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As we reflect on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, we know that many people teach about his legacy in the context of a purely progressive view of history—devoid of regression, repression and missed opportunities. But that simply isn't true, and we do our students a disservice when we teach this way. These resources can help you teach history in a way that encourages students to see their role in it.

This weekend marks the 20th anniversary of the massacre at Columbine High School. As this week’s threats on Denver schools make clear, the history of this shooting—and those that followed—affects all students, not just survivors. In this edition of The Moment, we share a teacher’s reflection on what it means to educate under the threat of violence, an interview with a survivor who has translated her grief into action and recommendations for recognizing and addressing trauma in your classroom.

Our Fall issue has something for everyone. Whether you want to take action in support of undocumented students and families, update your understanding of white privilege, learn about a new lynching memorial’s haunting history lesson, or help your students identify as voters from a young age, these stories offer the background you need to get informed and involved in the issues that affect your students’ lives.
 

Yesterday, students were pulled from their first day of classes to say goodbye to undocumented parents and guardians arrested by ICE. Our thoughts are with educators and families across Mississippi and with those dealing with this trauma in the aftermath of anti-immigrant violence in El Paso. Yesterday’s raid was the largest single-state raid in U.S. history, but we know that these raids will continue. We hope these resources help you support your students and their families.

The same day a Black man and a Jewish man were voted into the U.S. Senate, a mob toting Confederate and Nazi flags attacked the U.S. Capitol. As you teach about Martin Luther King Jr. ahead of his birthday observation, acknowledge the link between the racism he resisted and the violence we witnessed at the Capitol. These resources will help foster related discussions within the context of U.S. history.

Reading about and celebrating African and Indigenous histories and cultures can be among the powerful first steps for children to engage with and expand their understanding of the world around them. And discussing commonalities across cultures helps children develop a strong sense of self and identity while recognizing and honoring diversity. To support these conversations and learning experiences, LFJ offers parents, caregivers and educators talking points, activities and book recommendations.

Do you believe in strengthening our democracy? Do you support a more inclusive society? In responding to book bans, educational censorship and attempts at excluding some communities from public school spaces, Learning for Justice’s magazine and publications offer guidance and inspiration on critical issues in education.

Freedom Summer not only marked the mobilization of civil rights organizers in Mississippi during the 1960s, but it also yielded the creation of Freedom Schools and historic legislation. The fight for civil rights continues today, from voting rights to efforts to keep educators from teaching truthfully about our country’s full history. Use these resources next school year to help students contextualize Freedom Summer and how it connects to movements today.

“Democracy is not a state. It is not some high plateau that we struggle to reach so we can finally settle down to rest. Democracy is an act. It is an act that requires participation, organization and dedication to the highest principles.” —Rep. John Lewis

This Fourth of July, commit to the movement for democracy, human rights and justice. Understanding the honest history of the United States means contextualizing this holiday into the complex relationship between the U.S. and its citizens of color.