Black History 365 guide - development brainstorm
Prompt: Please act as an expert in Black History. With the attack on DEI and Black history, I would like to create a study guide about Black history. Every month I want to highlight important events in Black History. I want to highlight also important individuals each month. Please provide me a version of the guide for March. Please also provide me image prompts that I can use with chatgpt or midjourney for this study guide
Black History Study Guide: March
March 2, 1807: Congress Passes Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves
The U.S. Congress passed an act prohibiting the importation of slaves into the United States, though the practice of slavery continued within the country until the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment.
March 3, 1865: Freedmen's Bureau Established
Congress established the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, commonly known as the Freedmen's Bureau, to provide assistance to formerly enslaved people during Reconstruction.
March 6, 1857: Dred Scott Decision
The Supreme Court ruled in Dred Scott v. Sandford that African Americans were not U.S. citizens and had no right to sue in federal court, effectively denying citizenship to all Black people and declaring the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional.
March 7, 1965: Bloody Sunday
Civil rights activists attempted to march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, to protest discriminatory voting practices. They were met with brutal violence from state troopers and local police at the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
March 10, 1913: Harriet Tubman Day
Harriet Tubman died on this date. Many states now recognize March 10 as Harriet Tubman Day to honor her work as an abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad.
March 25, 1965: Selma to Montgomery March
After two failed attempts, civil rights protesters successfully completed the 54-mile march from Selma to Montgomery under federal protection, culminating in Dr. King's "How Long, Not Long" speech.
March 29, 1968: Kerner Commission Report
The National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (Kerner Commission) released its report examining the causes of the 1967 race riots, famously concluding that America was "moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal."
Bayard Rustin (March 17, 1912 - August 24, 1987)
Civil rights activist, chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, and advocate for nonviolent resistance. As an openly gay Black man, Rustin faced discrimination on multiple fronts but remained dedicated to advancing equality throughout his life.
Dorothy Height (March 24, 1912 - April 20, 2010)
A prominent civil rights and women's rights activist who served as president of the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years. Height worked alongside civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and was a key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington.
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler (March 8, 1831 - March 9, 1895)
The first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States, graduating from the New England Female Medical College in 1864. She published "A Book of Medical Discourses" in 1883, one of the first medical texts by an African American.
Ida Rebecca Cummings (March 17, 1867 - July 19, 1958)
Educator, community activist, and suffragist who founded the Colored Fresh Air and Empty Stocking Circle to provide charitable assistance to children in Baltimore, Maryland. She was also the first Black woman appointed to the Board of Managers of the Maryland Industrial School for Girls.
Nat King Cole (March 17, 1919 - February 15, 1965)
Groundbreaking musician and the first African American to host a national television show. His smooth voice and jazz piano skills made him one of the most successful and influential performers of his era.
Virgil Abloh (September 30, 1980 - November 28, 2021)
Though not born in March, Abloh made history in March 2018 when he was appointed as the first Black artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear collection, representing a significant breakthrough for Black representation in high fashion.
Research Project: Have students research and present on the impact of the Selma to Montgomery March on the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Document Analysis: Examine excerpts from the Kerner Commission Report and discuss its findings in relation to contemporary racial issues.
Timeline Creation: Create a visual timeline of the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting March events.
Biography Exploration: Assign students to write biographical sketches of notable figures born in March, focusing on their contributions to Black history.
Artistic Expression: Create artwork inspired by the themes of resilience and perseverance demonstrated during the Selma to Montgomery March.
How did the Dred Scott decision contribute to increasing tensions that eventually led to the Civil War?
In what ways did the Freedmen's Bureau succeed or fail in its mission to assist formerly enslaved people?
How did the events of Bloody Sunday affect public opinion about the Civil Rights Movement?
What role did Bayard Rustin play in shaping nonviolent resistance strategies during the Civil Rights Movement?
How did Dorothy Height's work at the intersection of women's rights and civil rights shape both movements?
Resources for Further Study
"At the Dark End of the Street" by Danielle L. McGuire
"Walking with the Wind" by John Lewis
"The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson
"Parting the Waters" by Taylor Branch
"When They Call You a Terrorist" by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele
National Civil Rights Museum (Memphis, TN)
The Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice (Montgomery, AL)
Commemorative Days in March
Women's History Month: Opportunity to highlight Black women's contributions to American history
March 10: Harriet Tubman Day
March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery
Here's a Black History Study Guide for March, featuring key historical events, significant figures, and image prompts you can use with ChatGPT or MidJourney.
