Young social scientists investigate recent legislative proposals for reparations for African Americans. They examine the rationale behind the proposals by viewing videos and reading related articles. To close the activity, scholars craft a speech or an essay, using evidence from their research, to state their opinion of reparations.

Concepts

social justice, injustice, social injustice, bias, racism, slavery, jim crow laws, oppression, segregation

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Instructional Ideas

• Research countries that have authorized reparations and what rubric they use to select those who receive the reparations
• Investigate the work of the California task force investigating reparations
• Preview the videos and be prepared to pause them to check for comprehension

Classroom Considerations

• Requires a projection device for the videos and copies of several documents
• Presumes guidelines have been established for a safe, respectful discussion of this issue
• Some class members may question why other groups like Native Americans and Japanese Americans are not included in the discussion; be prepared to deal with these questions either by extending the lesson or having those interested investigate those questions

Pros

• The resource offers links to related articles, both supporting and against reparations

Cons

• None

Common Core

CCRA.R.1 CCRA.R.2 CCRA.R.3 CCRA.W.2 CCRA.W.7 CCRA.W.8 CCRA.SL.1 CCRA.SL.2 CCRA.SL.3 CCRA.SL.4 CCRA.L.3 CCRA.L.4 CCRA.L.6