This essay suggests two innovative instructional approaches for using popular Black music as a model for historical study in the classroom: (1) biographies of popular music artists; and (2) lyrical demonstration of social themes. A list of lyric and album resources is provided. (Author/EB)

Discusses the problem of ethnocentrism in the educational system of the United States. Suggests that knowledge needs to be redefined to reflect a multicultural view of the world rather than reflecting an "us against them" outlook. Argues that the humanities need to be decentered so that minority students are not alienated. (DK)

Describes the creation of Black history programing at the Missouri Historical Society. Delineates the historical resources utilized for the exhibit, stressing that there is a paucity of materials available in St. Louis on the Black experience. Reports on the project's usefulness and success with students of all grade levels. Recounts the museum's…

Discusses the Columbian Quincentenary statement of the National Council for the Social Studies. Recommends that key ideas and basic knowledge of the statement be used to evaluate instructional materials. Suggests questions developed from the ideas in the statement. Includes interconnectedness of world history and effect on Native Americans and…

Suggests a history lesson using a petition written by prominent African Americans objecting to the coverage of African Americans at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Explains that African-American citizens were largely ignored in the exhibits. Includes questions for class discussion, writing activities, a copy of the petition, and research…

Addresses the problem of racial bias in the teaching of history. Argues that history is taught from a European viewpoint ignoring civilization's beginning in Africa. Suggests that African-American children will develop self-esteem and motivation if they are taught about African history. Describes such a program in the Indianapolis (Indiana) Public…

This lesson is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration file "Glen Echo Amusement Park," park planning documents, and newspaper and magazine accounts. The lesson can be used in U.S. history units on the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era to explore religious and educational reform movements (including the Chautauqua…

This packet contains student materials and a teacher's guide. The materials are designed to make complex international issues understandable and meaningful for students. The unit probes the political, moral, and racial issues raised by the Spanish-American War and the acquisition of an overseas empire. Students compare the values and concerns at…

Asserts that all students should know that African Americans make up an integral part of U.S. history. Reviews two books, "In My Father's House: Africa in the Philosophy of Culture," by Kwame Anthony Appiah and "Lure and Loathing: Essays on Race, Identity, and the Ambivalence of Assimilation," by Gerald Early (ed.). (CFR)

This document reports on the "Great Migration" project at Harvard University that brought together scholars and teachers to study the roots, processes, and results of African Americans' urban migration during the period from 1900-1939. The primary purpose of the project was to enhance teachers' scholarly understanding of this aspect of…

Contends that contemporary historians are redesigning U.S. history and its boundaries by including traditionally ignored groups. Asserts that history education that redefines boundaries in intellectually exciting ways should be valued. Provides a bibliographic essay on new historical scholarship and interpretations. (CFR)

This printed guide for viewing the Public Television series, "Africans in America," first points out that the series, told from multiple perspectives and informed by "leading-edge" scholars, illuminates U.S. history from 1607 to 1861: how Africans and Europeans together built a new nation even as they struggled over the meaning…

Maintains that holidays provide opportunities for teaching about history and cultural diversity. Presents a bibliographic essay of recommended resources for elementary teachers on this topic. Materials include reading resources, activity books, and audiovisual materials. (CFR)

Provides teaching activities based on a recruiting poster directed at African-American men during the U.S. Civil War. Includes a brief history of the experience of African-American Union troops. Discusses document analysis, creative writing activities, oral reports, and activities for further research. Focuses on problems of racial discrimination…

Maintains that the challenges of multicultural education include providing reliable information about civilizations for which reliable information is difficult to find. Offers an overview of the history, culture, and significance of the ancient African civilization of Kush. Provides a list of student and teacher references. (CFR)