible Goodbyes, by Sook Nyul Choi. It is 1945, and 10-year-old Sookan and her family must endure the Japanese occupation of Korea. Police captain Narita does his best to destroy everything of value to the family, but he cannot break their spirit. Then the war ends. But Russian troops have taken control of North Korea and once again the family is threatened. Sookan and her family embark on a dangerous escape to South Korea. (M) http://bit.ly/2D165DT

17     30th anniversary of National Hispanic Heritage Month enacted into law. National Hispanic Heritage Week was signed into law in 1968 and expanded to a month (September 15 – October 15) on this day in 1988. The dates are significant because several Latin American countries celebrate their independence during this 30-day period: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua on September 15; Mexico on September 16, and Chile on September 18.

Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States, by Lori Marie Carlson and Oscar Hijuelos. This collection of bilingual poems celebrates families, communities and children in the US who live their lives bilingually. These poems can be used not only to teach language arts, but also to honor the fight for educational opportunities of bilingual children and their families. (E, M) https://bit.ly/2HlBSDp

Honoring LGBTQ Voices During Hispanic Heritage Month, by Henry Cody Miller. This article, with teaching ideas and book recommendations, argues that “educators have a platform to counter… the lack of visibility for LGBTQ Hispanic and Latinx individuals.” (TR) http://bit.ly/2tOJGuc

19     30th anniversary of the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act. The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act significantly increased funding for assistance technology for people with disabilities of all ages, as well as funding for research and development of assistive technologies.

Resonating the Sound, by Linda Mitchell Maddox. In this novel, 8th-grader Jana has suffered a traumatic brain injury, leaving her unable to speak. Two years after her accident, she agrees to try an augmentative communication device. With that and the help of her friend Eli, a boy with Gifted Asperger’s, Jana is once again able to see hope for her future. (M) http://amzn.to/2F1bZrr

20      Eid al-Adha begins at sunset 8/20 (Islam). Eid al-Adha (“Sacrifice Feast”) is a Muslim holiday commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son to God. Satisfied with Ibrahim’s devotion, God accepted a sacrificial animal in place of the son. The Muslim tradition of charity and care for the poor has roots in this tradition, as the sacrificed animal (holiday meal) is shared equally among the family, their friends and relatives, and the poor.

The Best Eid Ever, by Asma Mobin-Uddin. During Eid, Aneesa is sad that her parents are thousands of miles away for the Hajj pilgrimage until her grandmother gives her a beautiful gift that comes in handy when she meets two sisters who are refugees and in need of her help. (E) https://bit.ly/2rnNzVl

Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story, by Hena Khan. Yasmeen, a 7-year-old Pakistani American girl, celebrates the Muslim holidays of Ramadan, “The Night of the Moon” (Chaand Raat), and Eid. With lush illustrations that evoke Islamic art, this beautiful story offers a window into modern Muslim culture and the ancient roots from which its traditions have grown. This site includes a podcast about the book. (E, M) http://bit.ly/2sp58Ft

21     160th anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Over the course of seven pre-election debates, incumbent Illinois Senator Stephen Douglas endeavored to label challenger Abraham Lincoln as an abolitionist. Lincoln denied abolitionist convictions or pursuit of racial equality, but expressed his assertion that the expansion of slavery would harm the Union, in contrast to Douglas’s defense of states’ rights to maintain slavery. Lincoln lost the Senate race, but his rising profile from the debates helped him to win the presidency in 1860.

Rethinkin’ Lincoln on the 150th Birthday of the Emancipation Proclamation, by Bill Bigelow, Huffington Post. This article questions the portrayal of President Lincoln as an abolitionist in the movie Lincoln. Bigelow also discusses how he and his students approached the study of the Emancipation Proclamation, beginning with Lincoln’s inaugural address. (H, TR) http://huff.to/UpgZq8

A War to Free the Slaves? Teaching Activity PDF, by Bill Bigelow. In this activity, students examine excerpts from Lincoln’s first inaugural address, the rarely mentioned original 13th Amendment to the Constitution that Lincoln promised to support, and the Emancipation Proclamation to explore some of the myths about the Civil War. (H) http://bit.ly/fE29mG

22     50th anniversary of the 1968 Democratic National Convention “Battle of Michigan Avenue.” At the convention in Chicago, several thousand Vietnam War protesters were met by 12,000 Chicago police and an additional 15,000 National Guard troops who beat them severely. Reporters and doctors on scene were also brutalized by the forces. Much of the clash was filmed and shown on television. This proved to be instrumental in shifting public perception regarding the war.

Media Construction of War: A Critical Reading of History, by Project Look Sharp. Includes a 125-page kit that analyzes Newsweek’s coverage of the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan. Students will learn core information about the wars in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan, how media influences public opinion of current events, and how to ask key media literacy questions and identify bias in the news. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/bKAvnb

23     International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. In 1791, enslaved African men and women staged a revolt in current-day Haiti, demanding freedom and independence. This uprising was a turning point in human history and is marked by UNESCO as an official day to pay tribute to those who fought for freedom and to inspire all peoples of the world to fight against servitude, racism, prejudice, racial discrimination and social injustice.

Teaching Hard History: A Framework for Teaching American Slavery, by Teaching Tolerance. Most students leave high school without an adequate understanding of the role slavery played in the development of the United States or how its legacies still influence us today. To try to remedy this, Teaching Tolerance developed a comprehensive guide for teaching and learning this critical topic at the middle and high school levels. Includes primary sources, podcasts, webinars and more. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2FUocgs

13 Honest Books About Slavery Young People Should Actually Read, by Claire Fallon. A handful of picture book recommendations for children that treat the subject of slavery honestly and appropriately. (E) http://huff.to/1OE3Jde

The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database and Lesson Plans, by Voyages. A dedicated team of teachers and curriculum developers from across the US developed lesson plans to present the transatlantic slave trade database to a broader audience, particularly grade 6-12 students. These lessons allow students to explore the history and legacy of the Atlantic slave trade in diverse and meaningful ways. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1SlotMh

25     Marti Kheel, vegan ecofeminist and animal rights scholar, born (1948-2011). Kheel is most famous for co-founding Feminists for Animal Rights (FAR) in California in 1982, drawing important connections between the women’s and animal advocacy movements. In 1985 she published “The Liberation of Nature: A Circular Affair,” in Environmental Ethics, which was the first critique of environmental ethics from a feminist perspective.

Teaching Youth About Veganism, by Whitney Blomquist and the Vegetarian Resource Group. Brief lesson plans, PowerPoint slides, and tips on teaching children the basics of vegetarianism and veganism. (E, M) http://bit.ly/2nZZ7cN

26     Women’s Equality Day. Established in 1971, the date commemorates the day the 19th Amendment went into effect, giving US women full voting rights in 1920.

Women and Social Movements in the United States, 1600 to 2000. This Teacher’s Corner website offers more than 100 documents and lesson plans for teaching the role of women in American history. (M, H) http://bit.ly/bmuSYJ

27     60th anniversary of the Humane Slaughter Act (Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act). Signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Humane Slaughter Act was a legislative effort to define humane slaughter of food animals and prevent needless suffering; birds were not included in the regulations. Congress considered the humane slaughter of livestock public policy because it created safer working conditions for industry employees.

Food First: Institute for Food and Development. A list of books published by the Institute for Food and Development that examine the connections between human rights, social justice and food. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1qeUHJT

27     90th anniversary of the signing of the Kellogg-Briand Pact. Following the devastation of the First World War, public opinion worldwide leaned toward making war illegal. The Kellogg-Briand Pact outlawed wars of aggression, not military acts of self-defense, and called on all signatories to settle disputes by peaceful means. It didn’t take long for countries to violate the terms of the pact, setting the stage for World War II less than 10 years later.

Teaching About War, resources from Radical Math. A link to several lessons and resources that help students understand the cost of war through mathematics. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/radwar

28     60th anniversary of Social Security Act amendment providing for benefits for dependents of disabled workers. This amendment meant that children and other dependents of those receiving Social Security disability assistance would also be entitled to benefits. Children must be unmarried and under 18 years old, or up to age 19 if they are full time students.

29     260th anniversary of Brotherton Indian Reservation. New Jersey colonists set aside a tract of 1,500 acres for the first Indian reservation for the Lenape (Delaware) tribe. Conditions at the reservation were untenable, and many of those living there chose to move to New York, joining the Oneidas. The legacy of this initial act would be a policy and practice of theft and genocide that continues today.

When the Shadbush Blooms, by Carla Messinger. A young Lenni Lenape girl travels through the seasons, dreaming of her great-great-grandmother’s life, planting seeds, picking berries, playing in fallen leaves and romping in the snow. Told from the viewpoints of Traditional Sister and Contemporary Sister, each from her own time, this is a book about tradition and change. (E) http://bit.ly/2mwibx9

30      Fred Hampton, Sr., civil rights activist and Black Panther Party leader, born (1948-1969). Fred Hampton, deputy chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, formed a “Rainbow Coalition,” which included Students for a Democratic Society, the Blackstone Rangers street gang, and the National Young Lords, a Puerto Rican rights organization. During an early morning raid of the BPP headquarters on December 4, 1969, 12 police officers opened fire, killing the 21-year-old Hampton and fellow Panther Mark Clark, and injuring several others.

The Murder of Fred Hampton (1971). An unprecedented documentary on the slain leader of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party. The unsettling footage the filmmakers captured was later used to contradict news reports and police testimony in what many consider to be Hampton’s assassination. Link to film: (H) available to rent at http://amzn.to/2D4qnNk

 September

1     10th anniversary of Malala Yousafzai’s first speech. Malala Yousafzai is an internationally known activist for education and gender justice, but she started as a local activist. On September 1, 2008, she stood up at a local press club in Peshawar and gave a speech she titled “How Dare the Taliban Take Away My Basic Right to Education?” She was 11 at the time and has continued her fight for the right to education, especially for girls.

Malala, a Brave Girl from Pakistan, by Jeanette Winter. This children’s book tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, a youth and women’s rights activist, and inspires children to create change as Malala has done, despite the oppressive environment in which she grew up. Ideas for activities and teacher resources are also available. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1NPGCeC

 Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words, by Karen Leggett Abouraya. The inspiring, true story of Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani girl who stands up and speaks out for every child’s right to education. Though she and two of her schoolmates were targeted by a Taliban gunman, a life-threatening injury only strengthened her resolve. (E, M) http://amzn.to/1LMjopK

I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition), by Malala Yousafzai. Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes, so she fought for her right to be educated. On October 9, 2012, she nearly lost her life for the cause when she was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus on her way home from school. (M, H) http://amzn.to/1W73kEQ

2     Krishna Janmashtami (Hinduism). Krishna is believed to be the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. This Hindu celebration of Krishna’s birth is observed by fasting, praying and singing, dancing, and staying up until midnight to exchange gifts. In temples and homes, images of Krishna’s infancy are placed in swings and cradles.

My Hindu Year (A Year of Religious Festivals), by Cath Senker. This children’s book explores events, customs and celebrations in which Hindu children participate throughout the calendar year. Readers can also look inside an 8-year-old Hindu boy’s diary to learn what it’s like to experience the different events. (E) http://amzn.to/Rfiery

3     Labor Day

What Rights Do We Have?, by Bill Bigelow and Norm Diamond. A teaching activity that provides teachers with five units centered around labor movements, history and rights. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1kaTKy8

3     180th anniversary of Frederick Douglass’s escape from slavery. Douglass, disguised as a sailor, boarded a train in Maryland and escaped from slavery. He became a leading intellectual of the time, as well as an eloquent orator, speaking passionately about abolition and women’s rights, among other social justice causes. Douglass was a prolific writer and produced numerous abolitionist newspapers. After the Civil War, he held several high-level government positions.

Frederick Douglass Fights for Freedom, by Bill Bigelow. This lesson introduces students to the numerous and varied ways African Americans resisted enslavement, using the autobiographical narrative of The Life of Frederick Douglass, published in 1845. It includes a video of Danny Glover reading Douglass’s speech questioning what Independence Day means to African Americans. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/twIr1s

3     150th anniversary of the expulsion of 25 African American representatives from the Georgia Legislature. The Georgia House of Representatives voted to remove Black members on the grounds that the state constitution did not recognize the right of Black citizens to hold public office. Of the 29 Black representatives, four biracial members were allowed to hold their seats because they “looked white,” while the remaining 25 were removed. Ten days later, the Georgia Senate removed its three Black members. The Black legislators successfully appealed to the federal government, which reinstated them.

Race: The Power of an Illusion, by California Newsreel. A three-part documentary and companion website on perceptions and notions of race. Rather than focusing on biology, the series focuses on the role race plays in social and economic advantages and disadvantages. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/YWwm2w

4     Richard Wright, author, poet, journalist, born (1908-1960). Richard Wright had only a ninth-grade education but was an avid reader who went on to become a poet, novelist and journalist. Wright exposed the harsh realities of racism in the US, using literature as a platform to protest the conditions of African Americans. His most famous works include the novel, Native Son, and his autobiography, Black Boy, which depicts his experiences living in extreme poverty and the racial violence inflicted on Blacks.

Richard Wright and the Library Card, by William Miller. A wonderfully illustrated picture book that describes Richard Wright’s struggles as he attempted to get access to all-White libraries. Link is to a teacher’s guide. (E) http://bit.ly/2D330DJ

4     40th anniversary of the War Resisters League protest of nuclear weapons in the US and USSR. Protesting nuclear weapons and civilian nuclear power plants, members of the War Resisters League (WRL) organized simultaneous marches and demonstrations near the Kremlin in Moscow and on the White House lawn. The protesters held banners declaring, “No Nuclear Weapons, No Nuclear Power – USA or USSR.”

Nuclear Weapons: What Should Our Policy Be?, by The Choices Program. This unit aims to engage students in exploring a balanced range of views on the questions that surround the future of nuclear weapons. The material in this 2-day lesson is drawn from a larger curriculum called “The Challenge of Nuclear Weapons.” (H) https://bit.ly/2Ex69w5

5     30th anniversary of ADAPT protest against Greyhound Bus inaccessibility. Organized by ADAPT – Americans Disabled for Accessible Public Transportation – a group of wheelchair demonstrators blocked Greyhound Bus depots in 13 cities across the US, disrupting Labor Day travel, to protest the company’s refusal to adequately accommodate disabled passengers. Several demonstrators were arrested for disturbing the peace. ADAPT likened Greyhound’s policy to that of apartheid and said that the disabled poor were particularly affected because they can’t afford other means of transportation.

“I was there…”, by Mike Ervin, ADAPT.org. Mike Ervin, a disability rights activist and member of ADAPT, writes about his experiences protesting and raising awareness for accessible Greyhound Bus transportation. A link to audio of Ervin reading his narrative is also included. The second link here is to the ADAPT website. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2kN3yXI
and http://bit.ly/QU0LDE

8     International Literacy Day. International Literacy Day gives children and communities a chance to rediscover the joys of reading while raising awareness about those without access to education.

Flying Lessons & Other Stories, edited by Ellen Oh. In partnership with #WeNeedDiverseBooks, this is a collection of short stories from an impressive group of authors of Color, on themes ranging from basketball dreams to first crushes. The diverse stories celebrate the uniqueness and universality in all of us. (E, M) http://bit.ly/2kkCmgj

One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance, by Nikki Grimes. In this collection of poetry, Grimes takes a new look at the poets of the Harlem Renaissance by combining their work with her own original poetry. Using “The Golden Shovel” poetic method, Grimes has written a collection of poetry that is as beautiful as it is thought-provoking. Original artwork in full color from some of today’s most exciting African American illustrators is also included. (E, M, H) http://amzn.to/2jK1j5x

9     70th anniversary of the proclamation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea). Three weeks after the Republic of Korea was proclaimed by the government in the South of the peninsula supported by the US government and military, the government supported by the Soviet Union in the North claimed its sovereignty, establishing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Within two years North and South Korea were engaged in full civil war, with the North supported by the USSR and China and the South supported by the US.

North and South Korea (Our World Divided), by Cath Senker. The background, history and key events of the Korean conflict are presented. Different opinions, including views found in the media, are explored alongside factual accounts of events. Readers are encouraged to think about their own views and discuss controversial topics. (M, H) https://amzn.to/2ITMjys

9     20th anniversary of Keiko the orca’s release into the wild. Keiko the orca was made internationally famous as the star of the movie “Free Willy.” Keiko initially suffered in cramped living conditions in Mexico City before activists campaigned to release him back into Icelandic waters. He was the first captive whale to be released into the wild. Activists have launched international campaigns to raise public awareness about the plight of whales and dolphins held in captivity by Sea World and other parks worldwide.

Blackfish, by Gabriela Cowperthwaite. This documentary tells the story of Tilikum, a performing whale that killed several people while in captivity. Along the way, director-producer Cowperthwaite compiles shocking footage and emotional interviews to explore the creature’s extraordinary nature, the species’ cruel treatment in captivity, the lives and losses of the trainers, and the pressures brought to bear by the multibillion-dollar sea park industry. (H) https://bit.ly/2uliYJI; Educator’s Guide: https://bit.ly/2pG6eYy

A Symphony of Whales, by Steve Schuch. During the bitter winter of 1984-85, the people of the Chukchi Peninsula and the crew of the Russian icebreaker Moskva labored to save thousands of beluga whales trapped by encroaching ice in the Siberian Senyavina Strait. Schuch has taken this event and fleshed it out to include young Glashka, who can hear the voices of these animals in her visionary dreams. (E) https://bit.ly/2G6eYCJ

10     Rosh Hashanah (begins the evening of 9/9, ends 9/11; Judaism). Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year.

Apples and Pomegranates: A Rosh Hashanah Seder, by Rahel Musleah. This children’s book acts as a guidebook for celebrating the Jewish New Year. Traditional foods and the sequence in which they are eaten are described. Each chapter includes the history of the food, an activity, recipes and more. (E) http://bit.ly/TG0KUy

11     Muharram begins at sunset 9/11 (Islam). Muharram is the beginning of the first lunar month of the Islamic calendar. It is considered the second holiest month, after Ramadan.

My Name is Bilal, by Asma Mobin-Uddin. In this book, Bilal feels the need to hide his Muslim religion for fear he will be teased by other students. (E) https://bit.ly/2JvurtS

Salaam – A Muslim American Boy’s Story, by Trish Brown. This is a biography about a Muslim American boy named Imran, who likes to do the same things that most children his age enjoy. Not everyone understands what it means to be Muslim, and through his story, Imran shows that Muslims strive to be good people, just as those of other faiths do. (E) https://amzn.to/2Eygw2q

12     60th anniversary of Cooper v. Aaron. Following a tense year in which the Little Rock, Arkansas school system was forced to accept nine African American students, local school officials appealed to the US Supreme Court for relief from having to enforce Brown v. Board of Education. In Cooper v. Aaron, the court unanimously affirmed that local school officials were bound by federal court orders to desegregate and that legislatures are not at liberty to annul judgments of the court.

Warriors Don’t Cry: Connecting History, Literature, and Our Lives, by Linda Christensen. Role play and writing activities for language arts and social studies on the Little Rock Nine, Brown v. Board of Education, and schooling in general. Designed for use with the memoir, Warriors Don’t Cry. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/RHiFzh

12     60th anniversary of the closing of Little Rock schools to resist racial integration. Governor Orval Faubus closed all the public high schools in Little Rock, Arkansas for a year rather than allow integration to continue. A referendum was held and Little Rock voters overwhelmingly supported segregation. Faubus and segregationist state legislators created new state laws to further block court-ordered integration of schools as required in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision.

“A School Year Like No Other”: Eyes on the Prize: “Fighting Back: 1957-1962,” by Bill Bigelow. This lesson celebrates the determination and sacrifice of those individuals who were on the front line in the struggle for school integration and examines the resistance to it. Students watch the video segment from Eyes on the Prize, and through their own writing, they “become” the individuals whose lives shaped and were shaped by these key civil rights battles. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2hWXuee

13     30th anniversary of the inclusion of people with disabilities in the Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing Act, originally passed in 1968, protects against discrimination in housing. It bars the refusal to rent or sell a dwelling based on a person’s marginalized identity; advertising that only certain types of identities are welcome to buy or rent; or coercing or threatening a person into limiting their housing rights based on their marginalized identity. Disability was added to the list of protected statuses in 1988.

Lesson Plan: Legislation, by the Museum of Disability History. Students will be able to demonstrate how legislation passed since World War II has been important to the lives of people with disabilities. Students will rank the significance of this legislation from most important to least important. (E, M) http://bit.ly/RXFXey worksheet: http://bit.ly/PguNlu

13     160th anniversary of the arrest of John Price, a fugitive from slavery. John Price, a 16-year-old slave from Kentucky, escaped to Ohio, where he lived for two years before being captured under the Fugitive Slave Act. While he was awaiting return to Kentucky, a group of abolitionists, risking their own arrest, engineered his escape and got him to safety in Canada. All 37 abolitionists were indicted, though only two were tried and convicted. These court cases became known as the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue Cases.

Considerations for Early Childhood and Elementary Educators on Slavery and Resistance, by Teaching for Change. Essay full of resources on the “do’s and don’ts” of books for young children on the topic of slavery. Includes a link to a list of more than 50 recommended books for young people of all ages. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1Kvu9MA

The Price of Freedom: How One Town Stood Up to Slavery, by Dennis Fradin and Judith Bloom Fradin. With powerful illustrations and historically accurate narrative, The Price of Freedom tells the story of townspeople in mid-19th century Ohio who resisted the inhumane Fugitive Slave Law. (E) https://bit.ly/2HmVDKR

14     Viktor Kaisiepo, activist for the independence of West Papua, born (1948-2010). Victor Kaisiepo was a leading activist in the movement to decolonize West Papua when it was part of the Dutch Indonesian colony. His family moved to the Netherlands when West Papua was turned over to Indonesia in 1962. Kaisiepo continued to fight for the rights of Indigenous peoples, lobbying the United Nations to include West Papua on their list of non-self-governing territories.

Forgotten Bird of Paradise, by Dominic Brown. Filmed undercover in West Papua, this documentary provides a rare and moving insight into the ongoing struggle for freedom being fought by the Indigenous people against Indonesian colonial rule. (H) https://bit.ly/2DR3CMM

15      First day of Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Latino Heritage: A Discussion Activity, by Teaching Tolerance. A compilation of essays, lessons, videos and activities to help students gain a deeper understanding of past and present struggles for Latino civil rights. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1kHi3b3

Yes! We Are Latinos: Poems and Prose About the Latino Experience, by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy. Thirteen young people living in the US are introduced in this book celebrating the rich diversity of the Latinx experience in the United States. Free-verse fictional narratives from the perspective of each young person provide stories about the quest for identity. Each profile is followed by nonfiction prose about the character’s background and history. (M, H) http://yeswearelatinos.com/

16     Mexican Independence Day. Otherwise known as El Grito, on this day Mexicans celebrate Mexico’s independence from Spain.

El Grito: A Lesson Plan, by Patricia Schwarz. In this elementary-middle school lesson plan, students read a book written by students (El Grito) to learn the story of Mexico’s fight for independence. Vocabulary activities, extension activities, links to build background information and other resources are included. (TR) http://bit.ly/1cNPPpp

17     40th anniversary of the signing of the Camp David Accords. The Camp David Accords were a peace agreement between Egyptian President Anwar El Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. This controversial agreement helped to bring some peace to the Middle East, but also caused significant controversy and upheaval in the region. Both leaders were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, but faced fierce backlash in their home countries.

A Pathway to Peace: Jimmy Carter and the Camp David Accords, by the National Park Service. These lessons utilize primary sources and background information to help students understand the complex process of resolving conflict. Students will analyze documents, photos, and political cartoons related to the Camp David Accords. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2GnCHxa

The Flag of Childhood: Poems from the Middle East, by Naomi Shihab Nye. In this stirring anthology of 60 poems from the Middle East, Palestinian American Naomi Shihab Nye welcomes us to this lush, vivid world and invites us to explore. (E, M) https://bit.ly/2IGxWMV

17     20th anniversary of the arrest of John Lawrence and Tyron Garner. John Lawrence and Tyron Garner were arrested and fined $125 each for having sex in their home. They refused to pay the fine and challenged the Texas law against sodomy. This case eventually led to a landmark US Supreme Court case, Lawrence v. Texas, which would invalidate anti-sodomy laws throughout the country.

Gay-Themed Picture Books for Children, by Patricia A. Sarles. This blog includes a significant number of books that feature people who identify as transgender and children who are exploring gender identity. Many themes are addressed, but the link will take you directly to the tab labeled “Trans People.” (E, M) http://bit.ly/KFflTB

19      Yom Kippur begins at sunset on 9/18/18 (Judaism). Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) is one of two Jewish High Holy Days. It falls 10 days after the first High Holy Day, Rosh Hashanah.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, by David F. Marx. This children’s book introduces students to the basic facts about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It describes how these holidays developed and how they are celebrated, and includes games, traditions, goods and crafts. (E) http://bit.ly/UjH9yW

19     40th anniversary of the Vietnamese exodus on the Southern Cross. 1978-1979 saw a mass exodus of “boat people” from Vietnam. Following the Vietnam War, these refugees escaped on boats, many of which were not seaworthy, to reach other countries. The Southern Cross picked up more than 1,000 refugees from Vietnam. When its captain was refused entry to both Malaysia and Singapore, he left the refugees on an uninhabited island belonging to Indonesia. Most of the boat people were later resettled in other countries.

A Different Pond, by Bao Phi and Thui Bui. A powerful, honest glimpse into a relationship between father and son – and between cultures, old and new. As a young boy, Bao and his father awoke early, hours before his father’s long workday began, to fish on the shores of a small pond in Minneapolis. Between hope-filled casts, Bao’s father told him about a different pond in their homeland of Vietnam. (E, M) http://amzn.to/2Fj5hMu

19     10th anniversary of Schroer v. Library of Congress. Diane Schroer sued the Library of Congress for rescinding a job offer after finding out that she was transgender and planned to start working as a woman. A District Court judge found in her favor, ruling that discriminating against someone for changing genders is sex discrimination under federal law and violates Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972.

Transgender Teachers: In Their Own Voices, by NPR Ed. NPR Ed conducted a survey of 79 transgender educators from the US and Canada. The survey findings are reported here, along with a story about how educators are coming together to organize and to share their experiences in the classroom and in their lives. The site also includes responses to the question of what each of these educators “wish others knew about them as TGNC educators.” (H, TR) https://n.pr/2pmmJtt

An Ally’s Guide to Talking About Transgender-Inclusive Non-Discrimination Laws, by Movement Advancement Project. As cities and states extend vital non-discrimination protections to LGBT people, anti-LGBT groups have attacked these laws through false, fear-based claims about safety in public bathrooms. This 4-page guide offers an approach to countering these attacks and can support young people in learning to do so. (H, TR) https://bit.ly/2GpsbFW

20     Upton Sinclair, author, social reform advocate, born (1878-1968). Sinclair is best known for his 1906 novel, The Jungle, which brought attention to the exploitation and poor treatment of immigrant workers in the meat-packing industry. Readers were generally more concerned with the quality of processed meats and the treatment of animals, however, which inspired the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act, two historic bills aimed at regulating the food and drug industries.

Food, Inc. Classroom Discussion Guide, by TakePart.org. This guide, to be used in conjunction with Food, Inc., helps students connect the issues behind the mass production of food and abuse of government subsidies of major food corporations to the challenges of keeping food healthy and affordable. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2mOaRQt

21     International Day of Peace

Peace Tools for Teachers. This page on the peaceCENTER website offers a variety of peace teaching resources including lessons, activities, dates, and quotes – all designed with teachers in mind. (E, M, H, TR) https://bit.ly/2HmWQSp

22     World Car-Free Day. Each year, people around the world organize events to showcase alternatives to the automobile. The day was created in 2000 by Car Busters.

Fueling Our Future, by Facing the Future. Students compare energy use and CO₂ emissions in the US and China (and optionally in another country). They research energy impacts and sustainable energy solutions, write a resolution, and stage a mock “World Energy Summit.” (M, H) http://bit.ly/1YOJyze

22     30th anniversary of Canadian government apology for Japanese Internment. Prime Minister Brian Mulroney formally apologized to Japanese Canadian survivors and their families. During World War II, 22,000 Japanese Canadians were uprooted from their homes, separated from their families and sent away to camps. Not one was ever charged with an act of disloyalty. Art Miki, of the National Association of Japanese Canadians, calls the apology and $300 million compensation package “a settlement that heals.”

A Place Where Sunflowers Grow, by Amy Lee-Tai. This children’s book tells the story of a young girl and her family’s experience in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Lee-Tai invites the reader to explore the injustices hundreds of thousands of innocent Japanese Americans faced. Teacher resources and ideas for activities are included. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1mdeKuK

23     First Day of Banned Books Week. Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than 11,300 books have been challenged since 1982, according to the American Library Association.

Librotraficante. The Librotraficante movement’s homepage offers visitors numerous resources, including a list of banned books that reflect Chicano heritage and history, information about underground libraries, and lists of events that are occurring during Chicano Heritage Month. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1buJEBN

Celebrating the Freedom to Read, by the Banned Books Week Coalition. Information and resources, including links to videos, related to increasing awareness of the annual celebration of the freedom to read and the movement against book censorship. (TR) http://bit.ly/1Wkfsoc

23     50th anniversary of the founding of the Young Lords. The Chicago Young Lords, started by college students, were children of the first Puerto Rican immigrants. They successfully built a national grassroots movement for self-determination within barrios throughout the US. The impetus for the group was Mayor Richard J. Daley’s decision to create an inner-city suburb in Lincoln Park, displacing the entire Puerto Rican neighborhood. The Chicago chapter spread to other cities across the US, all unified around the drive to free Puerto Rico.

Palante, Siempre Palante! The Young Lords, by Iris Morales. Documentary and book distributed by The Latino/a Education Network Service (LENS). This documentary features interviews with former members and footage from their organizing activities. The website provides information about the Young Lords and links to further resources. (H) http://palante.org/

The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano, by Sonia Manzano. The Young Lords dump garbage in the street and set it on fire, igniting a powerful protest. When Evelyn’s abuela (grandmother) steps in to take charge, Evelyn is thrust into the action. Tempers flare, loyalties are tested. Through it all, Evelyn learns important truths about her heritage and the history-makers who shaped a nation. Infused with actual news accounts. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2zztASL; Educator’s Guide: https://bit.ly/2Gks52g

24     First day of Sukkot (begins at sunset 9/23, ends at sunset 9/30; Judaism). Sukkot is a 7-day harvest holiday that commemorates the 40-year period during which the Jews wandered the desert.

