Appropriate for fifth graders or above
Introduction: Have history books available. Divide the class into groups and have each group find the answer to one question. Which Americans were allowed to vote when this country was founded? When were African Americans allowed to vote? When were women? Have the groups share what they found. Then, explain that although the Constitution gave minorities suffrage, the right remained theoretical for almost 100 years as local governments frequently circumvented the law. Then read Johnson's poem aloud.
Untitled
By Brandon N. Johnson
Black ancestors
died for my freedom.
My great uncle Jimmy risked
his life to help
Black people vote.
My great great grandmother voted
for the first time
when she was
80 years old.
Black is boldness.
From:
Adedjouma, Davida, ed. 1996. THE PALM OF MY HEART: POETRY BY AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN. Illustrated by Gregory Christie. Introduction by Lucille Clifton. New York: Lee & Low Books. ISBN1-880000-41-5
Extension:
Have everyone investigate events leading up to the Voting Rights Act thorough old newspaper stories. Have each child choose one incident and try to recap the actions and/or feelings that occurred. Ask them to arrange their sentences as if writing a poem. Can they add or change words to give a more vivid impression? Can they add white space or use font size to make the poem more dramatic?
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