Black History Study Guide – March
Key Historical Events in March
1. The Selma to Montgomery Marches (March 7, 9, and 21-25, 1965)
Also known as "Bloody Sunday," the first march on March 7 saw John Lewis and other activists brutally attacked by Alabama state troopers.
The second march on March 9 was led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., turning back in a tactical move.
The third march (March 21-25) successfully reached Montgomery, culminating in a speech by Dr. King.
This led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
2. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 – Personal Liberty Laws Strengthened (March 1843)
In March 1843, Massachusetts passed stronger personal liberty laws in response to the Fugitive Slave Act, preventing state officials from assisting in the capture of enslaved people.
This reflected Northern resistance and laid the groundwork for abolitionist activism.
3. The First Issue of "The North Star" (March 16, 1847)
Frederick Douglass, a formerly enslaved person and leading abolitionist, published The North Star to advocate for the abolition of slavery and equal rights for all.
4. The Establishment of the Freedmen’s Bureau (March 3, 1865)
The Freedmen’s Bureau was created to help formerly enslaved people transition to freedom by providing food, housing, education, and medical care.
5. The Dred Scott Decision (March 6, 1857)
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Black people were not citizens and had no legal rights.
This decision inflamed abolitionist efforts and contributed to tensions leading to the Civil War.
6. The Death of Harriet Tubman (March 10, 1913)
Harriet Tubman, the legendary Underground Railroad conductor and Union spy, passed away.
Her legacy continues as a symbol of resistance and freedom.
Important Figures to Highlight in March
1. Harriet Tubman (1822 – March 10, 1913)
Led over 300 enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
Served as a spy for the Union Army during the Civil War.
Advocated for women’s rights and later established a home for the elderly.
2. Fannie Lou Hamer (1917 – March 14, 1977)
Civil rights leader who co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.
Famous for her speech at the 1964 Democratic National Convention: "I am sick and tired of being sick and tired."
Fought for Black voting rights despite brutal opposition.
3. Dr. Ralph Bunche (1904 – March 9, 1971)
First African American to win the Nobel Peace Prize (1950).
Key diplomat in the United Nations, instrumental in mediating peace in the Middle East.
4. Marian Anderson (1897 – 1993)
Famous contralto singer who broke racial barriers.
In 1939, after being denied access to perform at Constitution Hall, she gave a historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial, attended by 75,000 people.
5. Nat King Cole (March 17, 1919 – 1965)
Jazz pianist and one of the first African American entertainers to have a national television show.
Helped break barriers in the music industry.
Image Prompts for ChatGPT or MidJourney
1. Selma to Montgomery March (1965)
"A powerful and emotional scene depicting thousands of civil rights activists marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. John Lewis leads the marchers, arms linked, as they face a line of state troopers in riot gear. The atmosphere is tense, with the sun casting long shadows on the pavement."
2. Harriet Tubman Leading Escaped Slaves
"A dramatic night scene with Harriet Tubman leading a group of formerly enslaved people through a dense forest. She holds a lantern in one hand and gestures for silence with the other. The North Star shines brightly in the sky as they move toward freedom."
3. Fannie Lou Hamer Speaking at the 1964 Democratic Convention
"A passionate Fannie Lou Hamer stands at a podium, speaking to a large crowd at the Democratic National Convention. Her expression is one of determination and power, with TV cameras capturing the moment. The audience includes activists and political leaders, some shocked, others nodding in agreement."
4. The Dred Scott Decision Courtroom (1857)
"A historic courtroom scene in the U.S. Supreme Court in 1857. A somber Dred Scott stands before the justices, with his wife Harriet beside him. The justices, dressed in traditional robes, look down from their bench. The tension in the air is palpable as abolitionist lawyers present their arguments."
5. Marian Anderson’s Lincoln Memorial Concert (1939)
"A majestic open-air concert at the Lincoln Memorial, where Marian Anderson, dressed in an elegant gown, sings to a crowd of 75,000 people. The Lincoln statue looms in the background, and the audience includes a diverse mix of people, inspired by her powerful voice."