The Very Crowded Sukkah, by Leslie Kimmelman and Bob McMahon. This children’s book tells the story of a family celebrating Sukkot by building a sukkah (a temporary hut) outdoors. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, the family makes a decision about the celebration that includes some surprising guests. (E) http://bit.ly/19QlvpC

24     Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Day. Also known as the Mooncake and Moon Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival takes its name from the fact that the moon is at its roundest and brightest at this time of year, symbolizing family reunion. The festival celebrates gathering, giving thanks for the harvest, and prayer, and is celebrated in several East Asian countries.

Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, by Grace Lin. This K-3 book allows readers to join a Chinese American family as they celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. (E) https://bit.ly/2GJH2vY

24     50th anniversary of the Milwaukee 14. Fourteen men, including five Catholic priests and a minister from the Church of Scientology, raided the Selective Service office in Milwaukee, took thousands of draft cards and set them on fire with homemade napalm. The Milwaukee 14, as the men came to be known, were protesting the Vietnam War, saying they were resisting the effort to force men into becoming “killers for the State.”

Rethinking the Teaching of the Vietnam War, Inside A People’s History for the Classroom, by Bill Bigelow. This lesson helps students uncover the historical roots of the Vietnam War to better understand why and in whose interest this war was fought. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1vqiUBs

27     30th anniversary of the founding of the National League for Democracy in Myanmar. The founding of the social-democratic and liberal democratic party led to the eventual election of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and pro-democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi as president of Myanmar, after almost 50 years of military rule.

What Happened to Myanmar’s Human Rights Icon?, by Hannah Beech. This article from The New Yorker argues that the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya “reveals what the world didn’t understand about Aung San Suu Kyi.” The article traces the modern genocide of the Rohingya, exploring Suu Kyi’s role. (H, TR) https://bit.ly/2wSqbx1

Teaching About the Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar with The New York Times, by Michael Gonchar. In this detailed, three-part lesson, students first learn about the genocidal crisis unfolding in Myanmar using Times reporting, video clips, podcasts and photography. Next, are suggestions for a variety of activities for going deeper, such as tackling universal questions about national identity and minority rights, considering the responsibility of the world community, and going inside the squalid refugee camps across the border in Bangladesh. Finally, students learn how they can take action. (H) https://nyti.ms/2pBM6qI

Myanmar and the Rohingya, by the CHOICES Program at Brown University. In this series of lessons, students learn about the Rohingya people of Myanmar and the current conflict; read and analyze personal accounts from numerous Rohingya people about their experiences; read and analyze excerpts from the Myanmar government’s response to criticism related to the conflict; and discuss the benefits and limitations of different types of sources for understanding this conflict and others. (H) https://bit.ly/2pCKUU8

Responding to the Rohingya Crisis, by Facing History and Ourselves. Using video clips, firsthand accounts from refugees and survivors, images, and historical footage and information, this series of lessons offers the chance to educate students on the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar. (H) https://bit.ly/2IOCH7O

28     150th anniversary of the Opelousas Massacre. Responding to the violent attack by Knights of the White Camellia on Black people who attempted to join the Democratic Party near Opelousas, LA, a White newspaper editor wrote an article criticizing the event. He was viciously attacked and driven out of town. Believing he had been killed, Black men took up arms to confront the Knights. Outnumbered and outgunned, many Black people were taken prisoner and killed. Over the next few weeks an estimated 200-300 Blacks were murdered.

Reconstructing the South: A Role Play, by Zinn Education Project. This role play lesson engages students in thinking about what freed people needed in order to achieve and sustain real freedom following the Civil War. It’s followed by a chapter from the book Freedom’s Unfinished Revolution on what would happen to the land in the South after slavery ended. (H) http://bit.ly/2j6MTLE

 October

1     First day of Disability Employment Awareness Month. National Disability Employment Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities.

Museum of disABILITY History. This site features an extensive virtual exhibition of images that help raise awareness of people with disabilities and their contributions to society, as well as lesson plans on disability-related topics for all grade levels. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1jDKHWi

Disability History Museum. This site was designed “to promote understanding about the historical experience of people with disabilities by recovering, chronicling and interpreting their stories.” This searchable collection offers documents and images related to disability history in the United States. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/JAD9r

1     World Vegetarian Day/First Day of Vegetarian Awareness Month. World Vegetarian Day is the annual kick-off for Vegetarian Awareness Month. The goal is to make a difference by raising awareness about the benefits of vegetarianism.

Meat.org: The Website the Meat Industry Doesn’t Want You to See. A website with films and resources about animals killed for food. Free vegetarian starter kits and DVDs available. Warning: Explicit imagery that some may find hard to watch. (H, TR)
http://bit.ly/17fyrKa

Eating Animals, by Jonathan Safran Foer. Eating Animals explores the many stories we use to justify our eating habits – folklore and pop culture, family traditions and national myths, apparent facts and inherent fictions – and how such tales can lull us into a brutal disregard for the facts. With a focus on the meat industry, the book also explores the ways cows and chickens are treated in the production of our milk and eggs. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/32Rc0a

1     First day of LGBT History Month. LGBT History Month celebrates the lives and achievements of LGBTQ people.

Month-by-Month Planning Page, by Safe Schools Coalition. Month-by-month planning provides information and lessons that speak to the intersections between LGBTQI history and other heritage months. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/j5FQX

Welcoming Schools. Welcoming Schools is a guide for administrators, educators, parents and guardians who want to strengthen their schools’ approaches to family diversity, gender stereotyping and bullying. It is specifically designed for use in K-5 learning environments and is inclusive of LGBTQI families and individuals in the broader context of diversity. (E) http://bit.ly/bN8CiT

Acting Out: Combating Homophobia Through Teacher Activism, by Mollie V. Blackburn, Caroline T. Clark, Lauren M. Kenney and Jill M. Smith. This book chronicles how teachers from urban, suburban and rural districts have come together in a teacher inquiry group to challenge homophobia and heterosexism in schools and classrooms. (TR) http://amzn.to/1m3JQUE

And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. And Tango Makes Three (based on a true story) is about a penguin family living in New York City’s Central Park Zoo that is a bit “different.” A summary, link and activities are available on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which contains an annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom. (E) http://bit.ly/1onzrxu

LGBT History Month website. This website explains the history of LGBT History Month, and features 31 famous people in LGBT history, one per day. Includes a trivia challenge, video, resources, brief biography and downloads. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/Om6vef

1     Le Cong Dinh, lawyer, human rights advocate, born (1968). Dinh, a human rights lawyer and activist and an outspoken critic of the Vietnamese government, was arrested in 2009 for “propaganda against the government.” He was sentenced to five years in prison but was released after three years in the wake of international human rights organizations’ calls for his release. He served an additional three years of house arrest after his release.

ACLU Teaching Resources, by the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington State. Request classroom speakers, subscribe to the teacher network, and/or download Know Your Rights publications, which are available in several languages in addition to English. (TR) http://bit.ly/1LXaYMB

1     70th anniversary of California Supreme Court decision in Perez v. Sharp. In Perez v. Sharp the California Supreme Court voided California’s ban on interracial marriage. It was the first court decision striking down bans on interracial marriage since Reconstruction, and led to a flood of states overturning their bans on interracial marriage. States in the South resisted the trend until Loving v. Virginia in 1967, when the US Supreme Court ruled these bans were unconstitutional.

The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage, by Selina Alko. This children’s book depicts the true story of Mildred Loving, Richard Perry Loving, their three children, and the Supreme Court case that allowed them and all other interracial couples to marry. (E) http://bit.ly/1U8s2nR

2     50th anniversary of the Tlatelolco Massacre. Described by some as Mexico’s Tiananmen Square or Kent State, the Tlatelolco Massacre was an attack by the repressive Mexican regime on unarmed student protesters in the Plaza de las Tres Culturas in Mexico City. Military snipers were ordered to shoot at their fellow soldiers on the ground, so they would think they were being attacked by students. The ruse worked, and the military opened fire on the students, killing anywhere from 200 to 2,000.

The Tlatelolco Massacre, US Documents on Mexico and the Events of 1968, by Kate Doyle. Although not a formal lesson plan, this website presents a comprehensive collection of texts that can be used for informational purposes or in analyzing primary and secondary sources. Some materials are available in Spanish. (H) http://bit.ly/2zlSe9x

4     James Forman, civil rights leader and executive secretary of SNCC, born (1928-2005). Forman was a leading voice of the Civil Rights movement. He coordinated the “Freedom Rides” and joined Fannie Lou Hamer in opposing the compromise worked out by the Democratic Party and the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party at the Democratic National Convention in 1968. Forman criticized Black leaders for their failure to recognize the relationships among capitalism, racism and imperialism, and called for a people-centered, rather than leader-centered, Civil Rights movement.

The Freedom Riders, a Stanley Nelson film. The story behind a courageous band of civil rights activists called the Freedom Riders, who in 1961 courageously challenged segregation in the American South. (M, H) https://to.pbs.org/2FTgmnh

5     World Teachers’ Day. World Teachers’ Day was inaugurated in 1994 to commemorate the signing of the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers in 1966.

The Pedagogy of Teacher Activism: Portraits of Four Teachers for Justice, by Keith Catone. Through the artful science of portraiture, The Pedagogy of Teacher Activism presents the stories of four teacher activists – how they are and have become social change agents – to uncover important pedagogical underpinnings of teacher activism. (TR) www.activistpedagogy.com

5     120th anniversary of the Battle of Sugar Point. Years of harassment by government authorities and exploitation by timber companies of the Leech Lake Ojibwe tribe’s primary source of income culminated in the Battle of Sugar Point, sometimes referred to as the “last Indian uprising in the US.” The inept US forces were routed by the Ojibwe tribesmen, and even the Commissioner for Indian Affairs admitted that the Indians were justified in their attack on the US forces.

Heroes of Native Resistance, by Indian Country. This free, downloadable resource tells some of the stories of Native resistance left out of mainstream US textbooks. (M, H, TR) https://bit.ly/2uaDSeQ

7     20th anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s murder. Matthew Shepard, an openly gay college student, was robbed, brutally tortured, tied to a fence post, and left to die near Laramie, Wyoming. He died on October 12. His murder propelled the passage of the country’s first federal hate crimes legislation with the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act on October 28, 2009.

Critiquing Hate Crimes Legislation, a lesson plan by Teaching Tolerance. This lesson leads students to analyze the nature of hate and explore legislation that addresses hate crimes. (H) http://bit.ly/2ty4mX9

 Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine, a documentary by Michele Josue. Available to stream on Netflix, this film follows a close friend of Matt, as she travels to pivotal locations in Shepard’s life, interviewing other friends and family members, and gaining insight into the beautiful life and devastating loss of Matthew Shepard. (H) http://bit.ly/2GfUqnK

8     Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day, also known as Native American Day, began as a counter-celebration to Columbus Day in Berkeley, CA. The goal is to commemorate Native American history and promote Native American cultures.

Transform Columbus Day. Transform Columbus Day is an alliance of social justice groups that are committed to challenging traditional ethnocentric views of Columbus as a pioneer and sole discoverer of the Americas. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/3syjAe

Reconsider Columbus Day, presented by Nu Heightz Cinema. This short PSA asks people to reconsider whether the crimes of Columbus should be celebrated. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/9ILuXF

The People vs. Columbus, et al., by Bill Bigelow. This role play begins with the premise that a monstrous crime was committed in the years after 1492, when an estimated three million Taínos on the island of Hispaniola lost their lives. It’s a free download excerpted from Rethinking Columbus. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/hRdbSf

A Coyote Columbus Story, by Thomas King. Thomas King uses a bag of literary tricks to shatter the stereotypes surrounding Columbus’s voyages. He invites children to laugh with him at the crazy antics of Coyote, who unwittingly causes Columbus to bring about the downfall of her human friends. He also makes the point that history is influenced by the culture of the storyteller. (E) http://bit.ly/1RyuKQl

8     First Day of Ally Week. Ally Week involves a week of activities designed to encourage students to be allies against anti-LGBT language, bullying and harassment in America’s schools.

GLSEN’s Safe Space Kit. The NEW Safe Space Kit features the Guide to Being an Ally, which provides concrete strategies for supporting LGBT students, educating about anti-LGBT bias, and advocating for changes in your school. (M, H)
http://bit.ly/1swLr3q

9     First day of Navaratri (Hinduism). Navaratri is a 9-night festival of worship and dance that honors Mother Goddess in all her manifestations.

The Little Book of Hindu Deities: From the Goddess of Wealth to the Sacred Cow, by Sanjay Patel. Pixar animator and Academy Award-nominated director Sanjay Patel (Sanjay’s Super Team) brings to life Hinduism’s most important gods and goddesses (and one sacred stone) in fun, full-color illustrations, each accompanied by a short, lively profile. (E) http://amzn.to/2lGRKac

9     Dionicio Morales, Latinx civil rights activist, born (1918-2008). Throughout his life, Dionicio Morales advocated on behalf of Latinx Americans. His first job was as a compliance officer in Texas, looking out for the rights of contract workers from Mexico. He went on to serve as a union organizer in the garment industry in California. He later founded the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF), the largest Latinx nonprofit in the country, and worked with President Johnson to provide economic growth opportunities in Latinx communities.

Labor Unions and Working Conditions: United We Stand. Students will work with primary source documents to study the working conditions of US laborers at the turn of the 20th century. Students will answer the question, “Was there a need for organized labor unions?” (M, H) http://1.usa.gov/1aS3pUI

Bracero History Archive. The “Teaching” section of the Bracero History Archive offers background information about the Bracero Program, which temporarily allowed Mexican workers into the US. The site also contains lesson ideas that include the use of photographs, maps and atlases, and primary source documents. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/P89ynw

10     10th anniversary of Kerrigan et al v. Commissioner of Public Health et al. In this landmark case, the Connecticut Supreme Court struck down the state’s civil union law, ruling that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. It was the first state high court ruling to determine that civil union statutes violate the equal protection clause of a state constitution. At the time, Connecticut joined Massachusetts and California as the only states to legalize gay marriage.

Mom and Mum are Getting Married!, by Ken Setterington. When Rosie comes home to find her mom dancing alone in the living room – on a school day – she knows something wonderful is about to happen. When one of her two mothers announces, “Your Mum and I are getting married,” they can’t wait to start planning the big day. At the party, family, friends and fun come together for a joyous celebration of love in a changing world. (E) https://bit.ly/2GKm6Vx

Same-Sex Marriage Timeline, from ProCon.org. An overview of same-sex marriage from 1970 to the present, including a US map showing state-level equality. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1jyLh61

11     30th anniversary of National Coming Out Day. Commemorating the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, held in October 1987, National Coming Out Day was declared an annual event on October 11, 1988. The purpose is to increase visibility of the LGBTQ community and to celebrate coming out by LGBTQ individuals, with the goal of encouraging family, friends and colleagues to support equal rights for all members of society.

Safe Schools Coalition. An incredible wealth of resources for educators for supporting LGBT youth and creating safer school environments. Explore the entire site or use the link for specific resources on coming out. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/9FQkmx

12     120th anniversary of the Virden Massacre. A strike broke out when the Chicago-Virden Coal Company refused to pay union-scale wages. The company brought in Black workers from Alabama as strike breakers, infuriating the striking miners even more. When a train loaded with strike-breaking miners pulled into Virden, it was surrounded by strikers. Armed security guards opened fire on the strikers, many of whom were also armed. Six security guards and seven miners were killed. A month later, the company finally granted the wage increase.

Remember Virden! The Coal Mine Wars of 1898-1900, by Rosemary Feurer. An informational article on the pivotal battle at Virden in the struggle to organize miners, followed by curriculum materials and lesson plans that include primary sources. (H) http://bit.ly/2Ig4WMw

15     White Cane Safety Day. White Cane Day celebrates the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired, and the importance of the white cane as a symbol of independence.

The Sound of Colors: A Journey of the Imagination, by Jimmy Liao. This story follows the narrator, a woman who has lost her sight, through her journey around the city. She navigates the subway and the city she knows with language and descriptions that tap into her imagination, as well as her innermost thoughts and feelings. (E) http://bit.ly/JycaYp

15     Fela Kuti, Nigerian musician, pioneer of the Afrobeat music genre, and human rights activist, born (1938-1997). Fela Kuti was an internationally renowned musician, but he became the voice of Nigeria’s poor and disadvantaged. He used his music to take aim at the corrupt Nigerian government, and they did everything they could to silence him, including frequent arrests and beatings. In one attack, 1,000 soldiers raided his compound, critically injuring Fela and killing his grandmother. They set fire to the compound, destroying all of his master tapes and instruments.

Fela Project, by Kalakuta Projects. Although centered around an exhibit that is no longer available, biographical information, photographs, quotes and related resource links about Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the legendary Nigerian Afrobeat musician and human rights activist, can be found through this link. (E, M, H) http://www.felaproject.net/

Songs of Fela Kuti, by Oxfam Education. As part of a 5-part unit on Global Music, this lesson teaches students about Afrobeat, a musical style Fela Kuti created, and about the way he used music as a form of political protest (M, H) http://bit.ly/2DDVBMk

15     Robert Seth Hayes, Black Panther Party member, activist, Vietnam War veteran, political prisoner, born (1948). After earning a Purple Heart in Vietnam, Hayes became disillusioned with the injustices of American society and joined the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army (BLA). He was convicted of murdering a police officer in 1973, and sentenced to 25 years to life. Since becoming eligible for parole in 1998, he has been repeatedly denied, most likely because of his BLA past. He is one of the longest held political prisoners in the US.

“What We Want, What We Believe”: Teaching with the Black Panthers’ Ten Point Program, by Wayne Au. This lesson leads students to study the Black Panthers’ Ten Point Program to help assess issues in their own communities and to develop Ten Point Programs of their own. (H) http://bit.ly/KbuoS7

16     World Food Day. World Food Day is celebrated every year on October 16 to commemorate the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945.

The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Young Readers Edition: The Secrets Behind What You Eat, by Michael Pollan. Based on Pollan’s best-selling book of the same title, this version is written for teens, and challenges readers to consider the origin of the foods we eat and the broad ramifications of our eating habits. (M, H, TR) https://bit.ly/2qlswzd

16     50th anniversary of the 1968 Olympics Black Power salute. Nearly 50 years before Black athletes decided to #TakeAKnee to protest racial injustice, Olympic gold and bronze medalists Tommie Smith and John Carlos bowed their heads and raised black-gloved fists while the National Anthem played during the medals ceremony at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Smith and Carlos were stripped of their medals and kicked off the US Olympic team. They were publicly vilified and received vicious hate mail and death threats for years.

The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment that Changed the World, by John Carlos and Dave Zirin, Foreword by Cornel West. Seen around the world, John Carlos and Tommie Smith’s Black Power salute on the 1968 Olympic medals podium sparked controversy and career fallout. Yet their show of defiance remains one of the most iconic images in the history of the Olympics and the Black Power movement. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2BxRwYI

 I Know My Rights Camp, by Colin Kaepernick. Athlete Colin Kaepernick is using his status as a sports star to raise awareness and take action against racism. Know Your Rights Camp is a free campaign for youth, fully funded by Kaepernick, to raise awareness about higher education, self-empowerment, and interaction with law enforcement in various scenarios. (M, H, TR) https://bit.ly/2fJdbnJ

17     International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This day promotes the need to eradicate poverty worldwide, especially in the global south.

Finding Solutions to Hunger, by Kids Can Make a Difference. This educational program for middle and high school students focuses on the root causes of hunger and poverty, the people most affected, solutions and how students can help. (M, H)
http://bit.ly/cYEDNd

Teaching Economics As If People Mattered, by United for a Fair Economy. A collection of lesson plans about economics from a social justice perspective. (H) http://bit.ly/6AIy7u

18     30th anniversary of Paul Longmore’s burning his book to protest unfair restrictions in disability assistance programs. Paul Longmore was a disability historian and activist who had been severely disabled from the age of 7. When he wrote his first book, he discovered that disability assistance regulations were so restrictive that he would have to choose between accepting royalties from his book or receiving disability assistance, which he needed to survive. Longmore burned his book in front of the Social Security office to raise awareness of the plight of the disabled.

Inclusion on the Bookshelf, by Teaching Tolerance. An article about the importance of using children’s books that include characters with disabilities. Includes a list of recommended books. (E, M) https://bit.ly/2wNUxpo

18      370th anniversary of the Boston Shoemakers Union. The Boston “Company of Shoomakers” formed the first proto-trade union in America. Unlike modern-day unions, the goal of the organization was to set quality standards and improve workmanship. Under the laws of the colony, price-fixing was illegal, and money could not be set aside for families. In addition, craftsmen entering a trade were required to undergo an apprenticeship program under an established master.

50 Books About Labor, compiled by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center. A bibliography of 50 children’s books about labor issues. (E, M) http://bit.ly/Lgy8nX

19     Dussehra (Hinduism). Dussehra is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Demon King Ravana, or good over evil.

Religions in My Neighborhood, by Tanenbaum. A collection of recommended readings, multimedia, and lesson plans to explore religious tolerance. (E) https://bit.ly/2GiZAC0

19     Bertha Knight Landes, Mayor of Seattle, born (1868-1943). Bertha Knight Landes was elected Mayor of Seattle in 1928, becoming the first woman mayor of a major US city. As mayor, Landes tightened the budget and pushed to clean up Seattle, considered one of the most corrupt cities in the western US at the time. Prior to becoming mayor, she served on the Seattle City Council for four years, two as Council President.

Keep Climbing, Girls, by Beah E. Richards. A dynamic ode to girl power, written by noted African American actor, poet, and playwright Beah Richards. (E) https://bit.ly/2JA6O3w

21     10th anniversary of the Coquille Indian Tribe’s legalizing same-sex marriage. There were no court battles. A simple request by a lesbian couple that the Oregon Coquille tribe sanction their upcoming marriage resulted in the tribe’s legalizing all same-sex marriages. After a year of discussions and workshops, the Tribal Council agreed to the new law. The Coquille are believed to be the first Native tribe to legalize same-sex marriage – seven years before the US did the same.

The Freedom to Marry in Native American Territories, by Freedom to Marry. Because Native American tribes are federally recognized sovereign nations, they can create their own marriage policies for same-sex couples. This site includes a brief, hyperlinked timeline of milestones in the struggle to legalize same-sex marriage in these territories. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2p5uy5X

22     National day of protest to stop police brutality. The October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation has been mobilizing annually to expose the epidemic of police brutality. The coalition asks that we wear black on this day to honor those whose lives have been stolen by police brutality. http://www.october22.org/

The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas. Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil, who was unarmed, at the hands of a police officer. What Starr says or does not say could upend her community or endanger her life. (M, H) http://amzn.to/2nMFuq3; Link to a video of the author: http://bit.ly/2nAJwl0

 Ferguson Voices: Disrupting the Frame, by The Moral Courage Project. A multiplatform, multimedia storytelling initiative based on original interviews collected in Ferguson, Missouri in 2016. In addition to this website, Ferguson Voices is also an exhibit and a podcast, ideal for direct use with students. (H) www.fergusonvoices.org

 Every Mother’s Son, by P.O.V. This film presents three primary examples of police brutality and what is being done about it. The lesson accompanying the video addresses what students can do to take action. (H) http://to.pbs.org/1cNyCMD

 #FergusonSyllabus: Talking and Teaching About Police Violence, by Prison Culture. A tremendous set of activity ideas, lesson plans and resources for teachers and young people exploring police violence. Includes integration of the arts and other media. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1oV3uV9

Resources on the Ferguson Movement Moment, by Catalyst Project. Organic, linked resources related to teaching and learning about Ferguson and the #BlackLivesMatter movement. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1p8dY3n

24     80th anniversary of the Fair Labor Standards Act. For decades, state and federal legislatures tried to enact laws to protect workers, only to be struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional. The public mood shifted after the Depression, and the FLSA was enacted, establishing a national minimum wage, child labor restrictions, and overtime rules. The main beneficiaries of the original act were White men, who held most of the industrial jobs covered by the law.

Waging a Living, by PBS. Students will become familiar with the difference between “minimum wage” and “living wage” through classroom discussions and media exposure. (H) http://to.pbs.org/KuBX5v

25     60th anniversary of the first Youth March for Integrated Schools. Hoping to spark youth participation in the movement, a group of prominent Civil Rights leaders organized a Youth March for Integrated Schools. A racially integrated crowd of 10,000 students from across the nation marched to the Lincoln Memorial to show support for the Black students in the South who were on the front lines in the battle for integration. A small delegation attempted to meet with President Eisenhower, but he refused to meet with them.

Young People Working for Justice, by The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute. This is a series of six lessons that serve as a companion to A Time to Break Silence: The Essential Works of Martin Luther King, Jr., for Students. The lessons focus on the role of youth during the modern African American freedom struggle. The activities encourage students to envision their role in creating a just world. (M, H) http://stanford.io/2p4qao0

26     Intersex Awareness Day. Intersex Awareness Day is the international day of grassroots action to end shame, secrecy and unwanted genital cosmetic surgeries on intersex children.

InterACT, Advocates for Intersex Youth. A rich bibliography of resources, from academic papers and news articles to human rights rulings and policy statements related to intersex awareness and advocacy. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1KUOkJN

Read These 8 Works of Intersex Fiction Right Now, by Casey. Recommended books that feature intersex characters, three of which are written by intersex authors. (H) http://bit.ly/2DhkGvc

26     70th anniversary of the Donora Smog Disaster. A natural weather phenomenon, combined with man-made pollutants, caused the Donora Smog Disaster, which resulted in 20 deaths and the hospitalization of half of Donora, Pennsylvania’s population over a 5-day period. The early morning fog trapped toxic gasses from two U.S. Steel Corporation plants, leaving the air saturated with deadly pollutants. This event ignited the Clean Air movement, though no laws were passed for more than a decade.

The Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act, by the Environmental Protection Agency. Written for high school students, this booklet provides a brief introduction to the 1990 Clean Air Act. (H) http://bit.ly/2Dg2DFC

Trash Life, a collaboration between People in Education and The Boggs School. How do the choices we make about what we do with our trash affect our communities and our world? This is the question teaching artist Matthew Daher, classroom teacher Kelly Rickert, and a joint class of 1st and 2nd graders set out to address in the 20-minute film, Trash Life. After months of research, the children worked together to write the script, repurposed trash from the school to create costumes and props, performed on camera (even choreographing dance elements), and assisted in the filming process. Here is the result: https://bit.ly/2GY4WjW. (E) https://bit.ly/2GY4WjW

27     50th anniversary of the march in London against the Vietnam War. More than 200 people were arrested after thousands of demonstrators clashed with police in an anti-Vietnam War protest outside the US embassy in London. London police on horseback charged the demonstrators, who had swarmed the lawn in front of the embassy. At least 86 people were treated for injuries.

Anti-Vietnam War Movement, by Stanford History Education Group. What made the Vietnam War so contentious? In this lesson, students investigate images of the war, study a timeline of opposition to it, and read anti-war speeches to determine why so many Americans opposed the war in Vietnam. (H) http://stanford.io/2p4sICA

Inside Out & Back Again, by Thanhha Lai. For all the 10 years of her life, Hà has only known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, the warmth of her friends nearby, and the beauty of her very own papaya tree. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope. Discussion guide for the book included at this site. (M) http://bit.ly/2FyAkYT

28      20th anniversary of Glen Murray’s election as Mayor of Winnipeg. Glen Murray became the first openly gay man to be elected mayor of a major North American city. Murray is a lifelong activist for urban planning, affordable housing, sustainable development and community health. He is also known for his work with Indigenous peoples and his commitment to HIV/AIDS awareness and environment issues. 

Courage in the Face of Hate, a documentary by Egale Canada Human Rights Trust. The first Canadian documentary to focus on the human impact of hate crimes, violence and bullying against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and two-spirited Canadians, this 30-minute film offers the perspectives of LGBT people from across Canada. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2HnBHWM; accompanying lesson plan (costs $5): http://bit.ly/2Frm3NP

31     Mix It Up at Lunch Day. Mix It Up is an annual event sponsored by Teaching Tolerance that seeks to break down the barriers between students and improve intergroup relations.

Mix It Up at Lunch Day, by Teaching Tolerance. Teaching Tolerance provides free Mix It Up lessons and activities for teachers to use to organize a successful Mix It Up at Lunch Day and promote social border crossing all year long. (E, M, H, TR)
http://bit.ly/SWiezA

31     Halloween. Halloween is thought to have originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts.

What Do Halloween Costumes Say? by Teaching Tolerance. This site provides a variety of activities to raise awareness about the potential of stereotyping in Halloween costumes. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1nyjLIm

Ohio Univ. Students to Classmates: “We’re a Culture, Not a Costume,” by Jorge Rivas, Colorlines. This article tells the story of Ohio University student group “Students Teaching About Racism in Society” (STARS). The group created an educational campaign called, “We’re a Culture, Not a Costume,” in response to racist costumes often worn on Halloween. Includes links to campaign posters. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/seCYEf

Reverse Trick or Treat, by Global Exchange. This kit engages children in helping to end the exploitation of adults and children working in the cocoa industry and raise awareness of Fair Trade. Trick-or-treaters hand out Fair Trade chocolate to adults. The chocolate bars are accompanied by informational cards explaining the problems of the cocoa industry and how Fair Trade offers a solution. (E) http://bit.ly/1gCxUkI

31     40th anniversary of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 amended the Civil Rights Act of 1964 so that sex-based discrimination was re-defined to include any discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions. Despite the law, many companies continue to discriminate against women of childbearing age because of the perceived notion that they will disrupt the workflow to have and/or care for children.

Pregnant and Parenting Students’ Rights Toolkit, by National Women’s Law Center. Title IX requires schools to accommodate pregnant and parenting students, but students often have to go out of their way to learn about their rights. This toolkit alleviates that burden by providing quick and easy answers for students, outlining the Title IX requirements that schools must follow, and actions students can take when faced with discriminatory practices. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2bzkHjQ

 November

1     First day of National American Indian Heritage Month. National American Indian Heritage Month recognizes the significant contributions of American Indians.

We Shall Remain: Episode 5 – Wounded Knee, by PBS. We Shall Remain is a miniseries and multimedia project on Native American history. Episode 5 focuses specifically on the Wounded Knee incident. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2ExjWm8

Unlearning “Indian” Stereotypes, by Rethinking Schools. Narrated by Native American children, this DVD teaches about racial stereotypes and provides an introduction to Native American history through the eyes of children. Includes a teacher’s guide and other resources. (E, M, H) https://bit.ly/2H64BOK

The People Shall Continue, by Simon Ortiz. Told in the rhythms of traditional oral narrative, this powerful telling of the history of the Native/Indigenous peoples of North America recounts their story from Creation to the invasion and usurpation of Native lands. (E, M) http://bit.ly/2FTMush

1     El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). El Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday during which ancient Aztec rituals honoring the dead are performed. The rituals have been practiced for at least 3,000 years.

