This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the conflict between the institution of slavery and the new nation’s founding ideals. Black voices are noticeably absent in the early United States’ narrative, but by investigating Black geniuses such as John Parker, Charlotte Dupuy and Lewis, and Harriett Hayden we can honor their resistance, perseverance and resilience in the face of oppression. We are surrounded by Black Genius today and their voices continue to strive for racial justice and only when we all join the authentic conversation to create a more perfect Union.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
How did Black Genius help build American democracy?
Staging Question
Discuss who should be considered the founders of the United States.
1
Supporting QuestionHow did the slavery system undermine the United States’ democratic principles?
Formative TasksList ways slavery undermined democratic principles.
SourcesSource A: Preamble of the Declaration of Independence
Source B: US Constitution, Art. I, Sect. 2
Source C: US Constitution, Art. IV, Sect. 2
2
Supporting QuestionHow did Black Genius challenge the legal system?
Formative TasksWrite a summary that explains how Black Genius challenged the legal system.
SourcesSource A: Belinda Sutton’s Petitions Set
Source B: Charlotte Dupuy’s Petition for Freedom
Source C: John Parker’s Bid for Freedom
3
Supporting QuestionHow did Black Genius resist oppression?
Formative TasksComplete a T-chart describing how Black Genius demonstrated resistance.
Sourcesource A: The Pearl Incident
Source B: John Parker and the Underground Railroad
Source C: Lewis and Harriet Hayden
Source D: William and Ellen Craft Article/Anti-Slavery Bugle Newspaper
4
Supporting QuestionHow did Black Genius drive American innovation?
Formative TasksDevelop a claim supported by evidence about the impact of Black Genius on American innovation.
SourcesSource A: Benjamin Banneker map of Washington, D.C.
Source B: Solomon G. Brown, Inventor
Source C: John Parker, Inventor
Summative Performance Task
Argument: How did Black Genius build democracy? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that evaluates the need to study, remember, and/or celebrate this expedition using specific claims and relevant evidence from sources while acknowledging competing views.
Extension: Make a poster of the Black Genius who most inspired you.
Taking Informed Action
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