This Week in Geographic History: Civil Rights Act of 1964

We’re slowing down for the summer! Instead of our usual roundup of “This Day in Geographic History” (TDIGH) events, here’s a closer look at one historic event that connects to something in the news today. We’ve also matched it with a map or visual, background information, and additional resources. Sunday, July 2 TDIGH: Civil Rights Act of 1964 The landmark legislation ended segregation in public … Continue reading This Week in Geographic History: Civil Rights Act of 1964

An African American ‘Lady Liberty’

UNITED STATES The 2017 American Liberty 225th Anniversary Gold Coin marks the first time that Liberty will be portrayed as a black woman. (Washington Post) Why gold coins? Why not? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Why is the 2017 American Liberty 225th Anniversary Gold Coin so innovative? This is the first time the U.S. … Continue reading An African American ‘Lady Liberty’

Jump Mama: National Poetry Month

ARTS April is National Poetry Month, a time of year when “schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets throughout the United States band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture.” Listen to Kurtis Lamkin read his short poem “jump mama,” and follow along with the text. Lamkin is an American poet working in the style of ancient West African griots. A griot (GREE-oh) … Continue reading Jump Mama: National Poetry Month