Pablo Remembers, by George Ancona. This photodocumentary-style children’s book follows Pablo and his family as they celebrate Día de los Muertos by honoring his grandmother. (E) http://bit.ly/RL0vbg

Teaching About El Día de los Muertos, by Vamos a Leer. An incredible roundup of lesson plans, fiction and nonfiction books, and other online resources that help teachers explore this holiday with their students. (E, M) https://bit.ly/2G7wfar

1     World Vegan Day. Veganism is a way of living that seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of and cruelty to animals for food, clothing and any other purpose.

That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals, by Ruby Roth. This book uses colorful artwork and lively text to introduce vegetarianism and veganism to early readers (ages 6-10). A separate section entitled “What Else Can We Do?” suggests ways children can learn more about the vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. (E) http://bit.ly/2GpbHeF

1     170th anniversary of the 1st US women’s medical school opening in Boston. The New England Female Medical College was founded in Boston, becoming the first institution in the US to train women in medicine. The school also graduated the first Black female physician in the US.

Women in STEM, by TeacherVision. Resources for supporting students in learning about some of the women who have made an impact in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Biographies and related activities teach students about the ingenuity and contributions of women and encourage an interest in STEM careers. (E) http://bit.ly/2psxSJs

3     150th anniversary of the first African American elected to Congress. John W. Menard was an abolitionist activist who worked in New Orleans during the Black Reconstruction period. He was elected to Congress to represent Louisiana, but was never seated because his victory was contested by others in Congress. Menard was also the founder and editor of three different civil rights advocacy newspapers.

The Battle Over Reconstruction Lesson Series, by EDSITEment. This series of three lessons covers the period from the end of the Civil War through the era of Reconstruction and its aftermath. Lesson one covers the aftermath of the war. Lesson two focuses on politics and policies during Reconstruction, including the presence of Black Americans in Congress. Lesson three covers the aftermath of Reconstruction. (H, TR) http://1.usa.gov/GWHV08

4     10th anniversary of Barack Obama’s election as the first African American President. Barack Obama was elected 44th President of the United States, the first African American to serve as the nation’s chief executive. A record number of votes were cast during this election, as Obama used a combined grassroots and social media strategy that resulted in a large margin of victory with young people, Black, Latinx and Asian American voters.

Expanding Voting Rights, by Teaching Tolerance. For several decades, voting in most states was limited to White male landowners, called freeholders. Gradually, the franchise, or right to vote, expanded to include others. This series of five lessons covers the following topics: The Early Republic; African Americans Face and Fight Obstacles to Voting; The Voting Rights Act; Women’s Suffrage; and The 26th Amendment. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2DkIsGDD

We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy, by Ta-Nehisi Coates. In this sweeping collection of essays, Coates explores the tragic echoes of that history in our own time: the unprecedented election of a Black president, followed by a vicious backlash that fueled the election of the man Coates argues is America’s “first White president.” (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2zeSveP

Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope, by Nikki Grimes. Even as a boy, Barack knew he wasn’t quite like anybody else. Through his journeys he found the ability to listen to Hope and become what he was meant to be: a bridge to bring people together. This is the moving story of our 44th President, told by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier, both winners of the Coretta Scott King Award. (E) http://bit.ly/2p9EiMK; printable educator’s guide: https://bit.ly/2ufyRkV

4     10th anniversary of the passing of California’s Prop 2. California voters passed Proposition 2, which requires that pigs and calves, and egg-laying hens, have room to turn around, extend their limbs, stand up and lie down. It is an important development representing a change in public opinion, eventually leading major agricultural companies to commit to cage-free eggs.

Heroes of the Environment, by Harriet Rohmer. A summary of the children’s book aimed at educating children about the ways in which young people have made a difference in improving the environment in their communities. Ideas for activities and teacher resources are also included. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1lSjLIN

4     10th anniversary of California’s Proposition 8. California voters approved Proposition 8, outlawing same-sex marriage, but the law was deemed unconstitutional two years later by a federal judge. In 2015, bans on same-sex marriage were overturned by the US Supreme Court, which determined that such laws violated the “equal protection” and “due process” clauses of the 14th Amendment.

Operation Marriage, by Cynthia Chin-Lee. Set in the San Francisco Bay area months before the passage of Proposition 8 banned gay marriage in California, this elementary picture book tells the story of two kids who take matters into their own hands. (E) https://bit.ly/2HridlD

5     50th anniversary of Shirley Chisholm’s election as the first African American US Congresswoman. Elected in 1968, Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005) was the first African American congresswoman. In 1972, she was the first major party Black candidate to run for US president. Her career in Congress was marked by fighting for opportunities for women and People of Color, as well as legislation that helped those most in need.

Chisolm ’72: Unbought and Unbossed, a POV documentary. This site includes lesson plans and resources for using Chisholm ’72. It also provides access to a lending library where teachers can borrow the video for free. (M, H, TR) http://to.pbs.org/IUQNCP

6     Election Day

It Ain’t Just About a Vote: Defining Democracy for Movement Building, by Project South. This $5 toolkit asks students to take a broader look at democracy and citizenship. Each exercise was created specifically to begin conversations on the larger, longer-term view of democracy, struggle and movement building. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1XuheSq

Money in Elections: What Is It Doing to America?, by Alan Shapiro. Three student readings, discussion questions, and suggestions for inquiry engage students in exploring the role of money in electoral politics. (H) http://bit.ly/sUIgLr

6     90th anniversary of the election of Octaviano Larrazolo to the US Senate. Octaviano Ambrosio Larrazolo, born in Allende, Chihuahua, Mexico, became the first Latino man elected to the US Senate. Larrazolo was elected to fill a seat left vacant by the death of his predecessor, but he was unable to serve a full term because of illness. Larrazolo was a proponent of Latinx rights and bilingual education. He was a key negotiator in including pro-Latinx language in the New Mexico state constitution and was an advocate for women’s suffrage.

Rethinking Bilingual Education, by Rethinking Schools. A new, edited collection of articles about bringing students’ home languages into our classrooms. The stories offer powerful examples of social justice curricula taught by bilingual teachers. The volume also includes ideas and strategies for how to honor students’ home languages in schools with no bilingual programming. (TR) http://bit.ly/2njKRdr

6     50th anniversary of the start of the successful San Francisco State College strike for a College of Ethnic Studies. Between November 6, 1968 and March 20, 1969, the Black Student Union and the Third World Liberation Front led a coalition of student groups on strike at San Francisco State College, demanding equal access to public higher education, more senior faculty of color and a new curriculum that would embrace the history and culture of ethnic minorities. The successful end of this strike marked the establishment of the first College of Ethnic Studies.

Activist State: The 1968 San Francisco Student Strike, by Jonathan Craig. A 26-minute documentary film about the five-month student strike that laid the groundwork for the establishment of the College of Ethnic Studies and inspired the establishment of ethnic studies classes and programs at other universities throughout the country. (H) https://bit.ly/2qmeEER

STRIKE!… Concerning the 1968-69 Strike at San Francisco State College, compiled by Helene Whitson. A historical essay containing photographs, other primary source materials, multimedia resources, and the lists of demands from both the Black Students’ Union and the Third World Liberation Front. Also includes details of the eventual settlement. (H, TR) https://bit.ly/2Cajyxf

Ethnic Studies: A Curriculum, by the San Francisco Unified School District Humanities Department. Includes the design of a 6-unit course that gives “high school students an introduction to the experiences of ethnic communities that are rarely represented in textbooks.” Includes hyperlinks to each unit that include enduring understandings and essential questions, as well as an overview of the entire course. (TR) http://bit.ly/2FNvKW8

6     40th anniversary of the passage of amendments to Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act. Title VII created the first federal funding for independent living for people with disabilities in the US and created the National Council of the Handicapped within the Department of Education.

Art and Accessibility: Study of Design, by Teaching Tolerance. In this art-integrated lesson, students consider what makes the design of different spaces accessible and identify and analyze ways of designing spaces that better accommodate people with disabilities. (E) http://bit.ly/2FDpi0z

7     Diwali (Deepavali), Indian Festival of Lights (Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism). Diwali (Festival of Lights) is an annual Hindu festival of lights that commemorates the return of Lord Rama from exile.

Lights for Gita, by Rachna Gilmore. This book introduces readers to Diwali, one of the most important holidays observed by Hindus all over the world, through the eyes of Gita, a young immigrant girl. (E) https://amzn.to/2uYA4h4

Diwali: A Cultural Adventure, by Sana Sood. For young readers, this book offers a bright, beautiful introduction to why Diwali is celebrated. (E) https://bit.ly/2HY9NAU

7     40th anniversary of the Defeat of the Briggs Initiative. Proposition 6, the Briggs Initiative, on the California ballot on November 7, 1978, was intended to ban all LGBTQ individuals and those who advocated for equal rights on their behalf from working in public schools. It was defeated by a two-to-one margin after an extensive mobilization for LGBTQ rights. Surprisingly, Ronald Reagan was one of the most prominent spokesmen against the proposal.

One Teacher in 10, by Kevin Jennings. From the director of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) comes a collection of accounts by openly gay and lesbian teachers who discuss their struggles and victories as they have put their own careers on the line to fight for justice. (TR) http://amzn.to/2IlJlT9

8     30th anniversary the Ocean Dumping Ban Act. This law prohibits all dumping of sewage sludge and industrial waste into the ocean; prohibits the EPA from issuing new dumping permits; and imposes fees on ocean dumping.

Marine Debris Activities and Curricula, by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Download a free assortment of activity books for children and formal curricula for grades K-12 on protecting our oceans and keeping our beaches clean. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2DneMse

8     80th anniversary of the first African American woman elected legislator. Crystal Bird Fauset was a Quaker and civil rights advocate who graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University. Fauset registered Black women voters and fought housing discrimination. In addition to serving in the Pennsylvania state legislature, she held prominent positions at the city, state and national levels.

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, by Vashti Harrison. This 96-page book features 40 biographies of African American women who helped shape history. The book, with its charming illustrations, was an instant New York Times bestseller when it debuted in December 2017. (E, M) http://bit.ly/2p5UijE

8     40th anniversary of the Indian Child Welfare Act. The Indian Child Welfare Act gives tribal governments jurisdiction over the placement of Native children in child custody proceedings. This law was a response to generations of the removal of Indian children from their traditional homes and cultures. The ICWA aims to keep Native American children within their communities whenever possible.

Niwechichaw/I Help, by Caitlin Nicholson (translation by Leona Morin-Nelson). This simple story in Cree and English explores a young child’s relationship to his kuhkom (grandmother) as they go for a walk in the bush to pick rosehips. The young boy follows his grandmother, walking, listening, picking, praying, eating, just as she does. In the process he absorbs the rich cultural traditions and values of his Cree heritage. (E) http://bit.ly/1pekuX5

8     10th anniversary of the Election of the First Transgender Mayor. Stu Rasmussen, who had already served as Mayor of Silverton, Oregon as a male, was re-elected after coming out as transgender. He was the first transgender mayor in the United States.

I Am Jazz, by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings. This children’s book, which is based on a true story, is about a little girl who is trapped inside a boy’s body. It describes the struggles and obstacles she faces and how her life changes after she visits the doctor and is told she is transgender. A summary, link and activities are available on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which contains an annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1vjqZrG

9     80th anniversary of Kristallnacht (the Night of Broken Glass). This coordinated series of attacks in Germany, Austria and Sudentenland became known as Kristallnacht, the “Night of Broken Glass,” for the shattered glass from the store windows that littered the streets. Nazi militias and Hitler Youth burned 267 synagogues and trashed and looted 7,500 Jewish businesses. Nearly 100 Jewish people were killed, and Jewish cemeteries, hospitals, schools and homes were looted; police and fire brigades were ordered not to intervene.

The Night of Broken Glass Oral History, by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. A 2-minute video of an oral history of Johanna Gerechter Neumann as she recounts Kristallnacht (The Night of Broken Glass) in Hamburg, Germany. (H) http://bit.ly/2Ip1oYA

One Survivor Remembers, by Teaching Tolerance. This documentary tells the unforgettable story of Gerda Weissmann Klein’s six-year ordeal as a victim of Nazi cruelty. The free teaching kit includes the film and lesson plans. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/17OwOL

10     120th anniversary of the Wilmington, NC race riot. Wilmington, a predominantly Black city, was one of the last holdouts of progressive politics in the state. Alfred Moore Waddell, a former Confederate officer, led 500 armed White supremacists to burn the local Black newspaper after it published an editorial exposing the increasingly common practice of interracial sex involving White women. Fourteen African Americans were killed; Black elected officials were forced to resign; and Waddell became mayor. Subsequently, African American voting rights were severely curtailed.

After Charlottesville: Teaching About Racism, Anti-Semitism and White Supremacy, by the Anti-Defamation League. Relevant lessons, related curricula, and additional anti-bias resources and strategies to help educators discuss the following topics with young people: the state of White supremacy, racism, anti-Semitism, domestic extremism, free speech and other related topics. (E, M, H, TR) https://bit.ly/2wSBXZF

11     Veterans Day (observed 11/12/2018)

Voices in Wartime, by YES! Magazine and Voices in Wartime Education Project. This site seeks to enable students to engage deeply with the subject of war by hearing and re-telling the personal stories of witnesses to war, encouraging students to imagine and create a less violent world. The site includes the film’s trailer, curricular materials and poetry. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1uCgCMY

11     100th anniversary of Armistice Day ending WWI. World War I, known as the “War to End All Wars,” ended at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Suffering untold casualties and with defeat a certainty, Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies in a railroad car outside Compiègne, France. The war left 9 million soldiers dead and 21 million wounded; at least 5 million civilians died from disease, starvation or exposure.

Protesting the First World War, by Colby Smart, Zinn Education Project. Questions and teaching ideas to accompany Chapter 14 of Voices of a People’s History of the United States, focusing on anti-war efforts during the first World War, as well as the US government’s response. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2GPMgCR

11      40th anniversary of the signing of the Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1978. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 had strict protection requirements for animals and plants facing extinction. The Amendments of 1978 weakened the original act because they created the Endangered Species Committee, which can exempt a species from protection if it can be shown that the protection could interfere with economic development.

Endangered Species, by Sox Sperry, Project Look Sharp. A 185-page kit with 40 slides offering a historical overview of American representations of endangered species, from the slaughter of the American buffalo to palm plantations in Sumatra. The kit includes a teacher’s guide for each image, student readings, and both print and video case study lessons. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/NnSSoq

12     50th anniversary of the US Supreme Court overruling Arkansas law banning the teaching of evolution in schools. The Supreme Court ruled that the Arkansas statute banning the teaching of human evolution in schools was based solely on the beliefs of fundamentalist Christians, who felt that evolutionary theories contradicted the biblical account of creation. This use of state power to prohibit the teaching of material objectionable to a particular sect amounted to an unconstitutional “establishment” of religion.

Evolution: Teacher’s Guide, by PBS. A 9-part, 40-page teacher’s guide filled with engaging activities and multimedia resources on science and evolution. Each unit includes additional online supports and resources specific to that topic. Unit 7 addresses “Dealing with Controversy,” providing resources to support teachers who receive challenges to teaching theories of evolution. (E, M, H, TR) http://to.pbs.org/2G3dTqV

The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin, by Peter Sís. A multilayered journey through Darwin’s world, The Tree of Life begins with his childhood and traces the arc of his life through university and career, following him around the globe on the voyage of The Beagle and home to a quiet but momentous life devoted to science and family. (E) https://bit.ly/2J94Y9y; interview with the author here: https://n.pr/2H1Bp98

13      10th anniversary of the publication of “Student-Led Solutions to the Dropout Crisis.” Created by 52 young people at Voices of Youth in Chicago Education (VOYCE), this publication is a thorough, researched account exploring the reasons behind high dropout rates and low college enrollment rates among low-income youth. VOYCE is now working on a pilot project with Chicago Public Schools to test some of their recommendations.

Student-Led Solutions to the Dropout Crisis, a report by Voices of Youth in Chicago Education (VOYCE). A solid example of youth participatory action research, this report is a culmination of a youth-led process to understand and address the dropout crisis in Chicago Public Schools. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2Hybk0q

Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, by Monique Morris. Pushout exposes a world of confined potential and supports the rising movement to challenge the policies, practices, and cultural illiteracy that push countless students out of school and into unhealthy, unstable, and often unsafe futures. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2FTSDHq

15     30th anniversary of the Palestinian Declaration of Independence. The Palestinian Declaration of Independence announced the independent state of Palestine while also expressing the acceptance of a UN resolution proposing a two-state solution to the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict. The declaration was written by the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish and announced by Yasser Arafat.

Before the Next Bomb Drops: Rising Up from Brooklyn to Palestine, by Remi Kanazi. This book of poetry presents an unflinching look at the lives of Palestinians under occupation and as refugees scattered across the globe. Kanazi captures the Palestinian people’s stubborn refusal to be erased, gives voice to the ongoing struggle for liberation, and explores the meaning of international solidarity. (H) https://bit.ly/2iwoRfW

16     90th anniversary of the banning of The Well of Loneliness. The Well of Loneliness, by Radclyffe Hall, one of the earliest novels written in the English language that discussed the experiences of lesbians, included very little explicitly romantic or sexual language. London magistrate Charles Biron ordered copies destroyed for obscenity later that year, in part because men feared that it would encourage people to discuss homosexuality openly.

Homophobia: Deal with It and Turn Prejudice into Pride, by Steven Solomon. A children’s book that shows students what constitutes homophobic language and why, through a variety of quizzes, scenarios, comics, and Q & A examples. The author also provides students with information on what they can do to create more inclusive environments and combat homophobia. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1Okolqh

17     International Students’ Day. An international observance and celebration of student community, multiculturalism and inclusivity. Originally commemorating the Nazi Germany storming of Czech universities, colleges and universities now mark it as a celebration of their international students.

We Came to America, by Faith Ringgold. A timely and beautiful look at America’s rich historical diversity, with an appropriate complication of the “nation of immigrants” narrative that includes recognition of Indigenous peoples and the forced migration of the slave trade. (E) http://bit.ly/2llxdp8

20     Transgender Day of Remembrance. This day is set aside to memorialize those who were killed because of anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.

Beyond the Binary, a Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism in Schools, by the Gay-Straight Alliance Network, Transgender Law Center, and The National Center for Lesbian Rights. This guide includes information for helping students deconstruct some of the myths behind gender identity. It can be used to develop plans for Transgender Day of Remembrance or for action planning to change school policies that are not supportive of all students. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/9wjXL2

A Trans* and Gender Non-conforming Reading List for All Ages, by The Booklist Reader. The list highlights books by and about the trans*/GNC community for all ages. For non-trans readers with family members, friends or colleagues who are trans*/GNC – actually, for all readers with open minds and hearts – these books can lead the way toward becoming well-informed allies. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2oxQCnU

The Transgender Child: A Handbook for Families and Professionals, by Stephanie A. Brill and Rachel Pepper. Transgender and gender-variant children have a hard time. They are generally discouraged by their families and bullied at school. This handbook is for families and teachers who want to understand and support children’s self-definition. (TR) https://amzn.to/2qijKD6

The Youth and Gender Media Project. The Youth and Gender Media Project encompasses a growing collection of short films that capture the diversity and complexity of gender non-conforming youth. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1pDshdH

22     National Day of Mourning. In 1970, Wamsutta Frank James, a Wampanoag Indian, was invited by the state of Massachusetts to deliver a speech about Thanksgiving. The speech was titled, “The National Day of Mourning.” When the text of the speech was revealed, Massachusetts uninvited him. In response, a group of New England Native Americans declared Thanksgiving 1970 the first annual National Day of Mourning.

A Racial Justice Guide to Thanksgiving for Educators and Families, by Border Crossers. This guide includes a wealth of teaching approaches, lesson plans, study guides, resources for families, a book list, and more. All vetted resources are categorized and hyperlinked. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2o3fJAp

23     Thanksgiving

Rethinking Thanksgiving: Myths and Misgivings, by Vera L. Stenhouse, Rethinking Schools. As a teacher educator, Stenhouse discusses some of the ways classroom educators can demystify the first Thanksgiving. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/2z77Ov

1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving, by Catherine O’Neill Grace and Marge Bruchac. Produced in collaboration with the Wampanoag Indian Program at Plymouth Plantation, 1621 weighs Wampanoag oral traditions and English colonial written records against the popular myth of “brave settlers inviting wild Indians over for turkey dinner.” (E, M) http://bit.ly/1tTFP7H

Oyate. Oyate is a Native American organization that lists recommended children’s books on Native American history and culture. The website features Thanksgiving resources and provides criteria for evaluating the quality of books about Native Americans. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/4DUTbG

Against the Current, by Teaching Tolerance. Teaching Tolerance offers a wealth of activity ideas tied to Thanksgiving, Native mascots and Indigenous people’s proud heritage of resistance. (E, M, H) https://bit.ly/2v2La4E

23     Buy Nothing Day. Buy Nothing Day (BND) is an international day of protest against consumerism, strategically celebrated on “Black Friday,” the busiest shopping day of the year in the US.

The Story of Stuff, by Annie Leonard. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, free downloadable video that explores consumption and exposes the connections between various environmental and social issues, while providing suggestions for action. (E, M, H) Website: http://bit.ly/vXj7EC; Reading Guide: http://bit.ly/1TQdXO0

The Story of Change, by Annie Leonard. A follow-up video to The Story of Stuff, The Story of Change asks if shopping can save the world, urging viewers to put down their credit cards and start exercising their civic muscles to build a more sustainable, just and fulfilling world. (M, H) http://bit.ly/Vo6GIQ

Labor Rights in the Classroom, by the International Labor Rights Forum. Workers all over the world suffer from conditions that many would consider unbearable. These conditions are, in part, a result of corporations taking advantage of workers and depriving them of their rights. The lessons on this website help students to understand how consumerism and corporate greed in the US affect workers around the world. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1VkYSFm

23     #NotOneDime. #NotOneDime is a nationwide economic boycott focused on racial justice. The campaign was launched in the aftermath of the Ferguson non-indictment decision. #NotOneDime calls for a moratorium on all non-essential shopping from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday and reclaiming Black Friday as a national day of action and service.

Teaching #Ferguson: Connecting with Resources, by Art Museum Teaching. List of resources – all hyperlinked and annotated – related to teaching #Ferguson in K-12 classrooms and beyond. (TR) http://bit.ly/1VLFEWu

23     Fur-Free Friday. This annual national protest against the wearing of fur is held on the day after Thanksgiving with the aim of educating shoppers and spreading awareness about the horrors of the fur industry.

Council of All Beings, by the Institute for Humane Education. What does a mountain wish for? A wolf? A cow? A river? Participants “become” a being or part of nature, and share with the Council the lives, concerns, hopes and wisdom of their assumed beings. (E) http://bit.ly/1nK7xwg

27     40th anniversary of the murder of Harvey Milk. Harvey Milk, elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, was the first openly gay elected official in California. He served for 11 months before he was assassinated, along with Mayor George Moscone, by Dan White, a former Supervisor and SF police officer. On the night of their deaths, 30,000 people marched to City Hall in protest.

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag, by Rob Sanders. In this deeply moving and empowering true story, young readers will trace the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today’s world. A story of love, hope, equality and pride. (E)
https://bit.ly/2IGxFt8

MILK, directed by Gus Van Sant. Milk is a 2008 American biographical film based on the life of gay rights activist and politician Harvey Milk, who was the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. (H) http://amzn.to/2BswOcy

28     Tom Regan, animal rights activist and philosopher, born (1938-2017). Regan was an American philosopher who specialized in animal rights. His 1983 book, The Case for Animal Rights, argued that animals, just as humans, have value and deserve the right not to be harmed. His work was influential in the growth of the modern Animal Rights movement.

Amos’s Sweater, by Janet Lunn. Amos the sheep is old and cold and tired of giving up all his wool. But despite his noisy objections, Aunt Hattie shears Amos once again and knits his wool into a brightly colored sweater for Uncle Henry. Poor Amos decides that this time he has had enough, and he sets out to reclaim what is rightfully his. (E) http://bit.ly/1nuzw9i

28     20th anniversary of Rita Hester’s murder. Rita Hester, musician, dancer, drag performer, and activist transgender African American, was murdered in Allston, Massachusetts in a case that remains unsolved. A huge crowd turned out for a candlelight vigil for her. Hester’s death was the inspiration for the annual international Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20.

Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out, by Susan Kuklin. This groundbreaking work takes an honest look at the life, love and struggles of transgender teens. Author and photographer Susan Kuklin met and interviewed six transgender or gender-neutral young adults. Portraits, family photographs and candid images grace the pages, augmenting the emotional and physical journey each youth has taken. (M, H, TR) https://bit.ly/2GPbrbW

29     Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., born (1908-1972). Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., was the first African American elected to the New York City Council and the first Black New Yorker to serve in Congress, representing Harlem from 1945 to 1971. Prior to his election, he was a community activist and an outspoken advocate for civil rights. While in Congress, he fought for, and won, many legislative reforms, including a minimum wage increase, educational resources for the deaf, job training and student loan funding.

Black Americans in Congress, by History, Art and Archives, US House of Representatives. This site contains biographical profiles of former African American members of Congress, links to information about current Black members, essays on institutional and national events that shaped successive generations of African Americans in Congress, and images of each individual member, supplemented by historical photos. (M, H) https://bit.ly/21cdnvG

 December

1     World AIDS Day. The United Nations has designated this day to honor AIDS victims, focus attention on issues surrounding HIV/AIDS, and organize anti-discrimination activities.

AVERT: Averting HIV and AIDS. A variety of resources and information, including quizzes, handouts, videos and lessons for teachers and teens about living with and preventing HIV/AIDS. (M, H) http://bit.ly/uq5WS7

2     First day of Hanukkah (begins at sunset on 12/2; Judaism). Hanukkah is an 8-day Jewish holiday also known as the Festival of Lights.

Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Hanukkah: With Lights, Latkes, and Dreidels, by Deborah Heiligman. This children’s book features National Geographic photography to illustrate how Jewish people around the world celebrate Hanukkah. (E) http://bit.ly/RflFhW

One Yellow Daffodil: A Hanukkah Story, by David Adler. Morris Kaplan, a Holocaust survivor and the owner of a flower shop, is invited by two children to their family’s Hanukkah celebration. The celebration evokes memories of Kaplan’s past and his family who perished during the Holocaust. Based on survivor testimonies. Intended for ages 5-8. (E) http://amzn.to/2FTUThS

2     80th anniversary of the first Kindertransport’s arrival in Great Britain. To save their children from almost certain death at the hands of the Nazis, German and Austrian Jewish parents sent their children abroad through the Kindertransport (Children’s Transport) program. This was the informal name for a series of rescue efforts that transported Jewish children to England between 1938 and 1940. An estimated 9,000-10,000 children were relocated through this program.

Children’s Books About the Holocaust, by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. An annotated bibliography to guide parents, educators, and young readers to children’s books about the Holocaust and related subjects. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2ImkJJH

3     International Day of Persons with Disabilities

10 Quick Ways to Analyze Children’s Books for Ableism, by Chloë Myers and Hank Bersani, Jr. This article from Rethinking Schools gives teachers the tools to become aware of the omission of persons with disabilities in children’s literature. This exclusion decreases the likelihood that the histories, experiences or feelings of people with disabilities will be discussed in our classrooms. (TR) https://bit.ly/2qk6Nb2

4     80th anniversary of the first conference of El Congreso del Pueblo de Habla Española. Founded under the leadership of cannery worker Luisa Moreno, El Congreso del Pueblo de Habla Española (The Spanish-Speaking Peoples’ Congress) was the first national organization that brought together Latino workers from varying ethnic backgrounds to address Latino workers’ rights, labor conditions and civil rights in the United States.

Identity, Immigration and Economics: Involuntary Deportations of the 1930s, by PBS Learning Media. In this lesson, students examine the involuntary deportations of Mexican immigrants and US citizens of Mexican heritage during the 1930s. This displacement is only one of many legally sanctioned forced relocations in US history. The lesson highlights the ongoing tie between immigration policies on the one hand and economic trends on the other. Students analyze primary accounts and images from the 1930s, develop vocabulary related to relocation, and demonstrate understanding through creative writing. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2DOAshp

5     Margaret Cho, comedian, actress, author and activist, born (1968). Korean American comedian, actress, author, and activist Margaret Cho has explored issues of race and sexuality in her stand-up comedy routines. She is also an advocate for the LGBT community and for prisoners’ rights.

Guide to Being an Ally to LGBT Students, by GLSEN. This “Safe Space Kit” on allyship is designed for school staff who wish to support LGBT students and create a safe space for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. (TR) https://bit.ly/2G8bg7i

5     20th anniversary of the first Bisexual Pride Flag. Bisexual people often felt they couldn’t identify with the rainbow flag that has come to represent the LGBTQ community. Seeking to increase visibility and give the bisexual community its own symbol, activist Michael Page created the bisexual pride flag. Pink represents homosexual (gay/lesbian) love; blue represents heterosexual (straight) love; and purple represents the blending of the two.

Bisexual Stories: An Annotated Bi-Bibliography, by Robin Ochs. A fully annotated bibliography of YA fiction featuring bisexuality in a central character and/or as a topic of the book. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2Gurzws

7     Noam Chomsky, social critic and anti-war activist, born (1928). Considered by some as the “father of modern linguistics,” Chomsky is also known for his exposés of government wrongdoing and for his often controversial social criticism. He was an outspoken opponent of the US war in Vietnam and has continued to uncover military misdeeds in wars in the Mideast, Latin America and Africa. He is the subject of the award-winning 1992 documentary Manufacturing Consent.

The Essential Chomsky, edited by Anthony Arnove. Chomsky’s many bestselling works have served as touchstones for dissidents, activists, scholars, and concerned citizens on subjects ranging from the media to human rights to intellectual freedom. The Essential Chomsky assembles the core of his most important writings, including excerpts from his most influential texts over the past 40 years. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2Dq0Rlp

9     70th anniversary of the UN Convention on Genocide. The Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in reaction to the Nazi’s systematic murder of Jews during World War II. Genocide is defined as a crime of intentional destruction, in whole or in part, of a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. Although the US signed the Convention in 1948, it wasn’t officially ratified until 40 years later in 1988.

