Lesson Plan

Power to the People

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Black berets, black leather jackets, raised black fists, chants of "Power to the People!" These are the images that many associate with the Black Panther Party. Often forgotten are the programs the party created during the Civil Rights Movement. Young historians examine primary sources and the Black Panther Party's Ten Point Program to learn about how the Panthers fought for social justice. Class members then create their own Five Point Social Justice Program that addresses issues they see in today's society and share their programs in a gallery walk.

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Instructional Ideas
  • Have groups investigate the controversies of the later years of the Black Panther Party as well as Aaron Morrison's article, "Decades Later, a new look at the Black Panthers and their legacy"
Classroom Considerations
  • The lesson requires considerable prep time to gather required materials, load links on internet-enabled classroom devices, and copy picture sets and handouts
  • It would be helpful but not essential if class members read Henry David Thoreau's Civil Disobedience
  • Presumes a protocol is in place to assure safe, respectful discussions
  • The focus of the lesson is on the early years of the Black Panther Party
Pros
  • Includes extensive teacher notes and sample worksheets
  • The plan is richly detailed and carefully scaffolded
  • Provides suggestions for technology integration 
Cons
  • None