What strategies are most effective in changing an unjust law? Class members examine the tactics used in the Birmingham Campaign of 1963 (Project C) to achieve social justice and social transformation. After examining documents that define the 1963 racial laws in Birmingham, pupils study the demonstration plans, read news reports of the demonstrations, and analyze Martin Luther King's "Letter From Birmingham Jail."The instructional activity ends with individuals crafting an essay in which they consider the effectiveness of the campaign.

Concepts

martin luther king jr., civil rights, civil rights leaders, the civil rights movement

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Have class members read the linked documents for each of the six lesson parts out of class, take notes, and prepare questions for in-class discussions

Classroom Considerations

• The six parts of the lesson are designed to be used in order

Pros

• Activities can be accessed online or printed for learners
• The readings establish the context for King's famous letter

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.2 RH.9-10.6 RH.9-10.9 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2 RH.11-12.6 RH.11-12.9