Holocaust Resource Collection, by Facing History and Ourselves. A comprehensive collection of resources for engaging students of all ages in examining the history of the Holocaust and developing their skills of ethical reasoning, critical thinking, tolerance and empathy. There is also a link to the organization’s genocide resource collection. (M, H, TR) https://www.facinghistory.org/topics/holocaust

9      40th anniversary of the 1st game of the Women’s Pro Basketball League (WBL). Although women had played professional ball before this, the game between the Chicago Hustle and the Milwaukee Does, was the first in the newly established Women’s Professional Basketball League, which was the first attempt to launch a nationwide professional basketball league for women. Though it was relatively popular in some cities, overall attendance was poor and media coverage virtually nonexistent. The league folded in 1981.

Allie’s Basketball Dream, by Barbara E. Barber. Hooked on basketball from the moment she first played, Allie nearly gives up trying to get her girlfriends to play the “boys’ game” with her, but her persistence is finally rewarded. (E) http://bit.ly/2DPcHa6; Teacher’s Guide: https://bit.ly/2GPFzjB

Game Changers: The Unsung Heroines of Sports History, by Molly Schiot. This book is based on the Instagram account @TheUnsungHeroines, a celebration of the pioneering, forgotten female athletes of the 20th century, and features rarely seen photos and new interviews with past and present game changers. (E, M, H) www.theunsungheroines.com

10     Human Rights Day. This day celebrates the UN’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Human Rights and Service-Learning: Lesson Plans and Projects, by Kristine Belisle and Elizabeth Sullivan, Amnesty International-USA and Human Rights Education Associates (HREA). This manual contains lessons and service-learning projects. The lesson plans are divided into five human rights topics: environment, poverty, discrimination, children’s rights to education and health, and law and justice. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2mObd9C

Toolkit for Schools to Become Human Rights Friendly, by Amnesty International. Human rights-friendly schools are founded on the principles of equality, dignity, respect, non-discrimination and participation. They are communities where human rights are learned, taught, practiced, respected, protected and promoted. The Human Rights Friendly Schools package contains a toolkit, pamphlets for students, schools, teachers, communities and families, as well as a poster. (E, M, H, TR) https://bit.ly/2AkWpYp

We Are All Born Free, by Amnesty International. Published to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, We Are All Born Free uses pictures by internationally renowned artists to illustrate the meaning of these rights. (E) https://bit.ly/2v27NGj

10     International Animal Rights Day. International Animal Rights Day began in 1997 when a group of animal rights activists declared that all animals are sentient beings and deserve to be treated with respect. The group picked December 10 because it is also Human Rights Day and the anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Animal Protection Activities, by the Institute for Humane Education. Activity topics include the connections between animal and human oppression, the inconsistencies in how we make choices about how we treat others, and more. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2m0xO49

10     30th anniversary of Naguib Mahfouz’s Nobel Prize in Literature. Naguib Mahfouz, an Egyptian cultural icon who wrote 34 novels and more than 350 short stories, was the first person from a Middle Eastern country to receive the Nobel Prize in literature. His works cover a broad range of topics, including socialism, homosexuality, and God.

Walls of Freedom: Street Art of the Egyptian Revolution, by Basma Hamdy and Don Karl. A powerful portrayal of the first three years of the Egyptian revolution that began on January 25, 2011, told through striking images of art that transformed Egypt’s walls into a visual testimony to bravery and resistance. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2p8R7Yw

10     70th anniversary of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. After World War II, the United Nations General Assembly vowed to never allow atrocities like those of that conflict happen again. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights outlines fundamental human rights to be universally protected. It is commemorated every year on this date, otherwise known as International Human Rights Day.

What Are Human Rights?: Lessons for Kids, by KidWorldCitizen. From the blog of an elementary school teacher, a collection of resources, activities, books and lessons on human rights to help parents and teachers introduce these concepts to children. (E) https://bit.ly/2IKp4Xg

10     120th anniversary of the Treaty of Paris. In the Treaty of Paris, ending the Spanish American War, Spain relinquished nearly all of the Spanish empire, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, to the United States. It marked the beginning of US imperial control in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Resistance in Paradise: Rethinking 100 Years of US Involvement in the Caribbean and the Pacific, edited by Debbie Wei and Rachel Kamel. This teaching guide focuses on the role of US involvement in countries such as Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico. Filled with illustrations, cartoons, photographs, poems, stories and historical and contemporary documents that are formatted for easy reproduction for classroom use. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/rsJayw

11     10th anniversary of Esther Chávez Cano’s National Human Rights Award in Mexico. Chávez Cano, a women’s rights activist, was responsible for bringing widespread attention to the femicide happening in Juárez, Mexico. She founded Casa Amiga, a domestic violence and rape crisis center that has helped tens of thousands of women in the city. Chávez Cano won the award 16 years after she began her campaign and nine years after establishing Casa Amiga.

500 Years of Chicana Women’s History, by Elizabeth Martinez. Stories and photos of Chicana/Mexican American women in politics, labor, art, health and more. (H) http://bit.ly/2lguk9w

18     International Migrants Day. There are an estimated 200 million migrant workers in the world. The UN marks this date to recognize this diverse group of workers and the economic, social and political contexts that affect their rights and livelihoods.

Things are Good Now, by Djamila Ibrahim. In the pages of this collection of short stories, men, women and children who have crossed continents in search of a better life find themselves struggling with the chaos of displacement and the religious and cultural clashes they face in their new homes. (H) https://bit.ly/2EH3WzP

18     140th anniversary of the execution of John Kehoe. Kehoe was the leader of the Molly Maguires, an Irish American secret society, considered a forerunner to the organized Labor movement in the US. Sparking resistance to the coal bosses and various acts of retaliation in eastern Pennsylvania, the “Mollies” were accused of murdering at least 20 mine foremen and supervisors over a 14-year period. Convicted on spurious evidence, 20 men were sentenced to death. Kehoe was posthumously pardoned in 1979.

Growing Up in Coal Country, by Susan Campbell Bartoletti. This book offers firsthand accounts and compelling facts about the lives of coal miners and their families in northeastern Pennsylvania at the dawn of the 20^th century. Bartoletti has also written a children’s literature fictional account of the same time period and people, A Coal Miner’s Bride. (E, M) https://amzn.to/2qgtUnJ

18     20th Anniversary of Boswell v. Boswell. Robert Boswell and his wife Kimberly asked the courts for clarification on whether being out as a gay man constituted “actual harm” for Robert’s children in the matter of joint custody. The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that homosexuality was not a reason to restrict parents’ access to custody of their children.

The Kids: The Children of LGBTQ Parents in the USA, by Gabriela Herman. A stunning photobook featuring more than 50 portraits of children brought up by gay parents in America. (E, M, H) https://bit.ly/2HY8CS8

19     10th anniversary of Tim DeChristopher’s disruption of the auction of public land. Tim DeChristopher, a climate activist and member of “Peaceful Uprising,” protested an illegal Bureau of Land Management auction of public land in Utah by successfully bidding on 14 parcels of land with no intention of paying for them. His aim was to protect fragile land in southern Utah from environmental harm. He was arrested and sentenced to two years in federal prison, garnering him international media attention and support.

The End of the Wild, by Nicole Helget. Eleven-year-old Fern doesn’t have the easiest life. The woods near their home is her only refuge, where she finds food and plays with her neighbor’s dog. But when a fracking company rolls into town, her special grove could be ripped away, and no one else seems to care. With no one on her side, how can she save the forest that has protected her for so long? (M) https://bit.ly/2I3LlhQ

21     Winter Solstice. The Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere) marks the beginning of winter. It is the shortest day and longest night of the year.

A Coyote Solstice Tale, by Thomas King. Trickster Coyote is having his friends over for a festive solstice get-together in the woods when a little girl comes by unexpectedly. She leads the partygoers through the snowy woods to a shopping mall – a place they have never seen before. Winner of the American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Awards, Best Picture Book. (E) http://bit.ly/1TIeAtW

21     Soyal, the New Year’s celebration of the Hopi and Zuni. Among the Hopi and Zuni people, a ritual is performed to celebrate the return of the sun after winter and a time of renewal and purification.

Celebrate My Hopi Corn, by Anita Poleahla. This board book, written in Hopi and English, is the story of how corn is planted, cultivated, harvested and prepared for use in the Hopi home. The colorful illustrations by Hopi artist Emmett Navakuku depict the changing seasons and daily activities in a Hopi village. (E) http://bit.ly/2n7lqep

21     30th anniversary of Chicago’s banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. Joining a small but growing number of cities and states, the Chicago City Council voted 28-17 to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation within the city. The move led to an expansion of the Illinois Human Rights Act in 2005.

Queer Brown Voices: Personal Narratives of Latina/o LGBT Activism, edited by Uriel Quesada, Letitia Gomez and Salvador Vidal-Ortiz. Essays chronicling the experiences of 14 Latinx LGBT activists present a new perspective on the often marginalized history of their work in the last three decades of the 20th century. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2kKgIp8

22     30th anniversary of the assassination of Chico Mendes. Chico Mendes was a labor organizer and an advocate for the preservation of the Amazon rainforests and the rights of Brazilian Indigenous communities. Mendes, a rubber-tapping worker, recognized the negative impact of forest clear-cutting on the environment and local communities. He supported sustainable, community-oriented use of the forest. An estimated 1,000 rainforest activists in Brazil have been murdered since 1988.

Journey into Amazonia: Chico Mendes of Brazil, by PBS. A collection of lesson plans that accompany video clips from the documentary, Journey into Amazonia. Includes lessons on topics ranging from the rainforest ecosystem to the activists who work on Amazon rainforest conservation. One lesson focuses specifically on the activism of Chico Mendes. (M, H) https://to.pbs.org/1jIiF0S

25     Christmas. Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus.

The Women Who Gave Us Christmas, by William Loren Katz. Article about how women organized Christmas bazaars to finance the abolition cause and used the fundraisers as an opportunity to spread anti-slavery messages. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1QvQJe8

Alfredito Flies Home, by Jorge Argueta. Alfredito and his family are getting ready to return to their old home in El Salvador for Christmas, their first time back since they left as refugees. (E) http://bit.ly/24R4JW1

Baseball Bats for Christmas, by Michael Kusugak. Never having seen trees, the children in Repulse Bay decide that the trees that were sent to them for planting must be meant for making baseball bats. An autobiographical tale from Kusugak’s childhood tells a story of life in the Arctic, and how different cultures can interpret things differently. (E) https://bit.ly/2GtrPLd

26     First day of Kwanzaa (Umoja = Unity). Kwanzaa is a 7-day celebration honoring African American culture and heritage in which each of the seven days is dedicated to a specific life principle.

Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Kwanzaa: With Candles, Community, and the Fruits of the Harvest, by Carolyn B. Otto. Through the use of photographs, this book helps children understand how Kwanzaa is celebrated. (E) http://bit.ly/ReeZkW

26     110th anniversary of Jack Johnson’s becoming the first Black heavyweight boxing champion. After winning the title of “colored” heavyweight champion in 1903, Johnson challenged Jim Jeffries, the White man who then held the world title, but Jeffries refused. Finally, he got his chance in 1908, defeating the reigning champ, Tommy Burns. He defended his heavyweight title until 1915. Johnson was a hero to Black people and vilified by many White people, who couldn’t stand to see a Black man beat White boxers.

Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson, directed by Ken Burns. This Emmy® Award-winning documentary chronicles Jack Johnson’s journey from his beginnings as the son of former slaves to his entry into the world of professional boxing. Despite brutal racism, he battled his way up through the ranks to become the first African American Heavyweight Champion of the World. PBS website includes a teacher’s section with lesson plans and resources. (H) Link to film: http://amzn.to/2D5VPKP; Teacher’s Guide: http://to.pbs.org/2D4EodM

27     Second day of Kwanzaa (Kujichagulia = Self-determination)

Black Owned Business Directory, by #NotOneDime. A growing list of Black-owned businesses to support. (TR) http://bit.ly/1Rsgclj

27     Juan Felipe Herrera, US Poet Laureate and activist, born (1948). Juan Felipe Herrera is a poet and activist who has used his poetry and writing to address social issues and cultural identity, as well as to advocate on behalf of migrant communities and Indigenous peoples. Herrera was appointed US Poet Laureate in 2015 and served in that capacity until 2017.

Calling the Doves/El Canto de las Palomas, by Juan Felipe Herrera. This picture book is Herrera’s memoir of his childhood as a son of migrant farmworkers. Written in English and Spanish, it celebrates the work, skills and love of Herrera’s parents. (E) https://bit.ly/2v0YmH4

28     Third day of Kwanzaa (Ujima = Collective Work and Responsibility)

Mutual Aid Toolbox, by Big Door Brigade. We cannot rely on the government to provide what people need, especially when vulnerable people are under attack by government agencies and agents. This toolbox is a list of models and tools for starting mutual aid projects – projects that help materially support people facing eviction, deportation, criminalization, poverty, isolation and violence. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2kL2cup

29     Fourth day of Kwanzaa (Ujamaa = Cooperative Economics)

Cultivate.Coop. Cultivate.Coop is an online hub for pooling knowledge and resources on cooperatives. It is a space to collect free information for those interested in cooperatives, and where people can build useful educational tools for the co-op community. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/ekaidO

30     Fifth day of Kwanzaa (Nia = Purpose)

Seven Principles, by Sweet Honey in the Rock. This is a song that teaches the seven principles of Kwanzaa. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/vNc77L

31     New Year’s Eve

31     Sixth day of Kwanzaa (Kuumba = Creativity)

 January

1    Seventh day of Kwanzaa (Imani = Faith)

1    40th anniversary of Sugarhill Gang’s “Sugarhill Gang,” the first Hip-Hop album. The album, which featured the hit “Rapper’s Delight,” went gold. Hip-Hop exploded in popularity as a vehicle for Black social commentary and resistance in urban America.

Hip Hop Speaks to Children: A Celebration of Poetry with a Beat, edited by Nikki Giovanni. This “read-and-play-it-to-me-again” collection of poetry with a beat entertains and educates all ages. The introduction by Nikki Giovanni recounts the history of rhythm, rap, and hip-hop, emphasizing stories of resistance and creativity. An accompanying CD with 30 performances, many read by the author, makes this book an invaluable resource for classrooms. (E, M) https://bit.ly/2pzsnZk

1     60th anniversary of the Cuban revolution. The 26th of July Movement, led by Fidel Castro, overthrew the US-backed Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista. Their main goals included freeing Cuba from domination by US business and crime bosses, redistribution of land to the peasants, nationalization of services, and education reform.

On This Day: Cuban Revolution, by C-SPAN Classroom. A collection of three video clips that explain the day US-backed Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista fled the country, and the aftermath of the event. (H) https://cs.pn/2G0qbVg

Leaving Glorytown: One Boy’s Struggle Under Castro, by Eduardo Calcines. Calcines was just three years old when Castro came to power in 1959. In this absorbing memoir, by turns humorous and heartbreaking, Eduardo Calcines recounts his boyhood and chronicles the conditions that led him to wish above all else to leave behind his beloved extended family and his home for a chance at a better future. (M) https://bit.ly/2INd07P; Educator’s Guide: https://bit.ly/2pAPgMd

Reform and Resistance: The Cuban Revolution Part II, by Open Ended Social Studies. Lesson plans on reform and repression in Cuba, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, and the role of the US in the oppression of Cubans. (H) https://bit.ly/2DQufkV

1     10th anniversary of the murder of Oscar Grant. At the Fruitvale BART station in Oakland, California, police removed five Black New Years’ revelers from the train, handcuffed them and made them lie face-down on the platform. BART police officer Johannes Mehserle then shot 22-year-old Oscar Grant in the back while another held him down. Claiming the point-blank shooting was an accident, Mehserle was convicted of “involuntary manslaughter,” and served less than one year of his 2-year sentence.

Fruitvale Station, directed by Ryan Coogler. This film is based on the events leading to the death of Oscar Grant, a young man who was killed in 2009 by BART police officer Johannes Mehserle at the Fruitvale district station of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system in Oakland, California. (H) Available on Netflix http://bit.ly/2l3CFOz; Viewing Guide: https://bit.ly/2ue2weu

Teaching #BlackLivesMatter, by San Francisco Public Schools. This LibGuide provides teachers with resources and tools that can be used to teach #BlackLivesMatter. Resources include syllabi, lesson plans, videos, grand jury documents and more. (TR) http://bit.ly/1BjYnxM

 Know Your Rights Posters, by Oakland International High School Students. For six weeks, 11th graders at OIHS investigated their rights in the United States as part of an interdisciplinary project-based unit in their Reading and Digital Media Arts class. They created a full range of posters for free download and print. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2l9gYfI

4     80th anniversary of Frieda Wunderlich’s election as first woman dean of faculty in the US. Wunderlich fled Nazi Germany, where she had achieved international recognition for her work on labor and social policy. She was elected dean of the graduate faculty of political and social science at the New School for Social Research in New York, which had become a safe haven for European academics who had escaped Nazism. Wunderlich, an outspoken advocate for gender equality, continued to teach courses in economics and sociology until her retirement in 1954.

Living the Legacy: A Jewish Social Justice Education Project, by the Jewish Women’s Archive. This curriculum uses primary sources and personal narratives to explore the roles of American Jews in the Civil Rights and Labor movements. Through art, text studies, role playing, and more, these lesson plans encourage learners to grapple with questions about identity, society, and social justice through a distinctly Jewish lens. (H) https://bit.ly/2sIYxGa

4     Louis Braille, inventor of the Braille writing system, born (1809-1852). Louis Braille was a blind Frenchman who experienced the ableism and lack of access that blind people face in schools and in most aspects of society. He invented the Braille system to make texts accessible to people who are blind or have limited vision. His system was largely completed by 1824, when he was 15 years old.

The Black Book of Colors, by Menena Cottin. This is a storybook designed to help students experience color images through texture and words. The book is written in both Braille and English. A Spanish version is also available. (E) https://bit.ly/2qiQtYS

7     30th anniversary of the International Conference on Limitation of Chemical Weapons in Paris. Diplomats from more than 140 nations reaffirmed a 1925 convention banning the use of chemical weapons in war. The use of poison gas by Iraq and Iran in their eight-year war prompted the resolution. While use of the weapons was banned, production and stock-piling were not.

6 Resources for Teaching About Syria, by the Institute for Humane Education. Surveys find that teachers feel unprepared to address in their classrooms the humanitarian crisis in Syria, the role of chemical weapons, and the US response (or lack thereof). This post directs educators to supportive resources for teaching about Syria and, in particular, the role of chemical weapons in the crisis. (M, H, TR) https://bit.ly/2ukb0AD

Chemical Weapons Crisis: Debating the US Response in Syria, by NYTimes Learning Network. How should the US respond to the use of chemical weapons in Syria? In this lesson students will try to answer this most pressing foreign policy question through research and discussion. Then, students will simulate a congressional debate and write position papers or persuasive letters advocating for a particular response. Teachers can present the entire lesson or select individual parts. (H) https://nyti.ms/2Gnfhbr

9     Rigoberta Menchú, Guatemalan political activist, born (1959). Rigoberta Menchú is a Mayan K’iche’ activist from the Guatemalan highlands. She lost her family during government extermination attacks against the Mayan people and fled into exile where she became an outspoken advocate for Indigenous rights. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992 and continues to work for Indigenous rights.

The Girl from Chimel, by Rigoberta Menchú and Dante Liano. Before the 36-year war in Guatemala, despite the hardships the Maya people had endured since the time of the Conquest, life in their highland villages had a beauty and integrity that were changed forever by the conflict and brutal genocide that were to come. Menchú’s stories present a rich, humorous and engaging picture of that lost world. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1QM9abk

Rigoberta Menchú, by Teaching Tolerance. This site offers information about Menchú’s life, including a timeline, her story and discussion questions. (H) https://bit.ly/2JAtCzW

9     Abdul Azeez (Warren Ballentine), political prisoner, Virgin Island Five activist, born (1949). The Virgin Island Five is a group of activists accused of murdering eight people in the US Virgin Islands during an uprising calling for the independence of the island. Azeez, a member of the Virgin Islands Independent Citizens Movement, is serving eight consecutive life sentences after a confession obtained through torture.

Too Cruel, Not Unusual Enough, edited by Kenneth Hartman and published by The Other Death Penalty Project. An anthology comprising two dozen essays, memoirs, poems, and journalistic reports written by people serving life sentences without the possibility of parole. The anthology is available wherever you buy books, and you can hear some of the poems here on Prison Radio. (H) https://bit.ly/2GNphaJ

10     50th anniversary of the publication of “The Origin and Nature of Our Institutional Models.” Wolf Wolfensberger’s essay describes society’s view of people with mental disabilities as guilty of immorality, leading to their institutionalization and isolation. The paper became important in the growth of the Disability Rights movement and in demands for human rights for all.

Skin, Tooth, and Bone – The Basis of Movement is our People: A Disability Justice Primer, by Sins Invalid. Provides an overview of what disability justice is, and more important, what it can become – through the use of art, quotes, conversation, poetry, and more. Sins Invalid published this guide as a resource for activists and disabled and deaf communities to reclaim the term “disability justice” for queer and gender nonconforming disabled People of Color, who originated the movement. (H, TR) https://bit.ly/2Gmsi4U

11     National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The goal of this day is to raise awareness and vigilance for the millions of human trafficking victims around the globe with the aim of eradicating this insidious crime.

What Is Modern Slavery? Investigating Human Trafficking, by Holly Epstein Ojalvo. In this lesson, students learn about human trafficking, also known as modern slavery. Using coverage of human trafficking by Nicholas D. Kristof, a New York Times columnist, they explore the causes of trafficking and the consequences for victims and traffickers, the role of globalization and ways to respond effectively. (M, H) http://nyti.ms/XG0Z3n

11     60th anniversary of the founding of the Movimiento Pro-Independencia (MPI) in Puerto Rico. The MPI was formed by Puerto Rican pro-independence advocates and socialists. They strongly opposed US involvement in Puerto Rico, including the presence of large US corporations and military installations. They advocated civil disobedience, including boycotting elections in 1964 and 1968. They later transformed into the Puerto Rican Socialist Party until disbanding in 1993.

Caribbean Connections: Puerto Rico, by Teaching for Change. Curriculum that introduces students to the history, geography, identity, government, economy, environment and culture of Puerto Rico through essays, poetry, and fiction. In response to the current crisis on the island after Hurricane Maria, Teaching for Change placed the book online for free download by classroom teachers. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2GleszW

Puerto Rican Children’s Literature for Social Justice: A Bibliography for Educators, by Social Justice Books. These books are meant to facilitate discussion on various issues in Puerto Rican history and culture, including colonialism, race, gender, and environmental justice. (E, M, H) https://bit.ly/2Gk35by

13     Bodhi Day (Buddhism). Bodhi Day commemorates the day that Buddha reached enlightenment.

Under the Bodhi Tree, by Shi Jin Rou, Dharma Realm Buddhist Association. This book tells the story of the Buddha’s life, from his birth as a pampered prince, through his cultivation and enlightenment, to his founding of the Buddhist sangha and his final Nirvana. (E, M) https://amzn.to/2EArNiL

13     150th anniversary of the National Convention of Colored Men in Washington DC. Following the Civil War, a series of Black leadership conventions were held to discuss ways in which Black Americans could move forward post-Emancipation. The Washington National Convention of Colored Men spanned four days. Voting rights were the primary focus, though property rights, education and employment were also discussed.

Colored Conventions: Bringing Nineteenth-Century Black Organizing to Digital Life, by Colored Conventions. From 1830 until the 1890s, free-born and previously captive Black people came together in state and national political meetings called “Colored Conventions.” ColoredConventions.org endeavors to transform teaching and learning about this historic collective organizing effort and includes a wealth of primary source documents. (H, TR) http://coloredconventions.org

15     Makar Sankranti (Hinduism). Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival that celebrates the day when the Sun God begins its ascent into the Northern Hemisphere.

Uttarayan, by BAPS Swaminarayn Sanstha. This kid-friendly page provides information about Uttarayan, or Makar Sankranti. Visitors can read about the different rituals that take place and view photographs. Links to other festivals and related topics are also available. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1gx1RE2

15     Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader and Nobel Prize laureate, born (1929-1968). Martin Luther King, Jr. is considered one of the most influential figures of the Civil Rights movement. He co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and played a crucial role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In his later years, King openly opposed the Vietnam War and advocated economic and educational equality as part of the Civil Rights platform. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and was assassinated in April 1968.

The Speech: The Story Behind Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Dream, by Gary Younge. Younge brings to life the fascinating chronicle of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and other events surrounding the March on Washington. The book is short, engaging and accessible and contains thoughtful analyses of race and racism in America in the 50 years since the march. (H, TR)
http://bit.ly/19JfxW2

16     Religious Freedom Day. Religious Freedom Day commemorates the 1786 passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which declared that government-mandated religion was a violation of one’s natural rights. In doing so, Virginia became the first state to separate church and state.

Maintain Neutrality, by Teaching Tolerance. This link provides a collection of lessons designed to help teachers maintain the distinction between “teaching religion” and “teaching about religion.” The site has a wide array of other lessons and resources on the topic. (E, M, H) https://bit.ly/2IIR7Wp

Taking a Closer Look at Religions Around the World, by Teaching Tolerance. This lesson offers a starting point for exploring religions and faith traditions, creating an ongoing respectful dialogue about religious tolerance. (M, H) http://bit.ly/d0WqIg

 Respecting Nonreligious People, by Teaching Tolerance. Students often learn the importance of respecting people of different religions, but what about people who do not hold religious beliefs at all? This lesson introduces students to people who choose not to follow a religion. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/nonrelig

17     30th anniversary of the Cleveland School shooting. Patrick Purdy, who expressed hatred of Southeast Asian immigrants, opened fire in the schoolyard of the Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, CA. Five students – Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees – were killed; another 29 students and one teacher were injured. This incident led to a state assault weapons ban, which is still in effect, and a federal ban that expired in 2004.

When Bad Things Happen, by Sean McCollum. This article in Teaching Tolerance magazine describes one school’s approach to addressing “community violence,” in particular, the aftermath of a White supremacist terror attack on a local Sikh temple. The author defines types of community violence, the intersections of such violence and existing trauma in the community, and provides some steps for “psychological first aid.” It also links to a toolkit of resources that support students affected by community violence. (TR) http://bit.ly/2GkaCV5

 #Enough! National School Walkout Toolkit, by Women’s March Youth Empower. Created to support the national school walkout to protest the failure of Congress to take action against gun violence in our neighborhoods and schools, this toolkit includes links to several useful resources, including a Gun Violence in America Discussion Guide, by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, and a lesson plan by Amplifier that uses art-making to protest gun violence. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2HphxMf

20     10th anniversary of President Barack Obama’s Inauguration. Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States. He was the first African American and the first Hawaiian-born citizen to hold the office. With an estimated 2 million people in attendance, this was, by far, the largest gathering of any kind in Washington DC.

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters, by Barack Obama. In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Obama writes a moving tribute to 13 groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. (E, M) http://bit.ly/2EqAcq0

Obama: An Intimate Portrait, by Pete Souza. This book by Pete Souza, the White House photographer during the Obama presidency, reproduces more than 300 of his most iconic photographs with fine-art print quality. Together, these photos document the most consequential hours of the presidency with behind-the-scenes stories and captions. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2zOndyB

The Obama Years: A Nine-Part Oral History, by the History Channel. The former president and 24 members of his administration weigh in on their proudest moments, their regrets, and their conviction that they “left it all on the field.” The site is organized into nine parts: The First 100 Days; Obamacare; Newtown; Foreign Policy; Bin Laden; Climate; Family; Race; and Legacy. (E, M, H) https://bit.ly/2ui4FWt

21     Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Observed). Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a US federal holiday marking the birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a prominent leader in the African American Civil Rights movement. It is observed on the third Monday of January, around the time of King’s birthday (January 15^th).

Liberation Curriculum, by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute. Lesson plans, primary resources and articles based on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Archives at Stanford University. (H) http://stanford.io/1DNVv1M

Putting the Movement Back into Civil Rights Teaching, by Deborah Menkart, Alana Murray and Jenice L. View. The book includes interactive and interdisciplinary lessons, readings, writings, photographs, graphics and interviews, with sections on education, labor, citizenship and culture, and reflections on teaching about the Civil Rights movement. (E, M, H) https://bit.ly/1iv4HhU

21     50th anniversary of student strike at University of California, Berkeley for Ethnic Studies Department. Led by the Third World Liberation Front, the strikers’ demands included the establishment of a Third World College and control by students of color of their own programs on campus. The strike turned violent; more than 150 students were arrested and 36 were suspended. Despite the arrests and suspensions, many of their demands were met by March 7, 1969, including the establishment of an Ethnic Studies department.

Ethnic Studies K-12, by Emma Hipolito and Miguel Zavala, UCLA CenterX. This special edition of the publication XChange brings together the voices of teachers, researchers, teacher educators, pre-service teachers and community activists integral to the emergent Ethnic Studies movement in California. It includes a historical timeline of the struggle for ethnic studies, video and audio interviews from people engaged in the struggle, and reflections from practitioners on becoming ethnic studies educators. (H, TR) https://bit.ly/2G6dwMl

Precious Knowledge: Ethnic Studies in Arizona, by Ari Luis Palos and Eren Isabel McGinnis. A documentary film about the struggle to keep the Mexican American Studies program at Tucson High School. (E, M, H) http://to.pbs.org/1o0m2n4

22     140th anniversary of the Fort Robinson massacre. Chief Dull Knife (aka Morning Star) led 150 Cheyenne Indians in an escape from captivity at Fort Robinson, Nebraska. They were pursued by US Army troops and many, including women and children, were killed at Antelope Creek. Dull Knife managed to flee, taking refuge with the Sioux, where he stayed until his death four years later.

Native History: Descendant Tells Father’s Story of Fort Robinson Escape, by Christina Rose. This teaching text is an interview with Jenny Seminole Parker, a Northern Cheyenne elder, recounting the story of the exodus, as told to her by her father, who had been at Fort Robinson with his parents. It retraces the events of the Fort Robinson massacre, and highlights the ways in which the event is marked today. (H, TR) https://bit.ly/2G0IkC6

23     170th anniversary of Elizabeth Blackwell’s graduation from medical school. Blackwell graduated from Geneva College in New York as the first woman physician in the US. Despite harassment from male students and faculty, she finished first in her class. She became professor of gynecology at the London School of Medicine for Women – a discipline she helped create. Along with her sister, a surgeon, and another woman doctor, Blackwell founded the New York Infirmary for Women and Children, which remained in operation for over a century.

Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell, by Tanya Lee Stone. This is the true story of the first woman doctor in America, Elizabeth Blackwell. She was determined to get into medical school at a time when no women were allowed entry. See how her perseverance paid off! (E) http://bit.ly/2liGYW7; Teacher’s guide: http://bit.ly/2BInzoG

29     90th anniversary of the founding of Seeing Eye. Seeing Eye, the first dog-training school for the visually impaired in the US, and the oldest school of its type in the world, opened its first school in 1929. Assistance dogs are invaluable in giving people with visual and other disabilities access to a broad range of experiences. Seeing Eye has played a key role in influencing public policy in the areas of access and accommodation for people using service animals.

