The Moment Archive

This weekend, thousands of people from across the country will assemble on the National Mall to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The event is a rededication of the 1960s movement while also capturing the urgency of today’s commitment to fight for Black lives amidst a global pandemic and a year marked by police violence. Use these resources to help students draw connections between the marches for justice—and the vital roles of young people—then and now.

After this weekend, we—like many members of our community—are mourning the police shootings that killed Trayford Pellerin in Louisiana and left Jacob Blake in serious condition in a Wisconsin hospital. We understand how hard it can be to know how to support students in the face of ongoing police violence against Black people in the United States. We hope these resources will help.

Young Black organizers who confront oppressive systems have always been met with violence—educators can look at the uprisings of Freedom Summer in 1964 and those in Minneapolis in 2020 for evidence. Despite the pushback they face, Black activists’ work leads to changes in laws and culture. Use these resources to teach about Freedom Summer and highlight how Black people have asserted their agency in efforts to effect policy change in the United States.

This school year will be unlike any other. These resources can help you as you discuss racism and police violence, support your students through coronavirus and routinely practice self-care. They can also help you show up for your students—and yourself—whether you’re working remotely or in person.

So much has happened this year, so we want to acknowledge our new Teaching Tolerance community members. We have compiled some of our favorite resources for educators as we work together to achieve more equitable schools. Whether you’ve been with us for a while or you’re brand new to TT, welcome! We appreciate you and all you do.