Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Brown v. Board of Education: Segregated America Lesson"

Brown v. Board of Education: Segregated America

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:24:56 GMT

In this online exhibition, students will learn how racism, social attitudes and policies such as Jim Crow laws and poll taxes led to the Plessy v. Ferguson case which legalized segregation. Segregated America is the first section of the online exhibition entitled Separate is Not Equal: Brown v. Board of Education.

Separate is Not Equal: Brown v. Board of Education Homepage

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:50:51 GMT

Separate Is Not Equal: Brown v. Board of Education, an online exhibition, will help students understand an historic struggle to fulfill the American dream that set in motion sweeping changes in American society, and redefined the nation's ideals. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education marked a turning point in the history of race relations in the United States. On May 17, 1954, the Court stripped away constitutional sanctions for segregation by race, and made equal opportunity in education the law of the land. Brown v. Board of Education reached the Supreme Court through the fearless efforts of lawyers, community activists, parents, and students.

Oral History Activity with Jazz Great John Levy

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:01:39 GMT

In this lesson, students will learn about the Jim Crow era in American history through an oral history interview with jazz legend John Levy. The resource set includes photographs and newspaper clippings in addition to the oral history excerpts, a teacher guide, and a student worksheet. This interview was collected as part of the Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Program, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.