Morris and Buddy: The Story of the First Seeing-Eye Dog, by Becky Hall. Morris Frank lost his sight in 1924, when he was only 16 years old. One day, Morris’s dad read him an article about an American dog-trainer living in Switzerland. This is the story of his relationship with Buddy, his own seeing-eye dog. (E) https://bit.ly/2GGO7fH; background for teachers and older students here: https://bit.ly/2E8Swmx

29     10th anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was the first act signed into law by President Obama. Named for the plaintiff in a 10-year legal battle and eventual Supreme Court case over employment discrimination, the act prohibits wage discrimination based on gender, race, national origin, age, religion, and disability, and expands the ability of workers to sue over unfair payment disparities.

Actions that Changed the Law, by Linda Weber, Annenberg Institute for Civics. This lesson is based on a video that tells the law-changing story behind the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. Students gain insight into the lawmaking process, consider how statutory decisions made by the Supreme Court can prompt better laws, and learn about the rights and responsibilities they will have in the workforce. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2E5YR21

Living Algebra, Living Wage: 8th Graders Learn Some Real-World Math Lessons, by Jana Dean. Chapter 9 from the book, Rethinking Mathematics. Set of activities to engage students in using math to explore the minimum wage, CEO pay, and more. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2IJAKJf

31     Jackie Robinson, civil rights activist and first African American to play Major League Baseball, born (1919-1972). Jack Roosevelt Robinson broke the baseball color line when the Brooklyn Dodgers signed him to a Major League contract, challenging the racial segregation in professional baseball that relegated Black players to the Negro Leagues. Robinson faced severe discrimination and violence, but his determined resistance became an inspiration to many across the nation. He won Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player distinctions, and later became an outspoken leader in the Civil Rights movement.

Teammates, by Peter Golenbock. A children’s book that tells the story of the integration of baseball, and the experiences of Jackie Robinson, the first African American baseball player to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers, an all-White team. Teacher resources and ideas for activities are also included. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1Qhz3Up

The United States v. Jackie Robinson, by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen. When Robinson was ordered by a White bus driver to move to the back of a military bus, he refused. Instead of defending Jackie’s rights, the military police took him to trial. This is a moving and inspiring nonfiction picture book about his court martial – an important, lesser-known moment in his lifetime of fighting prejudice. (E, M) https://bit.ly/2Es7KTT

 February

1     First day of African American History Month

The Black Radical Tradition: A Compilation of Essential Texts. A free PDF of 500+ pages of the most essential, critical texts about Black Power, African American history, and civil rights. (H, TR) https://bit.ly/1O0CvTj

This is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration, by Jacqueline Woodson. The story of one family’s journey north during the Great Migration, told by tracking the history of a rope that is passed down through three generations. (E) https://bit.ly/2qk0xAJ

1     10th Anniversary of the Election of Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir. Iceland’s Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir was the world’s first openly gay head of government. During her administration, Iceland became a world leader in gender equality, earning top rank in the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index, a measure of gender equality in health, education, economy and politics.

Teaching Gender Equality to Teens: A Lesson Planning Guide, by teachingdegree.org. A collection of research links, curriculum materials, educator tips, and hyperlinked resources to support teachers in addressing gender inequality in a range of contexts. (H, TR) https://bit.ly/2GtzXLS

3     30th anniversary of military coup overthrowing Alfredo Stroessner. Paraguay had been a dictatorship since it gained independence in 1811, and Stroessner was the longest ruling dictator in Latin America. In the 1989 coup he was ousted by General Andres Rodriguez, a member of his own administration, who democratized the nation by freeing political prisoners, reinstating press freedoms, and stepping down from power in 1993 after the country held its first free multiparty elections.

Exposing the Legacy of “Operation Condor,” by LENS: Photography, Video and Visual Journalism, The New York Times. “Operation Condor,” the secret plan carried out by several South American dictatorships to eliminate left-wing opponents, killed as many as 60,000 people. The photographer João Pina spent a decade unearthing its mysteries. This site includes links to background information about “Operation Condor,” an interview with the photographer, and slideshows of his photographs. (H) https://nyti.ms/2hetqgE

4     20th anniversary of the murder of Amadou Diallo by NYC police. Amadou Diallo, a 23-year-old immigrant from Guinea, was shot 41 times by police who claimed they mistook his wallet for a gun. The officers, who were later acquitted of all charges, were members of the NYPD Street Crimes Unit. They patrolled streets at night using aggressive tactics including “stop-and-frisk.” Amidst protests and lawsuits following Diallo’s death, the SCU was disbanded.

Teaching for Black Lives, by Rethinking Schools. From the editors’ introduction: “Teaching for Black Lives grows directly out of the movement for Black lives. We recognize that anti-Black racism constructs Black people, and Blackness generally, as not counting as human life. The chapters here push back directly against this construction by providing educators with critical perspectives on the role of schools in perpetuating anti-Blackness, and by offering educators concrete examples of what it looks like to humanize Black people in curriculum, teaching, and policy.” (TR) https://www.teachingforblacklives.org/

Analyzing Stop-and-Frisk Through Personal Narratives and Infographics, by Katie Gould and Allison McCartney, PBS NewsHour Extra. This lesson helps students explore New York City’s “stop, question and frisk” program through videos, graphics and a news article. Featured in this lesson are an interactive infographic and video clips that enrich the lesson by providing personal experiences of stop-and-frisk. (M, H) https://to.pbs.org/2pSKb1L

Racism and Stop and Frisk, by Kathryn Himmelstein. A math lesson from the book Rethinking Mathematics, in which students use qualitative and quantitative data to construct arguments about racism and stop-and-frisk. (H) http://bit.ly/1W9s53q

Black Lives Matter at School: Lessons and Resources, by the National Black Lives Matter Week of Action at School Curriculum Committee. A Google drive full of resources for teachers on the Black Lives Matter movement and how to teach it and live it in schools; everything from coloring pages to organizing toolkits to lesson plans with hyperlinked resources. (E, M, H, TR) https://bit.ly/2GlhdRF

4     Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year is the beginning of the year according to the Lunar Calendar. It is celebrated throughout the world, particularly in Asia.

Lunar New Year, books reviewed by The Asian American Curriculum Project. A review of children’s books from several Asian cultures about the Lunar New Year. (E) http://bit.ly/aabooks

Shanghai Messenger, by Andrea Cheng. Shanghai Messenger is the story of a young Chinese girl, the child of an American father and Chinese mother, who travels to China to visit her extended family and explore her roots. A summary, link and activities are available on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which contains an annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom. (E) http://bit.ly/tVVSjp

5     Tet (Vietnamese New Year). Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, is the most popular holiday in Vietnam. Tet marks the arrival of spring, based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar. Celebrations last at least three days and people celebrate by visiting friends and family and cooking special holiday foods.

Vietnamese Americans: Lessons in American History, by Teaching Tolerance. This curriculum guide sheds light on the complexities of the Vietnamese American experience. (M, H) http://bit.ly/9Q1L0r

6     100th anniversary of the Seattle General Strike. Three weeks after 35,000 shipyard workers in Seattle went on strike for higher wages, nearly all of the 110 local unions joined them in a citywide general strike. It was the first general strike in US history and was denounced by the government and the media as a Communist plot. Though strike leaders tried to keep essential services running, the city was effectively shut down for five days.

Fighting for a Living Wage, by NYSUT. A collection of links and resources related to organizing for the “Fight for $15,” a national struggle to increase the minimum wage to $15. In the section titled, “Make the Fight for a Living Wage a Teachable Moment” are lesson plans and multimedia resources related to the “Fight for $15.” (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2lJEYs9

7     Tawakkol Karman, journalist, human rights activist, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, born (1979). Karman, leader and co-founder of “Women Journalists Without Chains,” is a Yemeni journalist who was instrumental in the Yemeni Uprising during the Arab Spring of 2011. She is the first Yemeni, first Arab woman, and second Muslim woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. She is known in Yemen as the “Mother of the Revolution” and the “Iron Woman.”

Lesson Plan: Writing About the “Arab Spring,” by Pulitzer Center. This collection of lesson plans draws on videos, articles, political cartoons, and other materials to engage young people in exploring the events of the Arab Spring. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2H07Sgd

Hip Hop for Global Literacy: Teaching the Arab Uprisings, by Duke-UNC Consortium for Middle East Studies Outreach Program. Background information, links to a collection of resources on rap and hip-hop music of the Arab Spring and other global hip-hop resources, including features on Arab American hip-hop artists. (M, H) https://unc.live/2IjdwcE

12     110th anniversary of the founding of the NAACP. One of the first major civil rights organizations in the United States, the NAACP was founded in response to widespread violence targeting Black Americans. Leaders sought to engage Americans in the cause of racial equality while fighting in the courts for legal protections against lynching and segregation. Among the original leaders of the group were W.E.B. DuBois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Mary Church Terrell.

Before Rosa Parks: Ida B. Wells, by Teaching Tolerance. “Before Rosa Parks” loosely links several lessons that discuss African American women who were active in the fight for civil rights before the 1950s. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2J75lBk

14     Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day began as a celebration of one or more early saints named Valentinus and became associated with romantic love several centuries later during the Middle Ages in England.

Flower Workers Lesson Plans, International Labor Rights Forum. This lesson plan explores workers’ rights in the cut flower industry and how consumerism on Valentine’s Day in the US affects workers abroad. (E, M) http://bit.ly/tFAlAq

The Dark Side of Chocolate, by Miki Mistrati and U. Roberto Romano. A team of journalists investigate how human trafficking and child labor in the Ivory Coast fuels the worldwide chocolate industry. The journalists interview both proponents and opponents of these alleged practices and use hidden camera techniques to delve into the shadowy world of cocoa plantations. (H) https://bit.ly/2HogD3E

15     Parinirvana – Nirvana Day (Buddhism). Parinirvana Day is a Mahayana Buddhist holiday that marks the day when the Buddha is said to have achieved Parinirvana, or complete Nirvana, upon the death of his physical body.

Becoming Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha, by Whitney Stewart. This book follows Buddha from pre-birth prophecies through his pampered youth, his break with royal life and his quest for enlightenment. (E) https://bit.ly/2IIILOC

16     150th anniversary of the first wheelchair patent in the US. Although “rolling chairs” for people with mobility impairments have existed since at least the 1600s, it was in 1869 that the first US patent for a wheelchair was issued. The chair improved on previous models from Europe by including an adjustable seat back, as well as large rear wheels that allowed users to propel themselves.

Susan Laughs, by Jeanne Willis. This book features few words and relies on beautiful illustrations to tell readers about Susan, a little girl who does typical childhood things. On the final page of the book, it is revealed that Susan is in a wheelchair. (E) https://bit.ly/2IHyfXD

On a Roll, film directed by Joanne Caputo. Greg Smith is a talk radio host, father, son and activist. In this film, he reveals the challenges he faces as he navigates life from his power wheelchair. (H) http://to.pbs.org/SJEWas

17     90th anniversary of the founding of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). When the US annexed nearly half of Mexico’s territory in the 1840s, thousands of Mexicans suddenly became US citizens. Facing hostility, including segregation, violence and laws that banned them from learning English, Mexican Americans organized to defend their rights. In 1929, the three main organizations in Texas merged to become LULAC, which eventually expanded to become the largest and longest-lasting Latinx civil rights organization in the US.

The Line Between Us, by Bill Bigelow. This book shows teachers how they can help students understand the Mexican immigrant experience by exploring the history of US-Mexico relations and the roots of immigration through role plays, stories, poetry and more. (M, H, TR) https://bit.ly/2JB2v82

18     Presidents’ Day. Presidents’ Day began as an official holiday to honor George Washington’s birthday, and is still officially called Washington’s Birthday by the federal government. Today, the holiday honors all those who have served as President of the United States.

#TrumpSyllabus, created and compiled by Karsonya Wise Whitehead, Alicia Moore and Regina Lewis. A compilation of lesson plans written by and for K-12 teachers and college educators for teaching about the 2016 presidential campaign; resistance and revolution; White privilege and White supremacy; state-sanctioned violence and sanctuary classrooms; fake news and Facebook; and freedom and justice. Each lesson plan is presented in its entirety and includes warm-up and group activities, essential questions and objectives, resources, and connections to the Common Core Standards. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2j7rtya

Teaching Against Trumpism, by Radical Teacher. Thoroughly vetted, well-organized list of syllabi, lesson plans, resource guides, multimedia and more, compiled by educators and activists to assist educators in teaching against Trumpism. (TR) http://bit.ly/2lRHkC6

Write the Truth, by Bob Peterson, Rethinking Schools. Peterson describes an inquiry project in which his fifth graders investigated which US presidents owned slaves, and then wrote letters to textbook publishers to demand that this information be included. (E, M) http://bit.ly/svqysP

Brick by Brick, by Charles R. Smith, Jr. This story opens with America becoming a new country and our first president, George Washington, needing a home. It then describes how enslaved Africans were put to work to build the White House. Through text and illustration, Brick by Brick tells the story of how enslaved people worked under the blistering sun for hours a day under grueling conditions. (E) http://bit.ly/2l9NTSD

19     100th anniversary of the 1st Pan-African Congress. Organized by W.E.B. DuBois and Ida Gibbs Hunt, this meeting, held in Paris to coincide with the Versailles Peace Conference, was the first of eight meetings that would take place in cities around the world. Delegates from 16 countries attended the meeting, demanding that Africans be included in the governing of their own countries, though they stopped short of demanding self-determination of Africans. It is worth noting that very few Africans took part in this inaugural meeting.

Back to Africa Movement Unit Plan: Marcus Garvey, W.E.B. DuBois, and Booker T. Washington, by Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources. In this unit, which includes detailed day-by-day procedures, students learn to define Pan Africanism and the Back to Africa movement, explain the role of the NAACP and the UNIA, evaluate life for African Americans under Jim Crow, and compare and contrast the ideas of Washington, Garvey and Dubois. (H) https://bit.ly/2uGqwa6

21     International Mother Language Day. International Mother Language Day is observed yearly to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

Abuela, by Arthur Dorros. Rosalba, a young Hispanic girl, spends a day with her grandmother, who speaks only Spanish. Together, they embark on an adventure; they fly across New York City and end up where Abuela grew up. As they explore different areas, they exchange Spanish and English words. A summary, link and activities are available on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1ahF9eu

22     40th anniversary of Saint Lucia’s independence from the United Kingdom. After 55 years of incremental progress in self-governance, Saint Lucia became independent from the United Kingdom as a parliamentary democracy. Though a British colony since 1814 and currently part of the Commonwealth, Saint Lucia maintains Indigenous, African, and French influences.

Independence in the Caribbean, by Caribbean Elections. Informational site with a chronological list of the independence dates of Caribbean countries, as well as numerous links to topics ranging from Caribbean political parties to women in Caribbean politics. (H, TR) https://bit.ly/2uCh6wn

27     Alice Hamilton, physician, born (1869-1970). Dr. Alice Hamilton is known as the founder of occupational medicine because she was one of the first physicians to study the adverse health effects of industrial work. She spent time in factories, mines and mills, ultimately offering scientific evidence of the dangers of toxic substances to which industrial workers were exposed.

Alice Hamilton: Safety, Hazards, and Risk, by the Royal Society of Chemistry. At the intersection of chemistry and environmental justice, this lesson plan uses the life and work of Alice Hamilton to engage students in learning how scientific evidence can lead to changes in legislation and improved working conditions for those exposed to toxic chemicals. (H) https://rsc.li/2pTeiFC

28     20th anniversary of the founding of the Queer Youth Network. The Queer Youth Network was founded in the United Kingdom, becoming the first “youth-led” LGBTQ organization in the world. The purpose of the group was to provide a voice to young people who sought greater visibility and equal rights, as well as to offer LGBTQ youth support and a safe space to explore their identity.

30 Essential LGBT Books for YA Readers, by Samantha King. An annotated list of 20 young adult books featuring LGBT characters or themes. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2vvBn2m

 March

 1     First day of Women’s History Month. Women’s History Month, which grew out of a weeklong celebration in California, is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, society and culture.

Let Her Learn: A Toolkit to Stop School Push Out for Girls of Color, by the National Women’s Law Center. This toolkit will help you determine if your school’s discipline policy treats girls of Color fairly. Use this guide to learn your rights, ways in which you can change your school policy, and where to find help. (TR) http://bit.ly/2i1PIRG

Decolonizing Gender, by Malcolm Shanks and khari jackson, from People’s Ed Movement. A free zine that includes tools and resources for those interested in facilitating workshops and lessons on decolonizing gender. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2qkbCRu

24 Printable Coloring Sheets that Celebrate Girl Power, by Emily McCombs. Printable coloring sheets of historic and modern-day badass women – intended for the youngest students. (E) http://huff.to/2oZ6zVM

Hope Is a Girl Selling Fruit, by Amrita Das. On a train, a young woman notices a very poor girl. Who is she? Where is she going? What does her future hold? This book is a gentle, reflective account of a young woman’s thoughts and feelings as she comes into contact with the larger world. Young Indian artist Amrita Das pushes the boundaries of her traditional art to radical new heights as she muses on women’s mobility, class, and choices. (E) https://bit.ly/2GnDVsE

1     40th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Cuba. The decriminalization of “homosexual acts” marked an important moment, but not an end to the struggle for LGBTQ rights in Cuba. It came at the end of a decade of increasing tolerance by a government that once sent gay men to forced labor camps, but “ostentatious displays of homosexuality” remained illegal until 1986.

Supporting and Caring for Our Latinx LGBT Youth, by The Human Rights Campaign. A free, downloadable report that explores the experiences of nearly 2,000 LGBT youth who identify as Latinx. Produced in partnership with the League of United Latin American Citizens, this new report further analyzes the results of Growing Up LGBT in America, HRC’s groundbreaking survey of more than 10,000 LGBT-identified youth ages 13 to 17. (TR) https://bit.ly/2IfoEag

3     160th anniversary of the Great Slave Auction. Called “The Weeping Time,” the largest auction of enslaved people in US history was held to absolve the debts of Pierce Butler, grandson of the author of the fugitive slave clause in the US Constitution. An anti-slavery journalist’s reporting of the auction for the New York Tribune sparked international outcry.

The Weeping Time: A New Book on the Largest Slave Auction, by Anne C. Bailey. Drawing on victims’ accounts and descendants’ memories, The Weeping Time uses the largest slave auction in US history as a lens to explore the legacies of slavery, diaspora and the Civil War. (H) https://bit.ly/2GI2cd4; video interview with author here: https://bit.ly/2E9xfJo

3     140th anniversary of Belva Ann Lockwood’s admission to the Supreme Court bar. After years of petitioning Congress, Lockwood gained the right to argue before federal court, and soon became the first woman admitted to the Supreme Court bar and the first to argue a case before the court. She later ran for president, four decades before women gained the right to vote.

Ballots for Belva: The True Story of a Woman’s Race for the Presidency, by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen. This well-illustrated biography tells the story of Belva Lockwood, an audacious woman who ran for President in 1884, almost three decades before US women’s right to vote was ratified by the 19th Amendment. (E) https://bit.ly/2J6pyHH

3     Elijah Harper, politician and Indigenous rights activist, born (1949-2013). Harper was a chief of the Red Sucker Lake First Nation of the Oji-Cree people in Manitoba, Canada. As the first Indigenous Member of Parliament, Harper prioritized First Nations’ sovereignty. He singlehandedly blocked the Meech Lake Accord, a constitutional reform measure that had been negotiated without the involvement of Indigenous peoples. The event brought Indigenous rights into the spotlight and, some say, saved Canada from the likely secession of Québec.

 Integrating Aboriginal Perspectives into Curricula: A Resource for Curriculum Developers, Teachers, and Administrators, by the Manitoba Education Centre. This guide is intended to provide direction for integrating Aboriginal perspectives into the various curricula taught in Manitoba classrooms. (TR) https://bit.ly/2Imyqrn

4     Mahashivaratri (Hinduism). Mahashivaratri (Night of the Shiva) is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates Lord Shiva. Devotees observe day and night fasting and perform ritual worship of Shiva Lingam to appease Lord Shiva.

Stories of Shiva, by Anant Pai. A collection of five comic books on Lord Shiva, intended to make children aware of Lord Shiva. (E) https://amzn.to/2Ea7DvZ

6     Ash Wednesday/first day of Lent; Christianity. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a time of penitence and reflection in preparation for Easter for most Western Christians.

BBC Schools: Guide to Christianity. This site includes basic information about Christianity, including Lent and Easter, as well as links to classroom activities intended to help students understand the beliefs and practices of Christians. (M, H, TR) http://bbc.in/ROXVFb

8     International Women’s Day. More than 15,000 women workers marched through New York City to demand higher wages, shorter hours, and voting rights, inspiring similar actions across the world. At a Socialist International conference, women decided to designate a day for women to rally for and continue to make gender equity demands. In 1977, March 8 officially became the UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.

Rad Women Worldwide: Artists and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History, by Kate Schatz. Forty stories of women all over the world who have persevered and fought for equality – from well-known leaders to lesser-known heroines, such as Chinese feminist Qiu Jin, Japanese mountain climber Junko Tabei, and Nazi resister Sophie Scholl. From ancient heroines to contemporary figures, the book spans centuries and continents. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1Lu1St4

9     Francis Pegahmagabow, Indigenous rights activist, born (1889-1952). After serving in World War I, Pegahmagabow was the most highly decorated First Nations soldier in Canadian history. At the time, Indigenous people were not recognized as citizens, but were “wards of the state” whose civic and financial lives were overseen by government appointed Indian Agents. Pegahmagabow resisted this arrangement, fighting for sovereignty and self-determination for Indigenous people.

Sounding Thunder: The Stories of Francis Pegahmagabow, by Brian McInnes. Pegahmagabow’s stories describe many parts of his life and are characterized by classic Ojibwe narrative. They reveal aspects of Francis’s Anishinaabe life and worldview. Interceding chapters by the author provide cultural, spiritual, linguistic, and historic insights. Presented in their original Ojibwe as well as in English translation. (H) https://bit.ly/2uzRr7O

10     60th anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising. Nearly 10 years into the Chinese occupation of Tibet, news of a military plot to abduct the Dalai Lama prompted 300,000 Tibetans to surround the palace to protect him. The rebellion was brutally quashed by the Chinese military, forcing the Dalai Lama’s flight to India and the formation of a government-in-exile, which remains in place today.

My Tibet, by the Dalai Lama and Galen Rowell. One of the world’s most respected spiritual leaders and a renowned wilderness photographer combine their visions of Tibet in this stunningly beautiful book. Essays by the Fourteenth Dalai Lama appear with Galen Rowell’s dramatic images in a moving presentation of the splendors of Tibet’s revered but threatened heritage. (H) https://bit.ly/2JbMGEs

A Writer’s Quest to Unearth the Roots of Tibet’s Unrest, by Luo Siling, The New York Times. An illuminating interview with Jianglin Li, author of Tibet in Agony: Lhasa 1959. The piece includes historical context, photos, and several links to related coverage from The NYTimes that can be used in classrooms. (H, TR) https://nyti.ms/2Gptgyj

The Tibetan Uprising: 50 Years of Protest, by The Guardian. A photo-essay that powerfully reflects the protest of Tibetans against Chinese rule in 1959. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2GvC4Pi

Tibet Through the Red Box, by Peter Sís. When Sís was a child in Czechoslovakia, his father was called away to film a documentary about the Lhasa Highway built between China and Tibet. While working there, he kept a diary, and when he returned he stored it in a lacquered red box on a shelf in his office. As Peter reads the diary, he remembers and imagines his father’s experiences during his time in Tibet. (E, M) https://bit.ly/2J8jcaA

12     Tammy Duckworth, US senator and disabled Iraq War veteran, born (1968). A former US Army helicopter pilot who lost both her legs in the Iraq War, Tammy Duckworth began her political career as an advocate for veterans, serving in the Department of Veterans Affairs before winning a seat in the House of Representatives and later the Senate. She is the first woman with a disability to be elected to Congress.

What I Learned at War, by Tammy Duckworth, POLITICO Magazine. “When my colleagues start beating the drums of war, I want to remind them what the true costs of war are.” Use this primary source essay by Senator Tammy Duckworth to consider the Iraq war specifically, the costs of war more broadly, and the rights of disabled veterans. (M, H) https://politi.co/2InI654

Veterans for Peace: Exposing the True Costs of War and Militarism Since 1985. Veterans share their personal stories of why they became Veterans for Peace as a way to educate others on the realities of war. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2eaIYfB

Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey, by Doug Kuntz. When an Iraqi family is forced to flee their home, they can’t bear to leave their beloved cat Kunkush behind. They carry him with them from Iraq to Greece, keeping their secret passenger hidden from view. During the crowded boat crossing to Greece, his carrier breaks and the frightened cat runs from the chaos. This moving true story captures the hope of this war-torn family to be reunited with their cat. (E) http://amzn.to/2lb28mZ

13     First Day of Deaf History Month. Deaf History Month celebrates the contributions of deaf Americans to US society and culture and promotes awareness of deaf culture in America.

Observing Deaf History Month, by Alexandra Gomez. This article provides information about milestones in deaf history, as well as links to fiction and nonfiction books about deaf people. (M, H, TR) http://on.nypl.org/VDs76u

Deaf Jam, directed by Judy Lieff. This film follows Aneta Brodski, a deaf teen living in New York City, who discovers the power of American Sign Language poetry. As she prepares to be one of the first deaf poets to compete in a spoken-word slam, her journey leads to an unexpected collaboration. The website includes clips and a deaf history timeline. (M, H) http://to.pbs.org/PrShXc

14     Albert Einstein, physicist, civil rights and anti-nuclear activist, born (1879-1955). Albert Einstein is considered the most influential physicist of the 20th century. Although best known for his general theory of relativity, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his work on the photoelectric effect. Einstein was born in Germany and immigrated to the US when he became a target of the Nazis. He was an ardent civil rights activist, joining the NAACP and serving as co-chair of the American Crusade Against Lynching.

Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein, by Don Brown. Through a sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant portrait, Don Brown introduces us to the less than magnificent beginnings of an odd boy out. The result is a tender rendering of the adventures of growing up Jewish during the Holocaust for one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century. (E) https://amzn.to/2q1XpbR; teacher’s guide to this and other books about Einstein: https://bit.ly/2H4s0h2

17     Nat “King” Cole, musician, born (1919-1965). Cole was an internationally recognized pianist and singer. He was reluctant to speak publicly about civil rights, but, as the first African American to host a national TV show, saw himself as “the Jackie Robinson of television.” When advertisers refused to sponsor his show, Cole helped fund it himself, and celebrity guests appeared for the minimum fee allowed by the union, enabling it to run weekly for just over a year.

Nat King Cole: Afraid of the Dark, by Jon Brewer. A documentary capturing the life of a musical legend and “beacon of hope” to Black people across 1950s America, this searing and candid account of the actual happenings in and around the “fairy tale” life of Nat King Cole are taken from the musician’s own journals. The film employs interviews with Nat’s close associates and family and features Cole family mementos, letters and footage from a newly-released archive. Available to stream on Netflix. (H) https://bit.ly/2ImQu4x

20     50th anniversary of the West High School March protest by Chicano students in Denver, CO. Latino students walked out of West High School in Denver to protest racist lectures by a social studies teacher. They demanded increased diversity among faculty, better cultural training for teachers, bilingual classes, and removal of racist teachers. The protesters were tear gassed, arrested and hit with billy clubs, which sparked several days of protests.

Students Rising, by PBS Learning Media. In this lesson plan, which draws on material from Latinx Americans, students explore rising consciousness and activism among Latinx youth in the 1960s. Students view a clip on the situation of Mexican American students in Los Angeles, examining how self-concepts and expectations were affected by the Chicano movement. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2l9ev45

The Chicano Movement: An Elementary Primary Source Set, by Aaron Christopher, Joshua Dosumu and Hannah Miller. This primary source set focuses on the Chicano movement in Denver during the 1960s and 70s. It includes lesson ideas and overviews, several related primary sources for use in primary classrooms, and an additional set of resources and supplemental materials. Elementary teachers can also find primary source sets for other topics on the site. (E) https://bit.ly/2pZum8O

21     First Day of Holi (Hinduism). Holi is a 2-day Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil, as well as the arrival of Spring. It is also known as the “Festival of Colors” for the ritual throwing of colored water and powder on friends and family.

Holi, by Uma Krishnaswami. This children’s book uses photographs to explore Holi. It shows how participants use colorful powders to celebrate this holiday. (E) http://bit.ly/ZUxEKc

21     Purim begins at sunset on 3/20 (Judaism). Purim celebrates the defeat of a plot to exterminate Jews living in Persia. It is one of the most joyous holidays of the Jewish faith.

Judaism 101. Website for basic information about Judaism and Jewish holidays and customs. (E, M, TR) http://bit.ly/cYCpN7

21     World Down Syndrome Day. This day is dedicated to raising public awareness and advocating for the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of people with Down syndrome. It has been officially recognized by the UN since 2012.

My Friend Isabelle, by Eliza Woloson. This is a story about Charlie and Isabelle’s friendship. At first, Charlie sees only the differences between him and Isabelle, who has Down syndrome, but in the end, he realizes all of the similarities they share. Book description is on 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which offers a summary of this book and other social justice children’s literature titles. (E) http://bit.ly/154hueW

21     International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination commemorates the lives of the anti-apartheid demonstrators killed on March 21, 1960 in Sharpeville, South Africa.

Short Films on Race and Racism, from the New York Times. Three short films (under 6 minutes each) that teachers can use in the classroom to start conversations about how race and racism affect the way people see themselves and others. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2myMaEY

Teaching “The New Jim Crow,” by Teaching Tolerance and Michelle Alexander. This comprehensive teacher’s guide includes links to 10 lessons that accompany Michelle Alexander’s book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The guide also includes assessments and supplementary resources. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1tjWsXL

Curriculum for White Americans to Educate Themselves on Race and Racism – from Ferguson to Charleston, by Citizenship for Social Justice. A list created by White people for White people, aimed at encouraging White Americans to take responsibility for helping one another to understand privilege, and leverage their position to fight alongside those at the forefront of racial justice struggles. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1Hm3Wyk

22     World Water Day. This observance is held annually to highlight water issues and to advocate for universal access to sustainable fresh water resources.

