Teachers often bring into their classes material which goes beyond the official textbook. Instead of just reading about historical figures, for example, a diary or book written by that person adds depth. Students gain understanding about the person and a feeling for the era when they go beyond the textbook.
This teacher enriched his classes with documents and literature from the time of slavery in America.
Frederick Douglas lived during the 19th century as a slave and then as a free man, writing and speaking about his experiences. The class read his graphic, unfiltered autobiography. They got the message from one who actually lived the life.
"Jim Crow" laws were passed in the American South (after the outlawing of slavery) to keep the black and white races separated in public places. Specific examples are researched and discussed in class.
Advocates for the "1619 Project" curriculum originating at the New York Times claim that the history of American slavery has not been taught in U.S. schools, hence their material must be used. But it's not so -- 1619 propaganda is far from the only option.
(cont'd tomorrow)
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