The
Underground Railroad
click above
The
enslavement of African people in America was a debilitating injustice against
humanity. In fact, the results of the African Holocaust continue
to haunt our country even today. The Underground Railroad was a testament
to the survival of the spirit of a people. We must awaken minds sleepy
with forgetfullness. Our children must know the rich heritage that
precedes them. With this knowledge, they will be able to tap into
those ancestral lines and realize the strength, courage, and conviction
that is inherent to their beings. Let us all move one step closer
to healing through the education of our children.
Slavery
The underground railroad was born out of necessity. It was
formed so that Africans could escape slavery. Here are some sites
which will provide some background information on the history of slavery.
Music
Bodily enslavement did not stifle the intellect of the Africans.
Thus, music served many functions for enslaved Africans. Not only did music
provide a means of entertainment and spiritual expression, it was also
used as a verbal map of underground escape routes. Check out
these sites and learn some of the songs yourself.
Constellations
"During the times of slavery, the Big Dipper was a great help. Black
slaves used this
constellation (however it was called the "Drinking Gourd") to find
their way to the North. This just shows a prime example of how constellations
may prove helpful."
the above quote is from http://powayusd.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/dhogan/TQSpace/Constellations.html
The Civil War
"The structural transformation of American society wrought by the
Civil War dramatically outpaced the changes in Americans' racial attitudes.
In many ways, the promise of emancipation would not be legally realized
until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. To the current day, of course,
the tensions of racial coexistence continue to perplex and frustrate the
culture." Here are some sights that provide information on the Civil
War.
the above was quoted from http://xroads.virginia.edu/~cap/scartoons/cartoons.html
image from http://www.afroam.org/history/slavery/index.html
Games and Projects
Primary Sources
Literature Connections
This site is designed and maintained by Tia Morris.
I am a fifth grade teacher at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Elementary (PS 153).
All questions and comments can be directed to kisahhtp@bellatlantic.net