Mni Wiconi: The Stand at Standing Rock, by Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Short, powerful informational video describing the #NoDAPL struggle at Standing Rock. Works well as a primer for students unfamiliar with the basic issues related to the struggle. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2g3OmlJ

Measuring Water with Justice, by Bob Peterson, Rethinking Schools. This article discusses several strategies to teach about the costs of producing water, who should have rights to drinking water, and how oil spills affect ecosystems and communities. (E, M, TR) https://bit.ly/2Hdy6y6

Flow: For the Love of Water, directed by Irena Salina. This documentary film builds a case against the growing privatization of the world’s dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel. (H, TR) https://bit.ly/2JCGANQ

24     Lawrence Ferlinghetti, poet and activist, born (1919). Ferlinghetti has spent his career challenging the status quo of poetry, insisting that it is a social experience rather than an elite academic endeavor. He co-founded City Lights bookstore and publishing house in 1953 in San Francisco. His arrest and trial for publishing Allen Ginsberg’s Howl and Other Poems ignited the anti-authoritarian San Francisco renaissance in poetry, which most famously gave rise to the Beat movement. His work has been described as “a revolutionary art of dissent.”

Ferlinghetti: A Rebirth of Wonder, by Christopher Felver. An incisive, sharply wrought documentary of American poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti that explores his vital role as a catalyst for numerous literary careers and for the Beat poetry movement itself. Interviews with Ferlinghetti and other significant figures reveal a rich mélange of characters and events that unfolded in postwar America. (H) https://amzn.to/2EfJO5U

24      30th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Considered one of the most devastating human-caused environmental disasters, the Exxon Valdez spill is the second largest in US waters. The spill affected Prince William Sound, a habitat for salmon, sea otters, seals and seabirds, killing hundreds of thousands of them and attracting international attention that resulted in new regulations and citizen watchdog groups. The cleanup effort took four years, and many of the 1,300 miles of affected beaches remain polluted with oil.

Chief Walter Meganack on Native Alaskan Life in the Wake of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. A first-person account of how the oil spill affected Native Alaskans. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2dIJcJs

Resource Depletion, by Sox Sperry, Project Look Sharp. This unit compares conflicting media constructions about the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the damming of rivers, and Chukchi Sea oil drilling. Through the realization that natural resources are finite, students will learn valuable lessons in earth, natural, and environmental sciences. All materials are classroom-ready, including teacher’s guides, student handouts, overviews and assessments. Unit 4 focuses on Exxon Valdez. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/Qvjh3K

25     William Bell Wait, educator, inventor, lawyer, and advocate for the blind community, born (1839-1916). Wait was a teacher and principal at the New York Institute for the Blind. He invented several literacy and musical tools for blind people, including a writing code called “New York Point,” which was translated into more than 20 languages. Before Braille surpassed it, New York Point was the primary code used by the blind through the early 20th century. Wait also invented machines for printing, reading and writing New York Point, as well as a musical notation system.

Rainbow Joe and Me, by Maria Diaz Strom. Eloise shares her love of colors with her blind friend Rainbow Joe, who makes his own colors when he plays beautiful notes on his saxophone. Teacher’s guide is included. (E) https://bit.ly/2Ikv8Vx

26     180th anniversary of the end of the “Trail of Tears”. The Indian Removal Act, signed by Andrew Jackson, gave the federal government power to force Indigenous people from ancestral lands in the Southeast, where White farmers wanted to grow cotton. They were marched to the “Indian colonization zone” in present-day Oklahoma, a journey during which more than 5,000 people died of disease and starvation. The forced march is remembered as “the trail where they cried.”

The Cherokee/Seminole Removal Role Play, by Bill Bigelow. The Cherokees were not the only Indigenous people affected by the Trail of Tears. The Seminoles, living in Florida, were another group targeted for resettlement. For years, they had lived side by side with people of African ancestry, most of whom were escaped slaves or descendants of escaped slaves. Their inclusion in this role play allows students to explore further causes for Indian removal to discover ways in which slavery was an important motivating factor. (H) https://bit.ly/2H4q2xf

27     50th anniversary of the first National Chicano Youth and Liberation Conference. The first large national gathering of Mexican American youth to discuss issues of oppression, discrimination and injustice, the conference was held in Denver, and was attended by approximately 1,500 Mexican American youth from across the US. The conference articulated a philosophy of cultural nationalism and called on Mexican Americans to unite under the banner of “Chicano,” advocating for self-determination in all spheres of life.

¡Viva la Causa! 500 Years of Chicano History, by the Southwest Organizing Project and Collision Course Video Productions. Based on the book 500 Years of Chicano History in Pictures, edited by Elizabeth Martínez, this two-part video in English offers a compelling introduction to the history of Mexican American people. (M, H) http://amzn.to/XhUqfa

Chicano! History of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement, by Galan Incorporated. This four-part documentary series chronicles the struggle for equality and social justice of the Mexican American community in the US from 1965 to 1975. It features the Chicano land struggle, Cesar Chavez and the UFW, the Los Angeles High School Walkouts and the creation of the political party La Raza Unida. (H) https://bit.ly/2uDjSSd; related lesson from Facing History and Ourselves: https://bit.ly/2FQbzqB

28     80th anniversary of the end of the Spanish Civil War. The Spanish Civil War ended with the elected government falling to the fascist General Francisco Franco. An estimated one million people died in the nearly three-year war, including many civilians who were bombed in German air strikes.

The Spanish Civil War: US Foreign Policy Between the World Wars, by the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives. As the rise of Fascism in Europe posed an increasing threat to democratic societies, the Spanish Civil War challenged the American people and the Roosevelt administration to re-evaluate the role of the United States in international politics. These lessons are designed to engage students in discussing the question of US intervention abroad. (H) https://bit.ly/2GuDwp1

28     40th anniversary of the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster. A meltdown at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania released radioactive gasses into the atmosphere. The accident raised public concerns about nuclear power, sparking anti-nuclear activism, and brought about stricter regulations and safety protocols. No deaths or long-term health problems have been reported as a result of this disaster.

Investigating Nuclear Accidents, by TeachNuclear. How can we learn from nuclear accidents to make power plants safer? This lesson engages students in identifying the causes and effects of two major power plant accidents and proposing recommendations to minimize the chance of such accidents occurring. (H) https://bit.ly/2uIRPRl

31     César Chávez Day. This day marks the birthday of César Chávez, an American farmworker, labor leader and civil rights activist. Chávez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later known as United Farm Workers of America), which achieved unprecedented gains for farmworkers.

Harvesting Hope: The Story of César Chávez, by Kathleen Krull. This picture book chronicles Chávez’s youth and the struggles he endured on his journey to becoming a leader. The second link is to a teacher’s guide. (E) https://bit.ly/2qkxOfj; link to teacher’s guide: http://bit.ly/1Qd1FZx

Viva La Causa: The Story of César Chávez and a Great Movement for Social Justice, by Teaching Tolerance. This short documentary film and accompanying teacher’s guide explore the grape strike and boycott led by César Chávez and Dolores Huerta. The free teaching kit includes a 39-minute film on DVD and a teacher’s guide. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2q57KnF

Model Curriculum and Resources for Teachers. This curriculum on the life and work of César Chávez from the California Department of Education includes biographies, pictures and other resources to help teachers prepare lessons for this holiday. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1mFT0W3

 April

1     First day of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Inaugurated in 2001, Sexual Assault Awareness Month seeks to raise awareness about sexual violence and to educate the public, including law enforcement, about the true causes of sexual assault – primarily male entitlement and lack of respect for women. It also promotes bystander involvement and encourages victims to report assaults without fear or shame.

The Reckoning: Teaching About the #MeToo Moment and Sexual Harassment with Resources from The New York Times, by the NYTimes Learning Network. In this unit, NYTimes staff pull together a wealth of Times reporting, opinion and video, to suggest several ways to begin confronting the questions and issues the #MeToo movement raises. Christopher Pepper, a health educator in the San Francisco Unified School District, who helped design the district’s high school sex education curriculum, co-wrote this piece with the Learning Network staff. (H) http://nyti.ms/2DD6eyi

Sex Education Resource Center, by Advocates for Youth. This website offers an education resource center, which includes K-12 lesson plans, curricula, national standards and state legislation about sex education. (H) http://bit.ly/6aiCSa

Tough Guise. Tough Guise is aimed at a general student audience to analyze masculinity as a social construct, a performance, or a role; in short, a tough guise. The film links violence to the construct of masculinity based on domination and violence. (H) http://imdb.to/u8BXK7

NO! Confronting Sexual Assault in Our Communities. This documentary explores the impact of sexual violence on Black women and girls. As incidents of violence and sexual assault increase in number, this film can be used to support both women and men as they learn to navigate the challenging terrain of sexuality without violence. The second link is to a facilitator’s guide to the film. (H) https://bit.ly/2IFc0BR and http://bit.ly/guideno

1     First day of National Poetry Month. The largest literary celebration in the world, National Poetry Month is an annual celebration of poetry and its place in American culture.

40 Books to Celebrate National Poetry Month, by Black Children’s Books and Authors. Forty powerful poetry books by Black writers, which can be used during National Poetry Month and year-round. (E) https://bit.ly/2Ei0lXa

The Poet X, by Elizabeth Acevedo. A New York Times bestselling novel-in-verse by an award-winning slam poet, about an Afro-Latina heroine who tells her story with blazing words and powerful truth. (M, H) Book: https://amzn.to/2uGbNMt; Educator’s Guide: https://bit.ly/2pWYulg

Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets, by Kwame Alexander with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth. Original poems that pay homage to 20 poets who have made the authors’ hearts sing and their minds wonder. Stunning mixed-media images by Ekua Holmes, winner of a Caldecott Honor and a John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award, complete the celebration and invite the reader to listen, wonder and perhaps even pick up a pen. (E, M, H) https://n.pr/2GSWv8E

The BreakBeat Poets: New American Poetry in the Age of Hip-Hop, edited by Kevin Coval, Quraysh Ali Lansana, and Nate Marshall. The BreakBeat Poets features 78 poets, born between 1961 and 1999, from across the US, who are creating the next and now movements in American letters. This is the first poetry anthology by and for the Hip-Hop generation. (M, H) http://www.breakbeatpoets.com

1     40th anniversary of the founding of the Islamic Republic of Iran. After the Iranian Revolution and the toppling of the monarchy, the Islamic Republic of Iran was formed as the first officially Islamic state in the modern era.

The Year that Shook the World: The 1979 Iranian Revolution, by Brendan Mullins, Hagop Kevorkian Center for Near Eastern Studies, NYU. This lesson introduces students to the Iranian Revolution. Students will identify the causes of the revolution and consider these events from both the Iranian and US perspectives. (H) https://bit.ly/2EhkkoA

Classroom Resources for Educating About Muslims, by teachingwhilemuslim.org. A compilation of resources, lesson plans and curriculum guides to help fill the gap in educating about the experiences and history of Muslims all over the world, and to combat Islamophobia in our schools and communities. (TR) https://bit.ly/2JitGo4

1     20th anniversary of the creation of Nunavut. The Inuit of the eastern Arctic gained control of their own homeland when Canada agreed to separate this area from the Northwest Territories. It is the largest and northernmost territory in Canada. The creation of Nunavut – meaning “our land” in Inuktitut – came after decades of negotiations.

Children’s Books About the Inuit, by Strong Nations. A collection of children’s titles that feature the Inuit people and culture. (E) https://bit.ly/2GvQJh8

5     Robert Smalls, US Naval Captain, congressperson, born (1839-1915). Smalls was born into slavery and was sent by his slave holder to earn wages as a sailor. In 1861 he was hired as a deckhand on a Confederate armament ship. One evening the crew went ashore, leaving Smalls to guard the ship. He loaded his wife and kids, along with 12 slaves, onto the ship and sailed it to the Union blockade, turning the ship over to the Union forces. Later he would be named captain of the ship, the first Black captain in the US Navy.

Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story, by Janet Halfmann. Growing up enslaved in South Carolina, Robert Smalls – a slave steamboat wheelman who became one of the Civil War’s greatest heroes – always dreamed of the moment freedom would be within his grasp. Now that moment was here. Seven Miles to Freedom is the compelling account of his daring escape. (E) Teacher’s Guide included here: https://bit.ly/2q1YPUz

7     World Health Day. World Health Day is observed annually to commemorate the establishment of the World Health Organization and to bring awareness to the importance of global health. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the organization, which works to guarantee universal healthcare and prevent, treat and reduce the spread of diseases.

Critical Condition and other films about healthcare. Films about healthcare from P.O.V. and Media That Matters. (H) http://to.pbs.org/sGen3S

Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?, by PBS. This seven-part series exploring race and socioeconomic disparities in population health investigates how the social circumstances in which we are born, live and work can get under our skin and disrupt our physiology as much as germs and viruses. The website includes a classroom section, discussion guide and video clips. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/eSKw

Health: The Big Picture, by The Change Agent. Issue 28 of The Change Agent explores students’ experiences dealing with health challenges and their individual and community-based responses to those challenges. It also contains information about the US health insurance industry, student-recommended home remedies and more. The resource is available after free registration at: http://www.nelrc.org/changeagent/backissues.htm (TR) http://bit.ly/2dUHrc3

9     30th anniversary of the march on Washington supporting Roe v. Wade. Facing state laws that undermined abortion rights and an administration that advocated for the reversal of Roe v. Wade, the National Organization for Women (NOW) organized the March for Women’s Lives in Washington, DC. An estimated 600,000 people attended.

Revisiting Roe v. Wade, by Annissa Hambouz and Yasmin Chin Eisenhauer, NYTimes Learning Network. This site provides a lesson plan to teach students about the American anti-abortion movement and Roe v. Wade from both sides of the debate. (M, H) http://nyti.ms/vJSFi8

9     80th anniversary of Marian Anderson’s concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Despite being an internationally acclaimed classical singer, Anderson was prevented from performing at the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Constitution Hall because of their policy of hosting only White performers. Groups including the NAACP and the American Federation of Teachers protested and worked with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to arrange for Anderson to perform on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a crowd of 75,000.

When Marian Sang, by Pam Muñoz Ryan and Brian Selznik. This post on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Education blog, an annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom, summarizes the book that tells the story of Marian Anderson’s life, including the injustices she faced as a Black performer. (E) http://bit.ly/18moWrZ

10     100th anniversary of the death of Emiliano Zapata. During the Mexican Revolution, Zapata led forces of peasants and Indigenous people against the owners of haciendas, large Spanish estates on which poor and Indigenous laborers were held in peonage. Zapata’s forces captured and redistributed these lands and, under the banner “Land and Liberty,” demanded agrarian reforms that inspired the modern-day Zapatista movement. On April 10,1919, Zapata was assassinated by government forces.

Emiliano Zapata: Revolutionary and Champion of Poor Farmers, by R. Conrad Stein. This children’s book takes students back to a time when the cries of revolution swept Mexico as Zapata’s vision of an end to political corruption and land reform for poor Mexicans led to a violent and bloody struggle for power. (E) http://amzn.to/ck6XdQ

11     Romaine “Chip” Fitzgerald, political prisoner, member of Black Panther party, born (1949). Fitzgerald was convicted of murder in 1970, but his trial came on the heels of J. Edgar Hoover’s call for COINTELPRO (Counter-Intelligence Program) to destroy the Black Panther Party. During the trial, a police officer testified that he had orders to kill members of the Party, one of several details that cast doubt on the legitimacy of the conviction.

COINTELPRO: FBI’s War on Black America. Combining declassified documents, interviews, rare footage and exhaustive research, this documentary establishes historical perspective on COINTELPRO (Counter-Intelligence Program), which aimed to discredit Black political figures and groups. (H) http://bit.ly/1wlcfKf

12     Ronald Takaki, activist, founder of the first ethnic studies program in the US, born (1939). Historian Ronald Takaki taught the first Black History course at UCLA and later helped establish the first ethnic studies doctoral program in the US at UC Berkeley. His many books, including A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America, helped define the field of ethnic studies by writing Asian Americans and other marginalized groups into American history.

Different Mirror for Young People: A Young Peoples History of Multicultural America, by Ronald Takaki and Rebecca Stefoff. Based on Takaki’s award-winning book, this version has been adapted to share the multicultural historical book with younger readers. Drawing on Takaki’s vast array of primary sources, this book brings ethnic history alive through the words of people, including teenagers, who recorded their experiences in letters, diaries and poems. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2C3lwPF

13     100th anniversary of the Amritsar Massacre. At least 379 unarmed protesters were killed when British troops fired on a group of anti-colonial protesters in the Punjabi town of Amritsar, India. This was the event that persuaded Mahatma Mohandas Gandhi to demand India’s complete independence from Britain, a struggle that would span nearly 30 years.

Collection of Books About Gandhi, by Kitaab World. For elementary and middle school readers, a collection of titles to explore the life and activism of Gandhi. (E, M) https://bit.ly/2GoySIm

13     100th anniversary of Eugene Debs’s incarceration. Debs, a labor organizer and Socialist Party leader, ran for president five times between 1900 and 1920. A pacifist, Debs spoke out against US participation in World War I and, as a result, was convicted of sedition. He ran a presidential campaign from prison, garnering nearly a million votes. Although he was later pardoned, Debs was stripped of his citizenship and right to vote in the US.

Eugene Debs: Canton, Ohio Speech, by Zinn Education Project. This webpage provides a clip of Mark Ruffalo reading union leader Eugene Debs’s famous anti-war speech for which he was arrested and convicted of espionage. (H) http://bit.ly/1x5yqmi

14     Palm Sunday (Christianity – Western and Eastern Orthodox). Palm Sunday celebrates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It is said that people lined the road, waving palm fronds as Jesus passed by. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of “Passion Week” or “Holy Week,” the last week of Jesus’s time on earth.

Easter, by Gail Gibbons. This children’s book explains why Easter is celebrated and includes descriptions of many traditions. The book also introduces children to other related holy days, such as Good Friday. (E) http://bit.ly/1crHuCY

14     Rama Navami (Hinduism). Rama Navami is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama or the marriage of Rama and Sita.

BBC Schools: Guide to Hinduism. This site offers basic information about Hinduism, including some of the major festivals. Links to commonly asked questions, as well as classroom activities and worksheets, are included. (M, H, TR) http://bbc.in/10sh2K9

14     Swaminarayan Jayanti (Hinduism). Swaminarayan Jayanti is the birthday of Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan tradition.

The Story of India: Tracking Early Hinduism, by PBS.org. In this lesson for the middle to high school level, students explore the foundation of Hinduism by examining the ancient texts that defined it and learning about the major deities. Then students create a scrapbook of images and texts that represents their journey of learning. (M, H, TR) http://to.pbs.org/1cqVvVc

14     Vaisakhi (Sikhism). Vaisakhi is a festival that celebrates the founding of the Sikh community.

 Countdown to Vaisakhi, by Navjot Kaur. A teacher’s guide for recognizing Vaisakhi in schools. (E, M, TR) http://bit.ly/WwPDDl

A Lion’s Mane, by Navjot Kaur. This is a picture book that helps young readers journey to cultures around the world to explore the meaning of the dastaar, the Sikh turban. The second link is to a teacher’s guide for the book. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1fbUwfZ; Teacher’s Guide: http://bit.ly/V1oNlK

Guru Nanak, by Rina Sing. The Sikh faith, the world’s fifth largest religion, began with the teachings of Guru Nanak in the 15th century and evolved with the nine gurus who followed him. He grew up to be a great spiritual teacher, revolutionary for his time, declaring that there is no difference between Hindus and Muslims, that men and women are equal, and that caste is irrelevant. This biography, exquisitely illustrated in the Indian miniature-painting tradition, tells the story of his life. (E) http://amzn.to/1qMWw5Q

Resources for Educators, by the Sikh Coalition. Resources for all grade levels on how to teach about Sikhism. (E, M, H) https://bit.ly/2HqUcuC

14     20th anniversary of the Pigford v. Glickman settlement. The class action case Pigford v. Glickman claimed that Black farmers had been denied federal farm loans and that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) had failed to investigate reports of discrimination. The $2 billion settlement was among the largest in civil rights history. Pigford was followed by a successful suit brought by Native American farmers.

Losing Ground, by Reveal, the Center for Investigative Reporting. On this episode of Reveal, reporter John Biewen of “Scene on Radio” records the story of one Black farm couple who say the USDA treated them unfairly because of their race. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2sjJxK0

15     A. Philip Randolph, labor organizer and civil rights activist, born (1889-1979). Randolph was a Black labor organizer who founded the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first officially recognized Black labor union. He led successful campaigns against racial discrimination in government defense factories and against segregation in the armed forces. He also headed the organizing committee for the Youth March for Integrated Schools in 1958.

10,000 Black Men Named George, a film by Robert Townsend. The story of the attempt to establish the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, a union of Black railway porters working for the Pullman Company, with the assistance of journalist and political activist Asa Philip Randolph. All Black porters were referred to as “George” because they worked for owner George Pullman. (M, H) http://amzn.to/2l8E2vw

Philip Randolph Exhibit,by the George Meany Memorial Archives. This online exhibit includes photographs, articles, a bibliography and classroom activities about labor rights activist and civil rights leader A. Philip Randolph. (H) http://bit.ly/IDxZnP

15     30th anniversary of the death of Hu Yaobang. A pro-reform leader, Hu Yaobang was once viewed as the likely successor to Deng Xiaoping until his push for government transparency and tolerance of dissent led to his forced resignation. His death sparked a wave of youth-led demonstrations demanding freedom of the press, government accountability, and workers’ control of industry. The protests culminated in the June 4 Tiananmen Square massacre, where hundreds of protesters attempted to block the advance of the military into the square.

Tiananmen Exiles: Voices of the Struggle for Democracy in China, by Rowena He and Perry Link. This moving oral history interweaves He’s own experiences with the accounts of three student leaders exiled from China. They describe their childhoods during Mao’s Cultural Revolution, their political activism, the bitter disappointments of 1989, and the profound contradictions and challenges they face as exiles. (H) https://amzn.to/2GSbiUA

18     Jessie Street, Australian suffragette and Aboriginal rights activist, born (1889-1970). Born to British nobility and married into an Australian political dynasty, Street campaigned for women’s suffrage, economic independence, equal rights for Aboriginal people, and nuclear disarmament. As Australia’s sole woman delegate to the first conference of the United Nations, she and others successfully advocated for the inclusion of gender in the anti-discrimination clause of the UN charter.

Australia as a Nation: An Inquiry Unit on Jessie Street, by The Jessie Street National Women’s Library. Modeling the process of historical inquiry, students participate in a class inquiry about suffragette and Aboriginal rights activist Jessie Street. Using a variety of primary and secondary sources, students investigate the varying perspectives of her contributions to the development of Australian society. (H) https://bit.ly/2qd85oW

18     60th anniversary of the 2nd Youth March for Integrated Schools in Washington, DC. 26,000 high school and college students converged on Washington, DC to demand the implementation of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. Many civil rights leaders, including Daisy Bates, Harry Belafonte, A. Philip Randolph, Jackie Robinson, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Roy Wilkins, spoke at the rally. This was the second consecutive year that such a march was held.

Address at the Youth March for Integrated Schools of 18 April 1959, by Martin Luther King, Jr. Almost six months after the first Youth March for Integrated Schools, Dr. King addressed about 26,000 people at the Sylvan Theater on the grounds of the Washington Monument. King urged the young people to “make a career of humanity… you will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.” (H) Full text of the speech here: https://stanford.io/2q22RfF

19     First day of Passover (begins at sunset on 4/19; Judaism). Passover is an 8-day festival that commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

This is the Matzah, by Abby Levine. This children’s book follows Max and his family as they prepare to celebrate Passover. (E) http://bit.ly/XD7hUc

19     Good Friday (Christianity). Good Friday occurs two days before Easter and commemorates the death of Jesus.

19     Hanuman Jayanti (Hinduism). Hanuman Jayanti commemorates the birth of Hanuman, the Vanara god.

Hanuman Jayanti. This is a religious website that tells the story of the life of Hanuman. Illustrations and links to other festivals and related topics are available on this site. (M, H) http://bit.ly/KntMvy

19     20th anniversary of the Vieques protests. On April 19, 1999 David Sanes Rodrguez, a resident of the Puerto Rican island of Vieques, was killed by a misfired bomb during a US Navy training mission. His death resulted in a series of protests against the Navy’s use of the island. The protesters argued that the Navy had failed to honor historical agreements and treaties with Puerto Rico, and endangered lives by conducting practice exercises so close to civilians. More than 200 protesters were arrested.

Puerto Rico’s Invisible Health Crisis, by Valeria Pelet, The Atlantic. The island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, has one of the highest rates of serious health concerns in the Caribbean. Is the US Navy responsible? Engage students with this question, via this article in The Atlantic. (H) https://theatln.tc/2q1W31L

20     20th anniversary of the Columbine High School mass shooting. Two students murdered 12 classmates and a teacher at the suburban Denver high school in what was at the time the deadliest US school shooting in history. The shooting led to increased and often extreme zero-tolerance policies in schools, debates about the “gun-show loophole,” and a moral panic about Goth culture, industrial music, and violence in video games.

How to Reduce Shootings, by Nicholas Kristof. A public health strategy for reducing gun violence is presented, along with powerful and useful graphics from a visual essay Kristof published months earlier. The opinion piece and accompanying data graphics provide a valuable teaching resource for classroom use. (H) https://nyti.ms/2zhImkZ

Analysis of School Shootings in America, by Everytown for Gun Safety. In 2013, Everytown for Gun Safety began tracking gunfire (public reports that a firearm was discharged inside a school building or on school or campus grounds) in schools, colleges and universities. Over the next three years they identified 160 qualifying incidents, including fatal and nonfatal assaults, suicides, and unintentional shootings. An appendix of data regarding these incidents can be found at the bottom of this page. (H) https://every.tw/2y3jv3D

Debating the Second Amendment: Balancing Safety and Guns, by The Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics. In this multi-day lesson, students can explore the intersection of a safe society and guns. While engaged in a class discussion, students will consider the basic rights of an individual to own a gun and the regulatory rights of government. (H) https://bit.ly/2q2ZN1X

20      80th anniversary of Billie Holiday’s recording of “Strange Fruit.” Abel Meeropol, a Bronx high school teacher, was inspired to write “Strange Fruit” after seeing a 1930 photograph of the lynchings of Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith in Indiana. Billie Holiday would make the song famous, and her 1939 recording of it was dubbed “the song of the century” by Time Magazine.

Billie Holiday’s Song “Strange Fruit,” by TeacherVision. Through a critical musical lens using Billie Holiday’s song “Strange Fruit,” students will discuss the lyrics that focus on hate crimes and lynching. (H) http://bit.ly/2l2Iwnn

Strange Fruit, by Joel Katz. This documentary explores the history and legacy of the Billie Holiday classic. The film examines lynching, the interplay of race, labor and the Left, and popular culture as forces that gave rise to the Civil Rights movement. This link provides an overview of the documentary and explains the origin of “Strange Fruit.” (H) http://bit.ly/1eAHIK8

21     Easter (Christianity). Easter is a holiday in which Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Celebrate Easter: With Colored Eggs, Flowers, and Prayer (Holidays Around the World), by Deborah Heiligman. This children’s book uses National Geographic photographs to document the celebration of Easter around the world, including the White House Easter Egg Roll and traditional bonfires in Europe. (E) http://bit.ly/T4xiH4

21     Kartini Day (Indonesia), celebrating the birth of Raden Adjeng Kartini, writer and women’s rights activist (1879-1904). Kartini is remembered as one of Indonesia’s first feminists for letters she wrote during four years of confinement in her home. In accordance with tradition, she had been removed from school at age 12 to await marriage in seclusion. She wrote to influential feminists, policymakers and educators advocating for girls’ access to education and vocational training, as well as Javanese emancipation from Dutch colonial control.

Letters of a Javanese Princess, by Raden Adjeng Kartini. After Indonesian feminist Raden Adjeng Kartini died, the letters Kartini had sent to her friends in Europe were published in this collection. Their publication attracted great interest in the Netherlands, and Kartini’s ideas began to change the way the Dutch viewed Native women in Java. Her ideas also provided inspiration for prominent figures in the fight for independence. (H) https://amzn.to/2uJdtVB

22     Earth Day. Earth Day is an annual event celebrated in 175 countries. Events are held worldwide to raise awareness of environmental issues. According to the Earth Day Network, it is the largest secular civic event in the world.

Don’t Take Our Voices Away: A Role Play on the Indigenous Peoples’ Global Summit on Climate Change, by Julie Treick O’Neill and Tim Swinehart. A role play on the Indigenous Peoples’ Global Summit on Climate Change asks students to develop a list of demands to present to the rest of the world at a mock climate change meeting. (H) http://bit.ly/2l5qxg2

A People’s Curriculum for the Earth: Teaching Climate Change and the Environmental Crisis, edited by Bill Bigelow and Tim Swinehart. This book features some of the best articles from Rethinking Schools magazine, along with classroom-friendly readings on climate change, energy, water, food, and pollution, as well as on people who are working to improve the environment. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1VKElav

Race, Poverty and the Environment. This journal links issues of racism and poverty with environmental justice. Some recent resources are available for free download; older resources require a purchase. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1r0QFKy

Lessons from Mother Earth, by Elaine McLeod. Tess has visited her grandmother many times without really noticing the garden. But today they step outside and Tess learns that all of nature can be a garden. If you take care of the plants that are growing, you will always find something to nourish you. This gentle story demonstrates the First Nations’ tradition of taking care of Mother Earth. (E) http://bit.ly/1QBznLT

22     10th anniversary of the conviction of Allen Andrade. Andrade was convicted of a “bias-motivated crime” in addition to first-degree murder in the death of Angie Zapata, a transwoman. It was the first successful invocation of the hate crime statute in a case involving a transgender victim. Gender identity is still not covered by most state hate crime laws; it was added to the federal law several months after this conviction.

Responding to Hate Crimes: A Community Resource Manual, by National Center for Transgender Equality. Hate crimes are devastating events, both for the victim and for the community in which they occur. How we respond to them, as transgender advocates and allies, is very important. This manual provides you with some of the tools to create an effective response to a hate crime after it has happened in your community. (H, TR) https://bit.ly/2GJTCHp

22     10th anniversary of the introduction of the Shark Conservation Act. Senator John Kerry introduced this act to close the loopholes that allowed finning – cutting off sharks’ fins and then throwing the sharks back in the ocean to die. In addition to its cruelty, the practice jeopardizes marine ecosystems by removing a top predator. Though finning was officially banned in 2000, about 73 million sharks were killed by finning each year because of poor enforcement prior to this act, which was signed into law in 2011.

