African-American women had a significant role in the struggle for public transportation desegregation in the US, which started in the second half of the 18th century in New York and California.
This educational and fun activity will introduce your students to six American women activists, who refused to give up their seats and continued demanding their rights in court. Five of these women’s incidents happened before Rosa Parks‘ arrest and trial.
The first page contains six mini herstories, and the second page two activities:
1. A word search puzzle that will help students improve their spelling skills and expand their vocabulary.
2. After reading the short biographies on page one, have students find the names in the text boxes. On page two, they will practice their scissors skills, cut the pieces of the women’s names, and assemble and glue them on the correct title line.
Taking this activity to the next level, teachers can offer their students the chance to research these women’s legacies or create a bulletin board.
It is a fantastic activity for English and Social Studies classes, African-American History Month, Women’s History Month, Women’s Equality Day (August 26), Rosa Parks Day, Juneteenth, and any other occasion.
As educators, it is our responsibility to present a comprehensive history to future generations and emphasize that the world, as it is today, is a product of the works and achievements of both men and women.
Although more than before, the official curriculum still lacks space for women’s history, stories about pioneering women, and their influence on society. Therefore, it is essential to add content about women proactively, give girls role models and examples to identify with and let boys learn that women are equal, valuable, and have contributed to history like men.
Education is one of the significant ways to inspire and create a more equal society for us and future generations.
