Activism through Art

Grade Range: 8-12
Resource Type(s): Lessons & Activities
Date Posted: 10/25/2013

These three activities are designed as follow-up materials for the National Youth Summit on Freedom Summer, but can be modified for any content.

Reframing History through Graphics: Creating Historic Graphic Novels

  • This activity is designed to allow students to either reflect on a Freedom Summer newsletter and create a graphic comic strip based on ideas/content contained in the newsletter or depict how the National Youth Summit helped to shape/inform their understanding of self, society, civil rights, freedom, etc.

Final Product: Youth on the Move: Social Activism through Art

  • Students will have an opportunity to briefly familiarize themselves with artist/activist Candy Chang’s work, which has been seen worldwide.  Afterward, they (like Chang) will have an opportunity to create a social justice “word wall” and make images of their work available to the public.

Got the Vote?: Voter Registration Design & Advertisements

  • Students will have an opportunity to examine advertising strategies and historical voter registration propaganda.  Afterward, they will have an opportunity to create their own voter registration slogans and/or advertisements in an attempt to encourage their increased participation in school, community, local, and/or national elections.