Sharks: Setting the Record Straight, by Ocean Portal, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Often mislabeled as man-eaters, sharks prefer to eat creatures of the sea. Students learn how different sharks play different roles in a food web. Links to additional lesson plans and materials on shark finning and other related topics are also available. The Ocean Portal site more generally includes lesson plans for educators of all levels on topics related to marine ecosystems and conservation. (E) https://s.si.edu/2GIukxh

24     Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. This observance is held annually to commemorate the victims of the massacre and deportation of Armenians by the government of the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923.

Confronting Genocide: Never Again?, by The Choices Program. This site contains supplemental materials to a unit that examines how the US responded to five instances of genocide, including the Armenian genocide. Materials include videos, maps, graphic organizers, surveys and web links. (M, H) http://bit.ly/136NnUk

24     50th anniversary of the founding of the International Association Against Painful Experiments on Animals (IAAPEA). Founded in London, the IAAPEA works to educate the public about animal suffering in labs, fund alternative methods of research, and lobby governments to ban the use of animals in research.

Animal Welfare Institute Quarterly, by AWI. The Animal Welfare Institute publishes a quarterly magazine covering a wide range of animal welfare and humane education topics. The Institute offers a free one-year subscription for teachers and hosts the archive of all their issues at this site. (E, M, H) https://bit.ly/2qaSHcK

26     National Day of Silence. During the National Day of Silence, a project of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), students organize protests against LGBTQ harassment in schools.

Day of Silence Website. This site includes information about the history of the Day of Silence, as well as FAQs, reproducible materials, an organizing manual for students, and more. (M, H) http://bit.ly/3SF54f

27     160th anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s rescue of Charles Nalle from a mob in Troy, NY. A fugitive from slavery in Virginia, Nalle was captured in Troy, NY. After one unsuccessful attempt to free him, local antislavery activists, including Harriet Tubman, stormed the building where he was being held and rescued him. They concealed Nalle until they could purchase his freedom for $650.

Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, by Michael J. Martin. This book is about Harriet Tubman’s journey from slavery through her involvement in the Underground Railroad. It is a graphic novel that is divided into four chapters: Growing Up a Slave; Heading for the Promised Land; The First Rescue; and Conductor on the Railroad. (E) http://amzn.to/2C5LiDu

Before She Was Harriet, by Lesa Cline-Ransome. We know her today as Harriet Tubman, but during her life she was called by many names. As General Tubman, she was a Union spy. As Moses, she led hundreds to freedom on the Underground Railroad. As Minty, she was an enslaved woman whose spirit could not be broken. An evocative poem and opulent watercolors come together in this children’s book to honor a woman of humble origins whose courage and compassion make her larger than life. (E) Video about the book, with the author and illustrator, here: https://bit.ly/2uTMKpd

27     Mary Wollstonecraft, scholar, journalist and early feminist, born (1759-1797). Wollstonecraft wrote her most famous essay, “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,” amid heated debates about human rights during the era of the French Revolution. While most intellectuals addressed the rights of man, Wollstonecraft insisted on championing those of women, which included the right to a rigorous education as well as a degree of autonomy and, scandalously, sexual freedom.

Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World, by Cynthia Chin-Lee and Megan Halsey. Detailed collages and illustrations draw from various events of both hardship and triumph in the lives of 26 amazing women. (E, M) https://bit.ly/2EAyiCo

29     100 years of National Children’s Book Week. Initiated in 1919, National Children’s Book Week is dedicated to celebrating children’s literature and encouraging children to read. It is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the US.

We Need Diverse Books™, a grassroots campaign. We Need Diverse Books™ is a grassroots organization of children’s book lovers that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people. Website includes resources and book lists. (TR) www.weneeddiversebooks.org

Using Picture Books to Explore Identity, Stereotyping, and Discrimination, by Loraine Woodard. In this unit, students explore three picture books to better understand and to promote discussion and action on ideas of identity, stereotyping and discrimination. (E, M) http://bit.ly/b3u2eC

30     40th anniversary of Addington v. Texas. Addington v. Texas raised the level of evidence needed for involuntary hospitalization for mentally ill people from the typical “preponderance of evidence” to “clear and convincing evidence,” making it harder for people to be committed against their will.

Dicey’s Song, by Cynthia Voigt. When Momma left Dicey Tillerman and her three siblings in a mall parking lot and was later traced to an asylum where she lay unrecognizing, unknowing, she left her four children no choice but to get on by themselves. They set off alone on foot over hundreds of miles until they finally found someone to take them in. (E, M) Teacher’s guide here: https://bit.ly/2IAm1Ag

 May

1     First day of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. May is designated as a month to celebrate the history, traditions and culture of Asian-Pacific Americans. It was officially signed into law in 1992.

Asian American Books. An extensive catalog of resources and services that underscore the importance and diversity of the Asian American experience. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2unIYN

Strangers from a Different Shore, by Ronald Takaki. This book offers a good survey of Asian American history. (E, M, H, TR) https://amzn.to/2v5rHjJ

1     International Workers’ Day/May Day. International Workers’ Day, or May Day, recognizes the social and economic achievements of the international Labor movement. It also commemorates the Haymarket Massacre in Chicago in 1886, in which Chicago police fired on workers during a general strike for the 8-hour day, killing several demonstrators.

Missing from Haymarket Square, by Harriette Gillem Robinet. 12-year-old Dinah Bell is too young to be working 12-hour days. But to the factory and mill owners, age doesn’t matter. When her father is taken prisoner for helping to plan a labor march in favor of an 8-hour work day, Dinah faces danger. This book addresses race, immigration, labor, and strategies used to divide workers. (E, M) http://bit.ly/2ldgkwC

1     10th anniversary of the launching of Voz das Comunidades. Voz das Comunidades is a youth-led news outlet in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Its founder, 20-year-old Rene Silva, started Voz when he was 11 because the stories and voices of slum-dwelling (favela) residents and youth were ignored by mainstream media. Silva gained international attention and support by providing real-time updates of violent confrontations between police and alleged drug traffickers in the Complexo do Alemão, one of the major groups of favelas in Rio in 2010.

By Any Media Necessary: The New Activism of American Youth, by H. Jenkins, S. Shresthova, L. Gamber-Thompson, N. Kligler-Vilenchik, and A. Zimmerman. Reviewer Cathy Cohen writes: “A far-reaching book that explores the many different digital strategies and platforms young people use to have their voices heard and their political agendas advanced. The case studies at the heart of this book are powerful, telling the story of how young people across demographic categories are using digital media to engage in a new form of politics – participatory politics – that is destined to significantly shape civic life for years to come.” (H, TR) https://bit.ly/2IyrtDC

The Digital Literacy Framework, by Teaching Tolerance. The internet is an amazing tool for teaching and learning. But before we can teach students to harness its power and become good citizens of the web, we need to understand the intricacies of how it works and how it can be manipulated to mislead and even harm users. This incredible resource provides students with support in developing digital and civic literacy skills. It also includes lesson plans for teachers. (E, M, H) https://bit.ly/2Hi7V78

1     10th anniversary of the May Day Strike in Puerto Rico. Protesting Governor Fortuno’s plans to cut more than 30,000 government jobs, thousands of workers took part in a protest outside the Labor Department in San Juan. The protests continued until October, though they were not successful in stopping the government layoffs.

The Puerto Rico Syllabus Project, by Y. Bonilla, M. LeBron, S. Molinari, I. Tamargo and S. Castro. This syllabus provides a list of resources for teaching and learning about the roots of the current economic crisis in Puerto Rico. Key texts are included for each topic, along with primary documents and suggestions for further reading. (H, TR) https://puertoricosyllabus.com

1     30th anniversary of Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins. The US Supreme Court ruled that, under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, an employer must prove that its refusal to hire someone was not based on discrimination, but for legitimate, work-related reasons.

The Power in Our Hands: A Curriculum on the History of Work and Workers in the United States, by Bill Bigelow and Norman Diamond. This celebrated book provides entertaining, easy-to-use lesson plans for teaching labor history. (M, H, TR) https://bit.ly/1z7k2eJ

3     Pete Seeger, folk singer and civil rights champion, born (1919-2014). Seeger was a singer/songwriter who saw folk music as integral to developing community and launching political action. In 1945, Seeger founded People’s Song, a musicians’ union combining folk music with the Labor movement. Through his performances, he championed the Labor movement, the Anti-Vietnam War movement, and environmental issues. His adaptation of “We Shall Overcome” became central to the Civil Rights movement.

Using Songs to Teach Labor History, by the American Labor Studies Center. The American Labor movement has a long and rich heritage of song. The selective use of labor songs can help students develop an appreciation of the struggle of American workers to find dignity in the workplace. They can also help students develop a sense of empathy with those workers and understand the powerful force music can play in protest movements. Resources for teaching labor songs are included here. (E, M, H) https://bit.ly/2H2UdY5

5     Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of a small Mexican militia over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Despite this victory, France eventually defeated Mexican forces and occupied the country for three years.

Cinco de Mayo Inc. This blog is dedicated to documenting and critically examining the commercialization of Cinco de Mayo. This Mexican holiday has become more popular in the US than in Mexico, in part because of corporate America’s desire to make money off the Latino consumer market. It also perpetuates damaging stereotypes about Latinx people while obscuring the historical significance of this day. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/rryYIN

Rethinking Cinco de Mayo, by Sudie Hofmann, Zinn Education Project. In this article, Hofmann critiques a stereotypical Mexican American event meant to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Readers will find information about the history of Cinco de Mayo and how it is celebrated in the US; art depicting the events of the Battle of Puebla Day; and reactions from Chicana/o students. Links to related materials are provided. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/13VTKtX

Cinco de Mayo, Yesterday and Today, by Maria Cristina Urrutia and Rebeca Orozco. Cinco de Mayo is one of the most celebrated days in the Mexican calendar, but few people know that it commemorates a decisive victory of the Mexicans against the invading French in 1862. Drawing on historical sources and the photographic record of a contemporary reenactment, this book introduces children to this important, but little understood, event. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1QF2KOp

6     International No Diet Day. No Diet Day is an annual celebration of body acceptance and body shape diversity. This day is also dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness of the dangers and futility of extreme dieting.

Reshaping Body Image, by Teaching Tolerance. This lesson is intended to help students examine how people of varying shapes and sizes are typically viewed in our society. How and why do perspectives on beauty and body image change over time? (H) http://bit.ly/dVObJ0

Deconstructing Barbie: Math and Popular Culture, by Swapna Mukhopadhyay. Math activity from the book Rethinking Mathematics, which engages students in considering the question: “What would Barbie look like if she were as big as you?” (M, H) https://bit.ly/2IJAKJf

6     First Day of the Month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a holy month of fasting and prayer in the Islam faith. It is the ninth month of the 12-month Islamic calendar and commemorates the month during which Mohammed received the revelations that became the Koran (Quran).

Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story, by Reem Faruqi. Lailah’s hesitation about her faith and traditions are explained from a child’s point of view. Though she is excited to begin fasting during Ramadan, she is unsure about how to explain this practice to her classmates or deal with the temptations of lunchtime. Eventually, with the help of her librarian and teacher, she gains confidence among her peers. (E) http://bit.ly/2kFmPLM; Interview with author here: http://bit.ly/2kzsP6e

Drummer Girl, by Hiba Masood. Young Najma loved Ramadan and had a secret dream. She longed to beat the drum that traditional male musaharati drummers use during the wake-up call for the pre-dawn meal. Supported by her loving family, Najma realizes her long-cherished dream and pushes the boundaries of what girls can accomplish. (E) https://bit.ly/2pDcQHq

6     Phebe Ann Coffin Hanaford, minister, abolitionist and suffragist, born (1829-1921). Hanaford is believed to be the first lesbian minister in the US. In addition to serving as the chaplain for the Connecticut legislature, she was an accomplished author and an important leader in the Women’s Rights movement, helping to establish the American Woman Suffrage Association in 1869. After being dismissed from one congregation, ostensibly for her political activism, but more likely for her relationship with another woman, she started a church of her own in 1884.

Crusade for the Vote: Resources Connect Students to the Suffrage Story, by The National Women’s History Museum. Online exhibits, lesson plans, multimedia resources, and more for teaching about women’s suffrage in the US. (M, H, TR) https://bit.ly/2H1NQnU

7     National Barrier Awareness Day. Proclamation 5472 declared National Barrier Awareness Day as an occasion to recognize and fight against the many barriers, both visible and invisible, that people with disabilities face. On this day we are reminded to work to eliminate the social, legal, economic and physical barriers that confront individuals with disabilities.

Disability Social History Project. This site contains a wealth of information, including a list of “Famous and Not So Famous” people with disabilities, a timeline and a history of the word “handicapped” via the Serendipity link. (E, M, H, TR)
http://bit.ly/163FXqn

7     National Teachers’ Day. A day set aside to honor teachers for their contributions to learning, child development, and the community.

Educator Grants, from Teaching Tolerance. These grants, ranging from $500 to $10,000, support projects that promote affirming school climates and educate youth to thrive in a diverse democracy. (TR) Eligibility and application guidelines here: https://bit.ly/2uUX3Ez

7     140th anniversary of the ratification of the second California Constitution. One of the amendments to the second California Constitution barred Chinese immigrants from being hired by the state government or corporations. This proviso predated the Chinese Exclusion Act and reflected the growing animosity of Californians toward Chinese immigrants, who provided cheap labor to local businesses. This demonstrates the power of local and state governments to exert long-term effects on national policy.

Escape to Gold Mountain: A Graphic History of the Chinese in North America, by David H.T. Wong. Told as the history of the Wong family, this accessible volume offers readers both a panoramic and intimate look at the Chinese experience in North America. This is a story of racism, exploitation and violence, but it is also a story of warmth and solidarity. (H) http://bit.ly/2mxipHy

10     100th anniversary of the first uprising of “Red Summer” in Charleston, SC. Red Summer was a particularly violent period that saw race-related uprisings in more than 30 US cities. On this day in Charleston, SC, US Navy sailors incited an uprising resulting in the deaths of three Black men, as well as many injuries and extensive property damage. Although an official Naval investigation found that the White sailors were at fault and recommended harsh sentences, only two received punishment – one year in a military prison.

Visualizing the Red Summer, by Karen Sieber. Created by a history student, this site includes a wealth of teaching materials about the summer of 1919, in which more than three dozen known riots and lynchings rocked the nation. The site includes a timeline and map that can be adjusted to reveal patterns and to explore more deeply, along with a growing archive of more than 700 documents and images collected from more than 20 institutions across the country that can be searched by location, type of document and other factors. (H, TR) http://visualizingtheredsummer.com/

11     World Fair Trade Day. The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) draws on support from a membership of 350 Fair Trade organizations from 80 countries. Goals include creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers, payment of a fair price, gender equity and improved working conditions.

Win-Win Solutions: An Introduction to Fair Trade and Cooperative Economics, by Equal Exchange. Composed of four units, this curriculum raises students’ awareness of core issues surrounding food production and trade. (E, M) http://bit.ly/2m0N8xt

 For a Better World, website by Fair World Project. Campaign information, resources, and publications related to understanding and teaching fair trade. (TR) http://bit.ly/1Slrigj

12     Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day is an annual holiday that celebrates mothers, motherhood, and the influence of mothers in society. Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, though some celebrate on a different day.

Antonio’s Card/La Tarjeta de Antonio, by Rigoberto Gonzalez. Antonio knows that words have the power to express feelings such as love, pride or pain. With Mother’s Day approaching, Antonio searches for the words to express his love for his mother and her partner Leslie. His friends tease him about Leslie, an artist, who towers over everyone and wears paint-spattered overalls. Now Antonio must decide whether or how to express his connection to both of the special women in his life. (E) https://bit.ly/2IKw59L

Mama’s Day, by Strong Families. Each year artists are commissioned to create images that capture the full diversity of family arrangements. These images are offered as free e-cards; the site offers the opportunity to send an e-card to an incarcerated or detained mama. (E, M, H) www.mamasday.org

Mother’s Day Proclamation – 1870, by Julia Ward Howe. Poem by Julia Ward Howe advocating for women around the world to organize to resolve conflicts peacefully. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/eT5sy

12     140th anniversary of Standing Bear v. Crook. The Ponca people were forcibly moved to Indian Territory in 1877. Within two years, nearly a third of them, including Standing Bear’s son, had died. When Standing Bear went to bury his son at their ancestral home, he and 30 other Poncas were arrested. Standing Bear and his wife filed suit for a writ of habeus corpus. The court ruled in favor of Standing Bear, stating categorically that an Indian is a person in the eyes of the law.

Standing Bear’s Footsteps, by PBS. This dramatic retelling, streaming on PBS, tells the story of the Ponca Nation’s exile from Nebraska to the malaria-infested plains of Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. (M, H) http://to.pbs.org/2Dn3wfX

13     130th anniversary of Chae Chan Ping v. US. Chae Chan Ping, a Chinese national living in California, traveled to China after obtaining a re-entry permit to the US in accordance with treaties between China and the US. During his absence, the Scott Act was passed, barring Chinese laborers from entering the US. Ping appealed all the way to the US Supreme Court, which ruled against him, upholding the federal government’s power to make decisions in immigration law even if they override previous treaty agreements.

Landed, by Milly Lee. Landed tells the story of Sun, a young Chinese man who emigrates to America during the age of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Lee based the story on that of her father-in-law and provides useful historical background information on the discrimination faced by the Chinese in the US. (E) https://bit.ly/2qne0rv

14     50th anniversary of Canada’s Criminal Law Amendment Act. Among other reforms, this wide-ranging law decriminalized homosexual acts between consenting adults, and is often considered one of the most important reforms of Canadian penal law. Then-Minister of Justice Pierre Trudeau, who sponsored the bill, said: “There’s no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.”

Popular Education: LGBT Issues, by Californians for Justice. This workshop helps participants break down the idea of a gender binary, understand the connection between sexism and heterosexism/transphobia, and gain a deeper understanding of transgender issues. The materials are free, but you must register at www.buildthewheel.org to access them. (H)
http://bit.ly/2nnxMmU

15      International Conscientious Objectors Day. A day to celebrate those who resist war on moral grounds, especially by refusing to participate in military activities.

Conscientious Objection: Youth and Militarism, by the American Friends Service Committee. The American Friends website has a host of materials about militarism, alternatives to the military, counter-recruitment and conscientious objection. (H) http://bit.ly/2elLUG2

DMZ: A Guide to Taking Your School Back from the Military, by The War Resisters League. DMZ is a comprehensive organizing manual for youth activists and their allies for keeping military recruiters out of schools. (H) https://bit.ly/2qlAetg

Why War Is Never a Good Idea, by Alice Walker. Poet and activist Alice Walker exposes the power and wanton devastation of war in this evocative poem, with an unflinching look at war’s destructive nature and unforeseen consequences. (E) https://bit.ly/2GQkiKH

15     100th anniversary of the Winnipeg General Strike. 30,000 workers in Winnipeg, Manitoba participated in one of Canada’s biggest and best-known general strikes, which was fueled by labor unrest, massive unemployment and inflation, a breakdown in collective bargaining, and the success of the Russian Revolution.

Winnipeg General Strike Resource Pack, by Dan Macaulay, Josh Norman, and Casey Wartman. A full curriculum unit, with essential questions, detailed lesson plans, and primary source materials, exploring labor unrest in Canada and the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919. (H, TR) https://bit.ly/2qcIqwC

15     150th anniversary of the founding of the National Woman Suffrage Association and the American Woman Suffrage Association. Two competing Women’s Rights organizations were founded in 1869 – the American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA), which supported the 15th Amendment giving African American men the right to vote, and the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA), which opposed the amendment because it did not include women. The NWSA was considered more militant, and fought for other rights for women, including property ownership and less burdensome divorce laws.

Rethinking Sexism, Gender, and Sexuality, by Rethinking Schools. A collection of inspiring stories about how to integrate feminist and LGBTQ content into the curriculum, make it part of a vision for social justice, and create classrooms and schools that nurture all children and their families. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1U8zsdF

17     International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHO). IDAHO aims to draw the attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, the public and the media to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTQI people.

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) Website. Resources about LGBTQI injustices all around the world and ways to contribute to campaigns fighting for LGBTQI justice. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1i0e5IG

Acting Out: Combating Homophobia through Teacher Activism, by Mollie V. Blackburn, Caroline T. Clark, Lauren M. Kenney, and Jill M. Smith. This book chronicles how teachers from urban, suburban and rural districts joined together in a teacher inquiry group to challenge homophobia and heterosexism in schools and classrooms. (TR) http://amzn.to/1m3JQUE

Molly’s Family, by Nancy Garden. Molly’s Family is about a 5-year-old girl with two moms and her struggle to understand the true meaning of family. A summary, link and activities are available on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which contains an annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom. (E) http://bit.ly/XPWQ5s

18     50th anniversary of the Queer Student Cultural Center. The Fight Repression of Erotic Expression (FREE) organization, later called the Queer Student Cultural Center (QSCC), was founded at the University of Minnesota. This was the first student-led LGBTQ group on a US college campus. The QSCC continues to function, providing a safe space for LGBTQ students.

Love Beyond Body, Space, and Time: An Indigenous LGBT Sci-Fi Anthology, edited by Hope Nicholson, David Robertson, Richard Van Camp, Daniel Health Justice and Darcie Little Badger. A collection of Indigenous science fiction and urban fantasy focusing on LGBT and two-spirit characters. These are stories of machines and magic, love and self-love. (H) https://amzn.to/2EeAFdR

19     Day of Vesak (Buddhism). Vesak (Wesak/Vesakha) is the most important holiday in the Buddhist calendar, celebrating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, death and his passing into nirvana. The exact date of Vesak varies according to the various lunar calendars used in different traditions.

Celebrations: Wesak, by Anita Ganeri. This children’s book, part of the Celebrations series, explores the history behind Wesak (Vesak) and how it is celebrated today with special foods, clothing, songs and rituals. (E) http://amzn.to/VAg7CL

19     10th anniversary of the inclusion of same-sex couples under common-law marriages in Canada. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice held that it is discriminatory under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to deny benefits to same-sex partners. Later appealed to the Supreme Court, the ruling was upheld. This did not change the legal definition of marriage in Canada.

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher, by Dana Levy. From a NYTimes Review by Brianna Albanese: “The Fletchers are an unusual family. You might consider them unusual because they are all male – the family consists of four adopted boys and two fathers – but what really makes them stand out is how inclusive, loving and fun they are.” (E, M) https://nyti.ms/2ErZFyr

20     Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Native Hawaiian musician and activist, born (1959-1997). Israel Kamakawiwo’ole was a Hawaiian nationalist, and much of his music reflected his Hawaiian heritage, pride and independence. He began recording with his brother and cousin in a group called the Makaha Sons of Ni’hau, which recorded five studio albums. He struck out on his own in 1990, launching a solo career that continued until his death in 1997. He is most famous for his rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

Facing Future, by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Released in 1993, to this day this album remains the bestselling of all time by a Hawaiian artist. The music can be used in classrooms to complement curricula about the history and culture of Hawaii. (E, M, H) http://izhawaii.com/facingfuture/

Act of War: The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Nation. A comprehensive documentary that focuses on the events surrounding the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. Through archival photographs, government documents, films, political cartoons and dramatic reenactments, Act of War explores colonialism and the conquest of a Pacific Island nation by Western missionaries and capitalists. (H) http://bit.ly/uetbEK

21     40th anniversary of the White Nights uprising. Thousands of San Francisco residents took to the streets to protest the manslaughter, rather than murder, conviction of Dan White, who assassinated Harvey Milk and George Moscone. The uprising, which was held on the night of White’s conviction and the night before Milk’s 49th birthday, was also a reaction to continued police violence toward the LGBTQ community. Police retaliated against the gay community by raiding a popular gay bar and arresting several of its patrons.

White Night Riot, by Shaping San Francisco’s Digital Archive. Five first-person accounts of the uprisings in San Francisco that followed the conviction of Harvey Milk’s murderer for manslaughter rather than murder. (H) https://bit.ly/2qeYFJF

25     African Liberation Day. African Liberation Day, established in 1958 at the first Pan-African conference held on African soil, celebrates the hard-fought freedoms of African countries from European colonizers.

The Black Panther Reader, compiled by Roberto “Tito” Soto-Carrion. A Google doc with more than 100 links to articles, lesson plans, and other teaching materials related to the movie Black Panther. Of particular note is the “Wakanda” syllabus compiled by Tess Raser. (TR) https://bit.ly/2Jvwj5J

 Africa Access. Organization whose aim is to help schools, public libraries and parents improve the quality of their children’s collections on Africa. This site includes an online database of reviews of children’s books about Africa, bibliographies for research topics related to Africa, and awards for the best children’s books on Africa published in the US. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/K1g9m

I Didn’t Know There Were Cities in Africa!, by Teaching Tolerance. Article with “do’s and don’ts” of teaching about modern Africa. (E) http://bit.ly/9pooY

How Big Is Africa? Poster, by African Studies Outreach Program, Boston University. This website features a poster of the map of Africa with other countries superimposed to compare size. Links to other K-12 resources, as well as children’s and young adult books, are also provided. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1Qd8Uk4

27      Memorial Day. Originally designated as a day to honor those who died in the Civil War, Memorial Day (formerly called Decoration Day) is now celebrated as a tribute to all those who have died while serving in the US Armed Forces.

Project YANO – The Project on Youth and Non-Military Opportunities. Celebrate Memorial Day by helping students find alternatives to military service. Project YANO is a non-profit community organization that provides young people with an alternative point of view about military enlistment. (H) http://www.projectyano.org

May 30, 1937: Memorial Day Massacre, by Howard Fast. Essay, article, and actual footage of a strike that took place in Chicago on Memorial Day in 1937 and the brutal police response to it. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2jUKLWX

27     Julia Ward Howe, women’s rights activist, abolitionist and writer, born (1819-1910). Social reformer Julia Ward Howe was a pioneer in literature and women’s rights. Howe wrote many books, including collections of poetry and travel volumes, and was a cofounder of the Women’s Suffrage movement. In addition to lobbying for women’s voting rights, Howe was a staunch abolitionist, and advocated for prison reform and international peace. In 1908, Howe became the first woman inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Women’s Suffrage, by Teaching Tolerance. Using primary and secondary documents, students will explore how, over a 75-year period, a movement of American women used nonviolent means to persuade both federal and state governments to allow women to vote. In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was passed, securing women’s right to vote. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2IOoO9c 

27     James “Jimmy” Boggs, civil rights and labor activist and author, born (1919-1993). Perhaps best known outside Detroit for his book, The American Revolution: Pages from a Negro Worker’s Notebook, Boggs was a proponent of the Black Power movement and a prolific writer on labor and civil rights. Jimmy and his wife Grace Lee Boggs were a formidable team in working for human rights and the transformation of communities through efforts such as Detroit Summer, a multiracial, intergenerational collective founded in 1992, which spawned many grassroots organizations aimed at involving youth in the revitalization of Detroit.

Revolutionary Tactics of the Civil Rights Movement, by Point of View, PBS. In these lessons, students consider competing strategies used by civil rights leaders and examine tensions between supporters of Malcolm X’s Black Nationalism and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance. They explore this era through the eyes of radical philosopher and activist Grace Lee Boggs and her husband James Boggs, whose ideas about activism and strategies for change evolved as their understanding of the nature of revolution deepened. (H, TR) https://to.pbs.org/2blKT3L

American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs, a documentary film by Grace Lee. As she wrestles with a Detroit in transition, contradictions of violence and nonviolence, and non-linear notions of time and history, Boggs emerges with an approach that is radical in its simplicity and clarity: revolution is not an act of aggression or merely a protest. Includes a classroom discussion guide and toolkit for dialogue-based screening. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1U2m4aJ

31     60th anniversary of the Cooper’s Donuts Riot. Fed up with years of police harassment and abuse, gay and transgender customers began throwing donuts and coffee cups and engaging in other forms of resistance when police attempted to arrest several patrons at a popular gay hangout – Cooper’s Donuts in Los Angeles. This is believed to be the first major LGBT uprising in modern history and is a significant event in the history of LGBT resistance to police harassment.

Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color, by Andrea Ritchie. A timely examination of how Black women, Indigenous women, other women of Color and queer and trans women experience racial profiling, police brutality, and immigration enforcement. An accompanying study guide is intended for use by individuals, classrooms, book clubs, and organizations, breaking down key concepts and offering reflection questions, exercises, and self-care tips. (H, TR) http://invisiblenomorebook.com/study-guide/

31     10th anniversary of the murder of Dr. George Tiller, pro-choice advocate. Dr. Tiller, an outspoken advocate for a woman’s right to choose, ran one of only three clinics in the US that provided late-term abortions. He was shot and killed by a “Christian” extremist while attending church services in Wichita, Kansas. Tiller’s clinic had been fire-bombed and he had survived previous assassination attempts by other anti-choice extremists. His murder sparked renewed interest in the debate about a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body.

Abortion Patient Stories, by the National Abortion Federation. A woman who chooses to have an abortion does so for many different reasons, based on her individual circumstances. To understand abortion, we must listen to these women. These are the stories of women who have chosen to share their experiences with the world. (H) https://bit.ly/2H17Uqx

 June

1     First day of Caribbean American Heritage Month. Caribbean American Heritage Month is a month designated to celebrate the history, traditions and culture of Caribbean Americans and to honor their contributions to American society.

 Island Treasures: Growing Up in Cuba, by Alma Flor Ada. These true autobiographical tales from renowned Hispanic author and educator Alma Flor Ada are filled with family love and traditions, secrets and deep friendships, and a beautiful, emotive picture of the island of Cuba, where Alma Flor grew up. (E) https://bit.ly/2JF664T

Silver People: Voices from the Panama Canal, by Margarita Engle. Multiple voices in free verse share little-known stories of the thousands of workers from the Caribbean who suffered and lost their lives while building the Panama Canal. (M) https://bit.ly/1Bz0sVN; Teacher’s Guide: https://bit.ly/2G0IqKf

1     First day of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots, where gay rights activists clashed with NYC police over discrimination and police brutality. It also aims to raise awareness about issues surrounding the civil rights of LGBT Americans.

Beyond Tolerance: A Resource Guide for Addressing LGTBQI Issues in Schools, by NYQueer and NYCoRE. A comprehensive resource guide with activities, websites, organizations and an annotated bibliography to support educators in addressing queer issues. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/9nCcFt

Sylvia Rivera Law Project. Sylvia Rivera Law Project’s website has several training and reference materials to teach about discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming people. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/9a4k7r

Two Spirits, directed by Lydia Nibley. The film Two Spirits interweaves Fred Martinez’s life and murder with an examination of the two-spirit tradition among Native Americans, telling a nuanced story of what it means to be poor, transgender and Navajo. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1qA6uVK

Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Curriculum. This website features tools and resources for teaching about gay issues, addressing homophobia, and supporting students’ efforts to start Gay/Straight Alliances. (E, M, H)
http://bit.ly/YWvaMw 

2     120th anniversary of Black Americans’ first national day of fasting to protest lynching. The National Afro-American Council called on Black Americans to fast and pray on this day to protest the epidemic of lynching of Black people throughout the country.

