Due Friday:
“Eyes on the Prize” article with questions answered on a separate sheet of paper.
Here are the questions. I am not able to attach the reading. Please do what you can.
Due Monday:
Second Draft of the Theme B poem using some of the techniques that we discussed today.
Eighth Grade Core Name______________________
Video Series
Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Years 1954-1965
Segment 2: Fighting Back 1957-1962
Directions:
After reading the selection describing the background of the video, please answer the following questions thoughtfully on a separate sheet of paper.
1. When Governor Faubus in Arkansas and Governor Barnett in Mississippi refused to comply with the desegregation decision, they claimed that the real issue was not segregation, but states’ rights versus federal authority.
a. In your own words, and using the definitions from your handout on key terms, do your best to explain what they were claiming (you may ask for help, if needed!).
b. Do you think the underlying reason for the governors not complying with the Supreme Court’s decision was states’ rights versus federal authority? If yes, why? If no, what do you think the underlying reason was?
2. As you watched the real news clips of the Little Rock Nine and the events that unfolded around them, what came to your mind? Record your reactions, using specific references to the film.
3. The white woman who helped Elizabeth Eckford get to the bus and to safety represents an interesting figure in the drama. This woman was present at a protest against integration, meaning we might be able to assume she did not want it to go forward (although perhaps she was there as an observer). In the midst of the mob’s threatening behavior, she stepped up to shield Elizabeth, help her get on the bus, ride home with her, and therefore probably saved her life.
How do you explain this woman’s actions? Should she be considered a hero? Why/why not? What might we learn from her?
(Also: Is there anything in Warriors Don’t Cry that tells us more about her? If you think so, please locate the passage and share it with us!)
4. What questions do you have? What does the video make you wonder about?
OPTIONAL BONUS QUESTION:
How does the conflict between states’ rights and federal authority connect to slavery and the Civil War?