Study Questions & Discussion Prompts
How did the Selma to Montgomery marches impact the Voting Rights Act of 1965?
What role did the Freedmen’s Bureau play in helping formerly enslaved people transition to freedom?
How did the Supreme Court's ruling in the Dred Scott case contribute to the Civil War?
How did Harriet Tubman’s contributions extend beyond the Underground Railroad?
Why was Fannie Lou Hamer’s testimony at the 1964 Democratic Convention so impactful?
How did Marian Anderson’s concert at the Lincoln Memorial challenge segregation in the arts?
This guide serves as a foundational piece for understanding key moments and figures in Black history for March. I can help you refine the format or create interactive elements for community engagement. Would you like to add activities or further expand on any section?
Prompt: For this monthly study guide can you suggest other things that I can put in the study guide for each month (ie. youtube videos)
Adding multimedia resources will definitely enhance your study guide! Here are additional elements you could include for each month:
Multimedia Elements for Monthly Black History Study Guides
1. YouTube Videos/Documentaries
Historical footage from archives like the Civil Rights Digital Library
TED Talks by contemporary Black scholars and activists
PBS documentaries (many available free online) like "Eyes on the Prize"
University lectures on specific historical topics
Interviews with historical figures or their descendants
Episodes from series like "Uncivil," "1619," or "Code Switch" that align with the month's themes
Oral histories from StoryCorps or the Library of Congress collections
University podcast series on Black history topics
Links to specific collections at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Virtual exhibits from local Black history museums
Google Arts & Culture collections focused on Black history
Songs from the era being studied (spirituals, jazz, freedom songs, etc.)
Music by artists born in that month
Protest music related to historical movements highlighted that month
Migration patterns of Black Americans
Historical sites related to the month's topics
Civil Rights Movement landmarks
6. Primary Source Documents
Scanned letters, speeches, or newspaper articles
Photographs from historical archives
Court decisions or legislation
7. Lesson Plans/Activities
Age-appropriate activities for different grade levels
Writing prompts or reflection questions
Art projects inspired by featured artists or events
8. Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality Experiences
Links to VR experiences like "Traveling While Black" or "I Am A Man"
AR apps that bring historical photographs to life
9. Social Media Accounts to Follow
Historians specializing in the month's topics
Museums and educational organizations
Black history preservation projects
10. Community Engagement Ideas
Local events related to the month's themes
Service projects inspired by historical figures
Interview questions for community elders
For March specifically, you might add:
Footage of the Selma to Montgomery March
Documentary clips about Bayard Rustin
Interviews with John Lewis about Bloody Sunday
Musical performances by Nat King Cole
Episodes discussing the Kerner Commission findings and their relevance today
Stories about Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler's pioneering medical work
A virtual tour of the Edmund Pettus Bridge and the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
A playlist of freedom songs sung during the Selma marches
Would you like me to develop any of these suggestions in more detail for your March guide?
Absolutely! To make your Black History Monthly Study Guide more engaging and comprehensive, consider adding the following elements for each month:
1. Recommended YouTube Videos
Documentaries & Biographies: Clips or full-length features on historical figures and events.
TED Talks & Interviews: Scholars and activists discussing Black history, culture, and social justice.
Reenactments & Storytelling: Visual retellings of key moments in Black history.
Musical & Artistic Tributes: Songs, poetry, and performances honoring Black historical figures.
Feature one or two books related to the monthly theme (e.g., Harriet Tubman’s biography for March).
Include children’s books for younger readers.
3. Podcasts & Audio Content
Recommend podcast episodes about Black history.
Include oral histories or recordings of key speeches.
4. Discussion Questions & Reflection Prompts
Offer questions to spark personal or group discussions.
Encourage self-reflection or journal writing.
5. Interactive Activities
Quizzes & Trivia Games on key historical moments.
Creative Writing Prompts (e.g., “Write a letter to Harriet Tubman”).
Community Challenge: Encourage followers to share what they learned.
6. Historical Timeline Infographic
A simple visual representation of the month’s events.
7. Virtual or In-Person Events
Share details of local Black history tours, museum exhibits, lectures, or community discussions.
8. Social Media Challenge
Encourage people to post reflections using a hashtag.
Example: #BlackHistoryChallenge: Share a historical fact that surprised you this month!
Would you like help curating specific YouTube videos or book lists for upcoming months?