Lynching in America: Confronting the Legacy of Racial Terror, by The Equal Justice Initiative. Two units that total 13 lesson plans exploring lynching and racial terror historically and its ongoing legacy today. (H, TR) https://bit.ly/2JsovSt

“Domestic Terror”: Understanding Lynching During the Era of Jim Crow, by PBS and The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow. Terror and violence were used to sustain the Jim Crow system throughout its bloody history. Many of the stories and images contained in the series depict disturbing scenes of terror that need to be discussed in the classroom. This unit considers when and why violence was employed in the struggle for civil rights. (H) http://to.pbs.org/1RyOW4x

4     UN Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. Appalled by the large number of innocent Palestinian and Lebanese children victims of Israel’s acts of aggression, in 1982 the United Nations General Assembly decided to designate June 4 of each year as the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. It reminds people that there are many children throughout the world who suffer from different forms of abuse and that there is an urgent need to protect the rights of children.

A Little Piece of Ground, by Elizabeth Laird, with Sonia Nimr. This novel is about a young boy named Karim, who is living through the Israeli occupation of Palestine. (E) https://bit.ly/2JC3zZf

Voices of a People’s History of the United States: Rachel Corrie. Short video of Alice Walker reading a letter from Rachel Corrie, a young, White American who traveled to the Gaza Strip as part of the International Solidarity Movement and was killed by a bulldozer operated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during a protest against the destruction of Palestinian homes by the IDF. (H) http://bit.ly/1vSZIJU

4     80th anniversary of the US’s turning away the MS St Louis. The MS St Louis was carrying more than 900 Jews fleeing persecution in Germany. Based on his Secretary of State’s advice, as well as general anti-immigrant sentiments of the US population at the time, President Franklin Roosevelt declined to issue an executive order that would have enabled them to enter the US. The ship returned to Europe, where an estimated one-third of them were murdered in the Holocaust.

Voyage of St. Louis, by The Holocaust Encyclopedia, US Holocaust Memorial Museum. A collection of articles on the events of 1939, in which Jewish passengers fleeing the Third Reich were compelled by the US government to return to Europe. This site also includes a timeline of events, related maps, and other learning resources for studying the events of the Holocaust. (H) https://bit.ly/1VLP87E

4     30th anniversary of the June 4th Incident at Tiananmen Square. In response to weeks of peaceful protests calling for democratic reforms in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the Chinese military and security police opened fire on the unarmed protestors, most of whom were students. The world watched in horror as hundreds of Chinese youth were killed and thousands more were arrested. The US and other countries imposed economic sanctions against China following the brutal attack.

Teachers’ Guide – The Tank Man, by PBS.org. This website features high school lesson plans and additional teacher resources that can be used in conjunction with the film The Tank Man, which explores the clash between China’s communist government and those who advocated for a more democratic society. (M, H, TR) http://to.pbs.org/NkEZuK

4     100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment granting women’s suffrage. After decades of battles waged by the Women’s Suffrage movement, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was passed by the US Senate, granting women the right to vote: “the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” The amendment was ratified in August 1920.

National Archives Teaching with Documents: Woman Suffrage and the 19th Amendment. Collection of relevant documents with teaching suggestions and links to other related lessons. (E, M) http://1.usa.gov/XwHdN

The Women’s Suffrage Movement, by Deidrah Scott. This unit plan helps students explore the history of the Women’s Suffrage movement, women’s rights, and Women’s History Month. It also provides links to relevant resources, such as documents from the Library of Congress, PBS webisodes, and DVDs from the History Channel. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/sE6ovu

4     Eid al-fitr (begins at sunset on 6/3; Islam). Eid Al-Fitr (Feast of Fast-Breaking) is celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan to mark the end of fasting. It is often celebrated over the course of three days.

Islamic Celebrations, by Teachers’ Domain. In this video from Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, members of the Islamic Center of Washington, DC discuss the religious and spiritual significance of the Eid Al-Fitr holiday. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/uFXEix

BBC Schools: Guide to Ramadan. This site includes basic information about Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, as well as links to lesson plans intended to help students understand the beliefs and practices of Muslim people. A lesson on Islamic art is included here. Follow links to “BBC Food” for information on Eid al-Fitr around the globe. (E, M, H) http://bbc.in/bFTw84

Arab Studies Links for Educators, by the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies. Links to useful resources for teaching and learning various topics related to the Arab and Arab American world. (E, M, H, TR) https://bit.ly/2Huilk7

Celebrate Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr: With Prayer, Fasting, and Charity (Holidays Around the World), by Deborah Heiligman. This children’s book explores Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr through text, photographs and maps. (E) http://bit.ly/T7pNU9

6     Marian Wright Edelman, lawyer, civil rights activist, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, born (1939). Wright Edelman, a Yale Law School alumna, was the first Black woman admitted to the Mississippi bar, and put her legal expertise to use with the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. She worked on civil rights cases, including defending participants in Freedom Summer 1964. Wright Edelman became particularly interested in child development and helped launch the “Head Start” program; she later founded the Children’s Defense Fund, one of the leading national advocates for children.

Americans Who Tell the Truth, by Robert Shetterly. Portraits, biographies, and narratives highlight citizens who courageously address issues of social, environmental, and economic fairness. By combining art and other media, this project offers resources to inspire a new generation of engaged Americans who will act for the common good, our communities, and the Earth. (E, M, H) https://bit.ly/2ICNzET

7     30th anniversary of the legalization of same-sex partnerships in Denmark. The first country to legally recognize same-sex partnerships, Denmark officially recognized civil ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples. Although the law limited same-sex couples to civil unions, the Church of Denmark allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, though they couldn’t marry in the church. The first such civil unions took place in October 1989. Denmark has since fully legalized same-sex marriage, with all the benefits of heterosexual marriage.

My Dad is a Clown/Mi Papá es un Payaso, by José Carlos Andrés. This bilingual book features a young boy who is proud of his two fathers: one is a clown who heals the soul; the other is a doctor who heals the body. (E) https://amzn.to/2uYmevg

9     Shavuot (begins at sunset on 6/8; Judaism). Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, is the second of three major festivals that have both agricultural and historical significance. It celebrates the time when the first fruits are harvested and brought to the temple, and commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

A Mountain of Blintzes, by Barbara Diamond Goldin and Anik McGrory. This children’s book tells the story of a family saving up to make cheese blintzes, a traditional food eaten during Shavuot. (E) http://bit.ly/Tn2986

11     Ingrid Newkirk, animal rights activist and founder of PETA, born (1949). Newkirk is best known for founding People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in 1980. She was motivated to fight for animal rights by her experience working at a shelter where unwanted pets were mistreated and killed. She lives by PETA’s motto: “Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment.”

Animal Rights Weekend Warrior, by Ingrid E. Newkirk. Created by the co-founder of PETA, this set of cards offers 52 projects for helping animals. Each card describes a way in which children can improve the life of an animal or effect change for thousands of animals. They include cheering up a lonely “backyard dog,” “veganizing” a cafeteria, educating your neighbors, or providing local birds with a bath. (E, M) http://amzn.to/vzuuJ8

11     40th anniversary of Southeastern Community College v. Davis. This Supreme Court ruling stated for the first time that education programs receiving federal funding must make “reasonable modifications” for otherwise qualified students who have a disability.

Beauty Is a Verb: The New Poetry of Disability, edited by Jennifer Bartlett, Sheila Black and Michael Northen. A groundbreaking anthology of disability poetry, essays on disability, and writings on the poetics of both. (H) https://bit.ly/2pFmGcG

12     World Day Against Child Labor. The World Day Against Child Labor is intended to raise awareness and promote activism to prevent child labor.

Iqbal, by Francesco D’Adamo. This is a powerful story based on the real life and death of a Pakistani child sold into slavery. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1tRoxV7

Teaching with Documents: Photographs of Lewis Hine: Documentation of Child Labor. This site contains reproducible copies of photos documenting the role of child labor in the development of the industrial United States. (M, H) http://1.usa.gov/3qo8vl

12     Anne Frank, German-Dutch diarist, born (1929-1945). Anne Frank was 15 years old when she died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945. After the war, her father published her diary as The Diary of a Young Girl, chronicling her family’s two years in hiding from the Nazis. Anne’s account of her life, including her reflections on peace and war, is among the most discussed accounts of the Holocaust, and has been published in 67 languages.

Giving Beyond Measure – The Diary of Anne Frank, by Learning to Give. Lessons that compare and contrast the life of Anne Frank in the annex with our lives today. Much of the focus is on philanthropy, moral reasoning, human rights and social justice. (M) http://bit.ly/NjtS38

The Diary of Anne Frank, Teacher’s Guide, by PBS and Facing History and Ourselves. This guide is a detailed curriculum resource that accompanies the PBS “Masterpiece Classic” series, The Diary of Anne Frank. The guide is aimed at middle school and high school teachers. Together the film and guide can serve as a key element within a larger unit on World War II, Holocaust studies, or coming-of-age literature in social studies, history, English, and writing courses. (H, TR) https://bit.ly/2GPNJbO

13     40th anniversary of the US Court of Claims ruling in favor of Sioux Nation. The US Court of Claims ruled that the 1877 Act of February illegally seized the Black Hills lands from the Sioux Nation. The Sioux were awarded $105 million for the illegal seizure, but the Sioux refused payment. They were suing for the return of the land, not for payment for stolen land. The Black Hills land claims continue today with vigorous debate within the Sioux Nation over whether to accept payment or to continue to press for the return of their land.

Crazy Horse’s Vision, by Joseph Bruchac. This is the compelling story of how a young boy named Curly seeks a vision in the hope of saving his people and grows into the brave and fierce warrior Crazy Horse. Sioux artist S. D. Nelson’s paintings, in the traditional ledger style of the Plains Indians, evokes the drama and the tragedy of this important American figure. (E) Teacher’s Guide included here: https://bit.ly/2DFakVZ

15     10th anniversary of Paul McCartney’s “Meatless Monday” campaign. Meat-Free Monday (Meatless Monday in the US) is a campaign started by Paul McCartney and his daughters to raise awareness about animal cruelty in the meat processing industry and the toll that meat consumption takes on the environment. People are encouraged to consume less meat by skipping meat one day a week. People from more than 35 countries have committed to eating less meat for a healthier planet.

The Meatrix Trilogy. The Meatrix is a four-minute online animation that spoofs The Matrix movie trilogy while educating viewers about the problems with industrial agriculture and today’s meat supply. The website provides a wealth of resources about sustainable food and healthy living. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/JC9bM

15     Josiah Henson, abolitionist and minister, born (1789-1885). Born into slavery, Henson had an opportunity to escape, but felt it more honorable to buy his freedom from his “master.” On realizing his master took his money with no intention of freeing him, Henson escaped to Canada with his family, where he became involved with the Underground Railroad, leading 200 slaves to freedom. His autobiography, The Life of Josiah Henson, Formerly a Slave, Now an Inhabitant of Canada, as Narrated by Himself, was published in 1849.

Josiah Henson: From Slavery to Freedom, by the Maryland State Department of Education and Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture. In this lesson students will examine the life of the slave Josiah Henson and his quest for freedom. They will examine the hardships of slavery and the determination of the people who lived through it to gain their freedom. Students will discuss their attitudes and views by reading primary source documents to analyze Josiah Henson’s thoughts and feelings. (M) https://bit.ly/2uUeha5

16     Father’s Day. Father’s Day is an annual holiday that honors fathers and father figures and celebrates their contributions to the lives of their children and to society.

Daddy, Papa, and Me, by Leslea Newman. Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with his daddies. (E) https://bit.ly/2qlJkHq

16     Geronimo, leader and medicine man from the Bedonkohe band of the Chiricahua Apache tribe, born (1829-1909). Geronimo was an Apache warrior who fought against US colonization of his people’s land. Many believed Geronimo had supernatural powers because he was able to evade capture for so long. In fact, it took a quarter of the US Army to finally bring him and his men down. He was the last Native leader to surrender to the US and spent the last 23 years of his life as a prisoner of war.

“All the Real Indians Died Off” and 20 Other Myths About Native Americans, by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz and Dina Gilio-Whitaker. In this book, scholars and activists Dunbar-Ortiz and Gilio-Whitaker tackle a wide range of myths about Native American culture and history that have misinformed generations. Tracing how these ideas evolved, and drawing from history, the authors disprove long-held and enduring myths. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2nS7oyo

18     10th anniversary of the Tehran youth street protests. In 2009, millions of Iranians, many of them youth, protested in the streets against the presidential election results. They believed the incumbent president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had rigged the election to prevent a more progressive candidate from winning. Though violence broke out and many protesters lost their lives, the youth bloc remains an important political force in Iran.

Teaching About Iran, by Portland State University’s Middle East Teaching Tools. A collection of teaching materials, including film, first-person accounts, lesson plans, and more, exploring Iranian history and culture through multiple perspectives. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2qcWd5y

19      Juneteenth. The oldest known celebration of the end of slavery, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its slaves, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect.

Indentured Servitude and Slavery, by Michael Ray. This 6-minute digital history of slavery includes the voices of slave survivors, as well as pictures that depict the struggles and inequities these individuals endured. (H) http://bit.ly/1pCbpBh

Been Here So Long: Selections from the WPA American Slave Narratives, by the New Deal Network. Included are 17 of the approximately 2,300 American Slave Narratives collected by the Federal Writers Project, with lesson plans. (H) https://bit.ly/1Uiqrjw

Perspective on the Slave Narrative, by EDSITEment. Lesson about the Narrative of William W. Brown, A Fugitive Slave (1847). The book is analyzed both as a work of literature and for its contribution to the Abolitionist movement. (H) http://1.usa.gov/hjAWP5

Rethinkin’ Lincoln on the 150th Birthday of the Emancipation Proclamation, by Bill Bigelow, Huffington Post. This article questions the portrayal of President Lincoln as an abolitionist in the movie Lincoln. Bigelow also discusses how he and his students approached the study of the Emancipation Proclamation, beginning with Lincoln’s inaugural address. (H, TR)
http://huff.to/UpgZq8

19     First unionized North American McDonald’s. High school students, along with 83 coworkers and the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW), organized a union at McDonald’s in Squamish, British Columbia, the first in North America. Unfortunately, less than a year later, the workers voted to decertify the union, bringing a quick end to union representation at the fast-food outlet.

Injustice on Our Plates, by Teaching Tolerance. This lesson examines consumer support of the ongoing struggle for justice and fairness. Activities enable students to explore contemporary boycotts launched by workers in search of justice, particularly in the fast-food industry, and explore how social justice values can influence their consumer choices. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2IBf168

The Five Basic Steps to Organizing a Union. Student-friendly, step-by-step guide to starting a union from the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America’s website. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/VVGMxk

20     World Refugee Day. For many years several African countries celebrated June 20 as “Refugee Day.” In 2000, as an expression of solidarity with Africa, which hosts the most refugees, the UN declared June 20 “World Refugee Day.”

Books to Help Kids Understand What It’s Like to Be a Refugee, by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich. From the author of this annotated book list: “Stories can facilitate dialogue about refugees and promote healthy communication, help to foster empathy and understanding, and even inspire young readers to take action to ensure safe and welcoming environments in their own communities. Here are a few titles that can help.” (E, M) https://bit.ly/2k3Djgv

Refugee, by Alan Gratz. Josef is a Jewish boy in 1930s Nazi Germany; Isabel is a Cuban girl in 1994; Mahmoud is a Syrian boy in 2015. All three of these young people will go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge. And although Josef, Isabel and Mahmoud are separated by continents and decades, surprising connections will tie their stories together in the end. A discussion guide for the book is included on this site. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2ui1uy4

21     70th anniversary of the Fairground Park Riot. On the first day this St. Louis, MO pool was desegregated, a group of White teenagers with baseball bats attacked the few Black children who came to swim. Police escorted the Black children to safety, but false rumors of a killing quickly escalated the situation and the violence continued for hours. The mayor decided to re-segregate the pool for safety reasons. The pool remained segregated for another year until a federal court ordered desegregation.

StoryCorps: Segregated Swimming Pool, by Robert Holmes for Teaching Tolerance. This 2-minute oral history clip (and text) is a personal story told by Robert Holmes and recorded for StoryCorps‚ a nonprofit oral history organization seeking to collect and preserve the diverse stories of people throughout the US. (E, M, H) https://bit.ly/2pDlRAi

22     Inti Raymi, the celebration of the Inca Sun God. Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, Inti Raymi is a nine-day festival that celebrates the physical and spiritual life-giving power of Inti, the Inca Sun God.

Iguanas in the Snow and Other Winter Poems/Iguanas en la Nieve Y Otros Poemas de Invierno, by Francisco Alarcón. Alarcón shows children a city where people are bridges to each other and children sing poetry in two languages. A family frolic in the snow reminds the poet of the iguanas playing by his grandmother’s house in Mexico. Readers are dazzled by the promise of the seedling redwoods like all children destined to be the ancestors of tomorrow. (E) https://amzn.to/2ufHz2z; Teacher’s Guide: https://bit.ly/2IJe6kR

22     20th anniversary of Olmstead v. L.C. Considered by many as the most important civil rights decision for people with disabilities, the Olmstead decision held that people with disabilities have the right to receive the treatment they need in an integrated setting if that is what they want, if their doctors agree, and if it doesn’t fundamentally change how the state provides services to people with disabilities.

A Time to Dance, by Padma Venkatraman. A young adult novel that tells the story of Veda, a teenage dancer injured in a car accident on the way home from a dance competition. She has her right leg amputated below the knee and is devastated when her dance teacher no longer wants her in his class. (H) https://bit.ly/2IP4AwB

23    10th anniversary of NASA climate scientist James E. Hansen’s arrest for protesting mountaintop removal mining in West Virginia. NASA climate scientist Dr. James E. Hansen was arrested during a protest of mountaintop removal mining at Massey Energy’s Marsh Fork mine in West Virginia. Also arrested were 94-year-old former WV congressman Ken Hechler, actress Darryl Hannah, and the executive director of the Rainforest Action Network. Hansen said: “It is our responsibility to make sure our representatives feel the full force of citizens who speak for what is right, not what is politically expedient.”

The Last Mountain, film directed by Bill Haney. Documentary on the consequences of mining and burning coal, with a focus on mountaintop removal mining in Appalachia. (H) http://bit.ly/2kPPkW0

25     50th anniversary of Canada’s White Paper on Indian Policy. The “Statement of the Government of Canada on Indian Policy, 1969″ was a Canadian government policy paper that attempted to abolish previous legal documents pertaining to Indigenous peoples in Canada and assimilate all “Indian” peoples under the Canadian state. Though framed as a policy of equality, it was met with harsh criticism by First Nations leadership, who claimed it was an attempt to exterminate First Nations through assimilation.

Creating Indigenous-Themed Lessons, by OISE, University of Toronto. This guide is designed to help teachers find materials that focus on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit worldviews, experiences and knowledge for teaching in the K-12 classroom. Includes links to educator toolkits, curriculum collections, art lessons, leveled readers, and more. (E, M, H, TR) https://bit.ly/2I15e98

27     National HIV Testing Day. National HIV Testing Day is an annual campaign encouraging people to “take the test, take control.”

Elbow Is Not a Sexy Word: Approaches to Sex Education, by Jody Sokolower. From Chapter 3 of Rethinking Sexism, Gender, and Sexuality, by Rethinking Schools. (TR). http://bit.ly/1P5IlwH

27     30th anniversary of the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention. The Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (ILO-convention 169) recognizes the autonomy and aspirations of Indigenous communities and guarantees the rights of Indigenous peoples. It disallows integrationist and assimilationist approaches by governments when considering Indigenous groups, and recognizes the right of Indigenous communities and individuals to choose to integrate or maintain their cultural identities. Only 22 countries have ratified the Convention; the US is not among them.

Shi-shi-etko, by Nicola I. Campbell. In just four days young Shi-shi-etko will have to leave her family and all that she knows to attend residential school. Richly hued illustrations complement this gently moving and poetic account of a child who finds solace all around her, even though she is on the verge of great loss – a loss that Native people have endured for generations because of the residential school system. (E) http://bit.ly/1pekjec

27     Emma Goldman, anarchist, writer, social justice crusader, and women’s rights advocate, born (1869-1940). Goldman was a major figure in the history of American radicalism and feminism. She embraced anarchism because she believed the prevailing economic and social structures were fundamentally unjust. She was passionate in her advocacy of women’s rights, sexual freedom, and workers’ rights. Often banned from lecturing in public, Goldman was a fierce proponent of the 1st Amendment right to free speech.

Emma Goldman Papers, by the Berkeley Digital Library. Emma Goldman (1869–1940) was a major figure in the radical and feminist movements in the US prior to her deportation in 1919. This collection of primary resources includes selections from four books by Goldman, as well as 18 published essays and pamphlets, four speeches, 49 letters, and five newspaper accounts of Goldman’s activities. (H) https://bit.ly/2pGSqgO

28     50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. On June 28, 1969, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, a common occurrence at the time. The raid did not go as planned, as police were met with resistance and demonstrations by the bar’s patrons and other individuals who gathered at the scene. The Stonewall Riots are considered the spark that ignited the Gay Rights movement.

Stonewall and Beyond: Gay and Lesbian Issues, by Bay Breeze Educational Resources. This lesson provides students firsthand experiences of the struggles gay men and lesbians face. It includes role playing. (H) http://bit.ly/1vjwQgs

StoryCorps: Stonewall Riots. This text is a conversation between Michael Levine and his friend Matthew Merlin. Levine was present at the Stonewall Riots of 1969‚ a pivotal moment in the movement for gay and lesbian rights in the United States. This conversation was recorded for StoryCorps‚ a nonprofit oral history organization seeking to collect and preserve the diverse stories of people throughout the United States. (M, H) https://bit.ly/2ICo5HX

Stonewall Riots, by Stanford History Education Group. In the early hours of June 28, 1969, a police raid of the Stonewall Inn exploded into a riot when patrons of the LGBT bar resisted arrest and clashed with police. The Stonewall Riots are widely considered to be the start of the LGBT rights movement in the US. In this lesson, students analyze four documents to answer the question: What caused the Stonewall Riots? (H) https://stanford.io/2GFEGOx

 July

1     90th anniversary of the New Orleans streetcar workers strike. One of the longest and most violent transit strikes in the nation, the New Orleans streetcar strike, involving more than 1,000 workers, began on July 1 and lasted until October. When scabs were brought in, thousands of local residents rallied to support the strikers, destroying the streetcars. Former streetcar workers Clovis and Benjamin Martin, who owned a small restaurant, offered free sandwiches to the “po’ boys” on strike, and the New Orleans Po’ Boy sandwich was born.

Lesson Plans for Teachers and Educators, The Historic New Orleans Collection. The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) partnered with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History to create unique lesson plans for teachers and educators. These plans draw on primary sources from THNOC’s deep archival holdings on everything from Reconstruction, to New Orleans during the Civil War, to the music of the city. (H, TR) https://bit.ly/2yTgNeE

1     50th anniversary of Norton v. Macy. The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of a NASA employee who had been fired for being gay. The Court ruled that activities outside the work environment that don’t affect the employee’s performance of his/her duties cannot be used as the sole reason for termination, setting a critical civil rights precedent.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights, a Human Rights Perspective, by the Human Rights Resource Center, University of Minnesota. A series of lessons intended to help participants understand LGBT rights as human rights. The HRRC main website also has a wealth of resources, including a K-12 education initiative, complete with lesson plans. (E, M, H, TR)
http://bit.ly/14cTg4V

2     200th anniversary of the Cotton Mills and Factories Act. The UK Parliament passed the first of a series of laws regulating employment conditions. The Act forbade the employment of children under 9; children aged 9 to 16 years were limited to 12-hour workdays and could not work at night. While the bill lacked means of enforcement, it did establish the precedent for Parliament to intervene in matters regarding working conditions.

“Stop Child Labor” Lesson Plans, by International Labor Rights Forum. Lesson plans regarding several anti-child-labor campaigns, including those aimed at cocoa farms and cotton and rubber plantations. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1nK8X9U

2     180th anniversary of the rebellion of the enslaved Africans aboard The Amistad. Fifty-three illegally enslaved Africans on the ship The Amistad managed to take control of the vessel, killing two crew members. The Amistad was intercepted off the coast of Long Island and the Africans were imprisoned. Abolitionists and other Northern sympathizers won an American trial for the Africans. Both a federal district court and the US Supreme Court ruled that the Africans were not liable for their actions because they had been enslaved illegally and should be recognized as free under US law.

No More! Stories and Songs of Slave Resistance, by Doreen Rappaport. Using true accounts, author Doreen Rappaport puts readers in the shoes of 11 extraordinary individuals, and documents the many forms of slave resistance, including subversion, uprisings, escape, poetry, religion, and song. (E, M) https://bit.ly/2ufG7xj

2     40th anniversary of Bellotti v. Baird. This Supreme court case, an important landmark for abortion rights, held that minors have a right to make their own decisions about abortion. The Bellotti decision reaffirmed an earlier ruling that state laws requiring all minors to have parental consent for abortion are unconstitutional. The Bellotti decision also reinforces the minor’s right of access to contraception.

What is Sex Education? For Educators, by Planned Parenthood. Sex education helps people gain the information, skills and motivation to make healthy decisions about sex and sexuality. Planned Parenthood provides guidelines, resources, standards, and more for K-12 educators to share with young people. (H) https://bit.ly/2vb0Cao

4      Independence Day

Frederick Douglass Fights for Freedom, by Bill Bigelow. This lesson introduces students to the numerous and varied ways African Americans resisted enslavement, using the autobiographical narrative of The Life of Frederick Douglass, published in 1845. It includes a video of Danny Glover reading Douglass’s speech questioning what Independence Day means to African Americans. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/twIr1s

The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro, by Frederick Douglass. Full text of a speech delivered by Douglass in Rochester, New York, on July 5, 1852. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1xt0vT3

4     50th anniversary of the last “Annual Reminder.” Every July 4th from 1965 through 1969, gay rights activists picketed Independence Hall in Philadelphia demanding equal rights for LGBT Americans. These demonstrations were known as the “Annual Reminder” to the American people that many citizens were denied the basic rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. After the Stonewall incident in June 1969, the group ended the Annual Reminders, joining forces with other groups to form a national Gay Rights movement.

LGBT Pride Month Films, by PBS. Explore a special collection of films, series and short stories that explore the LGBTQ experience in the United States and around the world. (M, H, TR) https://to.pbs.org/2HrDQBZ

13     110th anniversary of the McKees Rocks strike. The Pressed Steel Car Company factory, nicknamed “The Slaughterhouse” for its unsafe working conditions, replaced its disgruntled American workforce with immigrants, assuming they would be more docile. The move backfired, and the new workers went on strike for better pay and safer conditions. The initial group of 40 was joined two days later by 5,000 workers organized by the IWW. The two-month strike involved violent clashes with law enforcement, resulting in the deaths of 12 people.

Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type, by Doreen Cronin. This children’s book addresses labor conflict and resolution through the story of a fictional farmer whose cows start making demands. (E) https://bit.ly/2EEskjR

18     120th anniversary of the 1899 newsboy strike. Newspapers were sold by street kids, who depended on their sales for survival. These “Newsies” had to pay for the papers in advance and were not reimbursed for unsold papers. When The New York World and The New York Journal raised their prices, the Newsies were hit hard, so they went on strike, disrupting traffic and nearly halting newspaper distribution. Eventually, the publishers agreed to buy back any unsold papers, thus ending the strike.

Kids on Strike!, by Susan Campbell Bartoletti. This book for grades 5 and up features stories of strikes led by young people in the US to demand better wages, safer working conditions and other workers’ rights. (M) https://bit.ly/2kEsn73

23     Héctor Germán Oesterheld, political writer and graphic novelist/artist, born (1919-1977). Héctor Germán Oesterheld was an Argentinian writer and graphic novelist known for his political works criticizing the governing military juntas in the 1970s. He wrote a biography of Che Guevara, which was banned by the government, as well as a book titled 450 Years of War Against Imperialism. Oesterheld and his four daughters were arrested by the military regime in 1976; they were never heard from again and are believed to have died in 1977.

The Eternaut, by Héctor Germán Oesterheld. Juan Salvo, the inimitable protagonist, along with his friend Professor Favalli and the tenacious metalworker Franco, face what appears to be a nuclear accident, but quickly turns out to be something much bigger than they had imagined. Cold War tensions, aliens of all sizes, space – and time travel – this one has it all. (H) https://n.pr/2GRx8rU

24      Chief Dan George (Geswanouth Slahoot), poet, activist and actor, born (1899-1981). A chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation in British Columbia, Canada, George was born as Geswanouth Slahoot and renamed Dan George when he attended a residential school at age 5. He was known as a writer and activist for Indigenous rights and the environment and was an actor in his later years. In 1971, he was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in “Little Big Man.”

And My Heart Soars, by Chief Dan: A Lesson Plan, by Heidi Wood, Aboriginal Curriculum Integration Project. An integrated reading and writing lesson plan to accompany Chief Dan’s poem “And My Heart Soars.” (E, M, H) https://bit.ly/2GGT9tE

27     100th anniversary of the Chicago Race Riot. The Chicago Race Riot began when a Black boy was killed by Whites when he inadvertently swam in the “Whites-only” section of Lake Michigan. Police refused to charge any Whites, setting off a seven-day disturbance characterized by White mobs killing and injuring Black residents and burning down their houses. In all, 23 Blacks and 15 Whites died; more than 500 were injured, and at least 1,000 were left homeless.

Chicago Race Riots of 1919, by Stanford History Education Group. The summer of 1919 saw more than 20 race riots break out across the United States. Chicago was particularly hard hit by the violence. In this lesson, students explore the origins of the Chicago race riots through five documents that reflect different social, cultural, and economic causes. (H) https://stanford.io/2qaSCVE

28     150th anniversary of the founding of the Daughters of St. Crispin, the first national women’s labor union. The Daughters of St. Crispin was a trade union of shoemakers, founded in Lynn, Massachusetts. The all-women union represented members in nine states from Maine to California. Although the union disbanded in 1873, it was instrumental in mobilizing women in the labor force.

Birth of a Rank-and-File Organizer, by Bill Bigelow and Norm Diamond. Writing activity for students to complete the narrative of women workers striking at a glove-making factory, exploring possible outcomes. (H) http://bit.ly/1BTmt2P