Content Provider: The African American Museum of Philadelphia

Program Description:

The African American Museum of Philadelphia and MAGPI present INSIDE THE STRUGGLE: Civil Rights and the Philadelphia Connection. Navigating the Jack T. Franklin Photographic Collection along side Dr. Martin Luther King, students will examine African American cultural, political and economic history in Philadelphia.

By combining the assets of the museum’s civil rights photographs of the Jack T. Franklin Collection, schools have access to not only photography movements unique to the African American community, but also extraordinary events that unite and bond individuals into a cohesive whole. In addition, it allows access to object-based teaching strategies connected to middle school and high school curricula to enhance the achievement and success of middle and high school students, demonstrating the power of the object to: 1) deepen the learners’ understanding of subjects, themes, and ideas across disciplines, 2) engage inter-generational learners through personal narrative, and 3) foster connections between the museum and schools.

These outcomes should enhance the performance of the students participating in this distance-learning program, while deepening their level of engagement in learning by adding value to their in-school experience. Through examination of the griot tradition (storytelling) and concept, it creates a connection with the Jack T. Franklin Collection to the Social Studies curriculum because photographers are visual storytellers. They exemplify our place in society, documenting our dreams and preserving powerful memories.

Students will have an opportunity to interact with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (portrayed by living history actor Gary Giles) as part of this engaging, and exciting, videoconference event.

The African American Museum of Philadelphia will provide each participating with a Teachers Guide and Student Guide(s) prior to this event. 

For resources and more information, visit the event website at: http://www.magpi.net/programs/civilrights.html