The film American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs introduces viewers to the differing philosophies of and strategies employed by 1960s civil rights leaders such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. and the debate over using violence or non-violence as a tactic. Boggs discusses her move from Marxist to Black Power Activist and from violent resister to non-violent revolutionary, and provides much food for thought.

Concepts

civil rights, civil rights leaders, the civil rights movement, malcolm x, martin luther king jr., racism, desegregation, prejudice

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Have groups research the Black Panther Party, including their Free Breakfast Program for Children and health clinics, as well as their interactions with the FBI
• Rather than showing only the clips listed in the plan, show the entire film, stopping where indicated for discussion

Classroom Considerations

• The video is available for free for educators who register with the POV site
• The lesson assumes that class members are familiar with the philosophies of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Black Nationalism, Marxism, Civil Rights, and the use of violence in protest
• Instructors are expected to provide background information about George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and dialectical thinking

Pros

• The seven-page packet includes a detailed plan, activities, an assessment, extensions, and links to additional resources
• A powerful lesson, especially appropriate in the current political climate

Cons

• None

Common Core

W.9-10.1.a W.9-10.2.a W.9-10.2.d W.9-10.4 W.11-12.1.a W.11-12.2.d W.11-12.4 SL.11-12.1.a SL.11-12.2 SL.11-12.3 SL.11-12.4 SL.11-12.6