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The lesson challenges the concept of a “Master Narrative” using Rosa Parks as a case study. Students will explore common misconceptions about Rosa Parks and reflect on how her story has traditionally been taught. They will dive deeper into her decades-long activism, moving beyond the idea of her being solely defined by a single day of defiance on a Montgomery City bus. By analyzing primary sources, students will uncover the full scope of who Rosa Parks truly was.
Who is the real Rosa Parks?
D2.His.10.9-12. Detect possible limitations in various kinds of historical evidence and differing secondary interpretations.
Begin class by displaying a poster of Rosa Parks and organizing students into groups to respond to the question, “What do you know about Rosa Parks?” After groups write their responses, facilitate a classroom discussion to share insights and identify common themes or misconceptions. Transition by playing a segment from the Teaching Hard History podcast featuring Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, followed by the video: Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words from the Library of Congress, encouraging students to take notes on surprising or new information about her activism. Provide time for students to deliberate with classmates, discussing how this new information challenges common perceptions of her role in the civil rights movement. Then, guide students to analyze a series of images that illustrate Rosa Parks’ lifelong activism, culminating in a photo of her receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bill Clinton in 1996. Conclude by asking students to synthesize their deeper understanding of her legacy by answering, “If you were President Clinton presenting the medal, what would you speak about in addition to the Montgomery Bus Boycott?”
COLLABORATE: Analyze a poster about Rosa Parks and have students create a list of what they know about her.
DELIBERATE: Listen to the podcast and watch the video, then have students share what surprised them the most. Encourage them to pose questions and discuss aspects of the new information that spark their curiosity.
PRODUCE: Review a set of images about the life of Rosa Parks, including one of her receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Clinton. Identify chapters of her life that should be highlighted at this ceremony, beyond just the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Source A: Rosa Parks Poster, Library of Congress
Source B: Teaching Hard History Podcast with Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries: Reframing the Movement (Season 3, Episode #1, Learning for Justice Segment 14:14-17:05
Source C: Video: Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words, Library of Congress
Source Set D: Image Set of Rosa Parks, Library of Congress
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